Eckley Miners' Village, a living history museum focusing on the daily life of the anthracite coal miner and his family, is seeking volunteers to assist in the historic mission of the preserved "patch" town.

Volunteers give guided tours of the preserved village, are stationed in exhibit buildings during special events, and assist in preparing displays and explaining village details to visitors.Volunteers receive training and may volunteer for whatever hours or days are convenient."Volunteers are the lifeblood of the village," said volunteer coordinator Janet Banks. "With all our special events and programming, we would not be able to function as successfully as we have without the hard work, dedication and devotion of our volunteers."The next scheduled volunteer meeting is Saturday, April 9, at 10 a.m. in the museum auditorium. Additional information is available by calling Banks at (570) 636-2070 or e-mailing her at jabanks@state.pa.us.Settled in 1854, Eckley is one of hundreds of company mining towns or "patches" built in the anthracite region during the 19th century.The site preserves a way of life which dominated the anthracite coal region for more than 150 years.Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The village is open year-round.It is closed for all holidays except Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.Eckley is located just off Route 940 in Luzerne County, 10 miles east of Hazleton.For additional information, call the village at (570) 636-2070, or visit its website at

www.eckleyminersvillagemuseum.com.