Some white residents of Schuylkill County believed former slaves were going replace them in the coal mines during the Civil War.
A racist conspiracy theory found root in Schuylkill County in 1862
“Heroic Work” – The incredible effort of Schuylkill County residents to fight the 1918 influenza pandemic
As influenza killed hundreds in Schuylkill County in 1918, volunteers stepped up to save lives.
“New faces” – An April 1867 letter from the Pottsville Freedmen’s School
Fannie A. Couch wrote to Schuylkill County from Tennessee to provide updates about the Freedmen's School she was managing.
“Our work in the school room” – Letter from the Pottsville teachers in Tennessee – March 1867
The teachers from the Pottsville Freedmen's Relief Association penned a letter home to Pennsylvania in March 1867.
A black childhood in Pottsville in the 1930s – Charles H. King, Jr.
Charles H. King, Jr. eloquently described his childhood in Pottsville in his book, "Fire in my Bones."
This 1864 map of Schuylkill County includes detailed illustrations of mining operations
This map from the Library of Congress collections includes fantastic illustrations of the Coal Region during the Civil War.
Eugene V. Debs – A 1906 speech in Pottsville’s Union Hall
In September 1906, the leader of the Socialist Party of America gave a speech before a large audience in Schuylkill County.
Pottsville Freedmen’s School teachers arrive in Tennessee – 1867
A newspaper clipping from March 1867 provided an update about the efforts of the Pottsville Freedmen's Relief Association teachers.
“Give all men a chance and fair play” – Frederick Douglass in Pottsville
Frederick Douglass gave two speeches in Pottsville, Pennsylvania in October 1867.
Pottsville teachers resign to head south and open school for freedpeople – February 1867
Fannie Couch and Hannah Streeper prepared to leave Schuylkill County to teach black students in Tennessee in 1867.
