The Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation and the Windber Coal Heritage Center announced an agreement this week to consolidate equipment and other artifacts from the 2002 mine rescue at the visitors center at the rescue site in Somerset County

 “Bringing together equipment and other artifacts from the Quecreek mine rescue in one place will further enhance our ability to educate the public about this incredible event.” said William Arnold, Executive Director of the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation.  “We could not have taken this step without several key partners: Congressman Mark Critz, who proposed the idea, Rosebud Mining Company and the Windber Coal Heritage Center.”

"As a volunteer during the rescue effort, I fully understand the importance of the rescue site and the mission of the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation.  This is where these artifacts belong," said Congressman Mark Critz.  “I had the opportunity to talk with John Garcia, of Rosebud Mining Company, at the tenth anniversary celebration of the rescue in July and I’m very pleased things have worked out.”

"We at Rosebud Mining Company are happy to support the efforts of the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation. The rescue site does an excellent job of celebrating the successful rescue of all nine Quecreek Miners, and we are proud to support their efforts." said John Garcia, Business Development and Government Affairs of Rosebud Mining Company.

"Cliff Forrest, Rosebud Founder and President, has always been active in supporting the communities in Western Pennsylvania.   We are amazed at his generosity in donating these exhibits to the Foundation," said William Arnold, Executive Director of the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation.

“The timing is perfect,” added Arnold, “the building is nearly complete, and we are beginning to develop the exhibits.”

On July 24, 2002 miners broke through into an abandoned, water-filled mine flooding the Quecreek Mine with over 150 million gallons of water.  Nine miners scrambled to safety, but nine were trapped in a pocket of air in the dark, cold, water filled mine.  They were rescued four days later through the combined efforts of state and federal mine rescue agencies and hundreds of workers and volunteers.

The Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization that relies on support from the public to educate the public about the rescue and to maintain and operate the mine rescue area and a visitor’s center.

Contact the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation or make a donation by writing: 140 Haupt Road, Somerset, PA 15501, calling 814-445-5090.

10/29/2012