The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission this week approved the placement of an official state historic marker at the site of the 2002 rescue of nine miners trapped in the Quecreek Mine in Somerset County.

“These markers will pay tribute to Pennsylvania’s rich and complex history,” said Commission chairman Wayne S. Spilove. “At the same time, they will honor and recognize the many Pennsylvanians who have made great contributions not just to our state, but the world.”

The mine rescue site is on a farm owned by Bill and Lori Arnold who opened their doors to rescuers and literally the world at the time of the accident.

The site itself is managed by the non-profit Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation that accommodates the thousands of visitors to the site every year.

The tentative wording for the historic marker submitted with the application was--

The Quecreek Mine Rescue Site

From July 24 to 28, 2002 the world watched as state and federal agencies, the mining industry, local mine workers, medical and emergency responders and the Somerset community succeeded in rescuing nine miners trapped by the flooding of the Quecreek Mine through a rescue shaft drilled on this site.

The rescue not only provided a positive boost for the United States after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, it result in changes to the way underground mines are regulated to improve mine worker safety.

Photo Feature: Congratulations Mine Rescuers - PDF

3/24/2006