The tradition of a miners’ picnic in the Panther Valley started in the early 20th century.

Miners would trade their coal-stained togs for their best suits and travel to Greenwood Dam near Lake Hauto, where the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co. would reward them for their hard work in the mines.

Today, the No. 9 Mine and Museum in Lansford continues the tradition each Memorial Day weekend.

The 2019 Miners Picnic will take place 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday on the grounds of the mine and museum.

“The picnic is honoring that past tradition here in the Panther Valley,” said Dale Freudenberger, secretary of the No. 9 Mine and Museum.

A car show, museum admission and parking are all free. Mine tours and local ethnic foods will be available for a fee.

Volunteers will be serving halushki, halupki and pierogies sautéed in butter and other food favorites. Takeout is also available.

The pavilion at No. 9 Mine and Museum was actually saved from Greenwood Dam, home of the original miners’ picnics

Guided tours of the No. 9 mine will also be available throughout the day. The mine is the oldest tourable mine in the country. It dates back to 1855. The portal opening was rebuilt in 1931 in an art deco style. The mine recently resurrected a flagpole which is believed to have stood atop the portal from 1931-1972.

The museum, located in the wash shanty where miners would change and shower after work, has been undergoing changes since new President Zachary Petroski took over late last year. Even people who have visited the museum before should see something new in the exhibits, Freudenberger said.

Museum visitors can expect even more changes in the future.

DJ Shawn Frederickson will be playing music throughout the day.

The Anthracite Region Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America will display classic cars from throughout the 20th century — everything from classic cars to street rods.

“When it’s a nice day we get a good turnout for the car show. Let’s hope for good weather,” Freudenberger said.

The No. 9 Mine and Museum is located at 9 Dock St. in Lansford.

For more information, call the museum at 570-645-7074, visit www.no9mine.come or find them on Facebook.