The Museum Will Be Closed July 4th-5th
The Museum Will Be Closed July 4th-5th
John L. Lewis began working in the Big Hill Coal Mine in Lucas, IA as a teenager, joining the UMWA Local #799 in 1900. In 1908, John & his wife moved to Springfield, IL where he began his rise to power in the United Mine Workers of America. He served as President of the UMWA for 40 years and was founder of the Congress of Industrial Organizations.
Located in the heart of Iowa’s coal country, this museum honors the proud history of mining and the labor movement. Step inside and explore exhibits that celebrate the rich history of coal mining, the strength of labor unions, and the everyday heroes who powered our communities. From tools of the trade to stories of solidarity, this museum honors the workers who built a legacy of hard work and unity.
In this video, you’ll get a glimpse inside—where artifacts, exhibits, and stories preserve the legacy of the workers who helped shape America from the ground up.
With your gift, your name, business or organization will be on display or you may make your donation in memory of someone. Please let us know when a donor or the person “In Memory Of” is a coal miner, as the commission places an asterisk by the name.
Support the preservation of mining and labor history by becoming a member of the John L. Lewis Memorial Museum. Your membership helps keep the museum running and ensures future generations can learn from the stories of hardworking men and women. Join us today and be part of honoring this proud legacy.
Join us for Appreciation Day at the John L. Lewis Memorial Museum—a special event to celebrate and thank our supporters, volunteers, and community. Enjoy refreshments, guided tours, and a closer look at the stories that make our museum so meaningful. It’s our way of saying thank you for helping us keep labor history alive.
Our annual Festival August 31, includes many festivities: Fireman’s Breakfast, parade, Beef and Noodle dinner, raffle drawing, kids raffle, kids pedal tractor pull, and more!
John L. Lewis was the driving force behind the founding of the Congress of Industrial Organizations, which established the United Steel Workers of America and helped organize millions of other industrial workers.
