The Western Mining and Railroad Museum located on Helper’s historic Main Street offers a wide array of information on mining, railroad, coal mines and history about the local area. Many people forget that the museum has a gift shop that is full of amazing and unique gift ideas for any other special occasion.

“We have so many items in the gift shop and that’s why we really want people to come up, look at what we have for stocking stuffers,” said Museum Assistant, Molly Hocanson. “We have books for little kids, for a little bit older kids we have the Calamity Jane series, which is a mystery series. We have all kinds of history books, we have the Tom McCourt books.” Also, available are t-shirts, candy, cards, puzzles, mugs and fun toys; definitely something of interest for all ages. 

There are three levels of various exhibits throughout the building and museum caretakers are always incorporating new displays. “We are adding two right now. One of them is Teancum Pratt, who is the founder of Helper and another one will talk about different nationalities that came into the area and talk about their stories.” Ethnic diversity was due to the many jobs brought on through mining and railroading. The area saw immigrants from southern and eastern Europe and Asia.

The museum features many pictures, antiques, paintings, mining and railroad equipment. One of the exhibitions that children find very intriguing is the model train display located in the basement.

The hours of operation are different in the winter and summer. The winter hours are from September 15 through May 14 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. The summer hours are May 15 through September 14 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. The price for admission is a recommended donation of $5.00 per person or $10.00 for a family/group.

The museum is a great way to learn, remember and preserve our local history and culture. To learn more about them visit their Facebook page.

PHOTO COURTESY OF The WESTERN MINING AND RAILROAD MUSEUM