The Museum

The John L. Lewis

Memorial Museum

Of Mining & Labor

Open

May 1 – September 30
Tuesday – Saturday: 9a-3p

Closed Sundays, Mondays & Holidays.

Located 2 Blocks North of Highway Junction 34 & 65 in Lucas, Iowa.

This museum is staffed by volunteers. If volunteers are unavailable, this museum is closed.

Group tours by appointment year around. Please call 641-766-6831 for an appointment.

The museum is accessible to the handicapped, with heating, air conditioning & restrooms.

Admission

Annual Membership

Library

The LIBRARY contains many photos, books and documents on the subject of John L. Lewis, coal mining, labor, Lucas history and families. The Lucas history includes coal mining, city and school records and family genealogy. In the LIBRARY, are many photos of the thriving coal mining town, Buxton Iowa. Buxton was a predominantly African American community, as well as white residents, from 1900-1927. The town consisted of many well educated residents who lived together harmoniously, Buxton is no longer in existence except for its cemetery.

Theater

The THEATER in the museum seats 40 where videos of John L. Lewis, coal mining, Labor and related topics can be viewed. Meetings for a fee may also be held there.

Coal Mining

In the COAL MINING area is the 1911 Patent and original blueprints with instructions for the carbide light along with photos. United Mine Workers memorabilia and photos, along with antique and some modern coal mining equipment, tools and documents pertaining to coal mining are displayed.

Memorial

In the MEMORIAL area is a life size bronze, statue of John L. Lewis along with some personal photos, letters, documents and memorabilia of John L. Lewis.

Labor

In the LABOR area are photos, speeches, letters and memorabilia pertaining to John L. Lewis’ association with the Presidents of the United States, United Mine Workers of America, United Rubber Workers of America, United Steel Workers of America, United Auto Workers of America, and many additional organizations.

Cartoon Gallery

There is also a CARTOON GALLERY portraying John L. Lewis with many Presidents and people.

Old Lucas

Displayed in the OLD LUCAS area are photos and memorabilia from the era that John L. Lewis was a resident during his coal mining days.

"Let the workers organize. Let the toilers assemble. Let their crystallized voice proclaim their injustices and demand their privileges. Let all thoughtful citizens sustain them, for the future of Labor is the future of America."

- John L. Lewis

Virtual Tour

If you have time, here is a great video of the John L. Lewis Museum. This shows you just a small portion of the items we have. The museum is gifted many items every year.