Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Daily Circuit Blog
Meggan Ellingboe

Learning about coal, the jobs of ‘Hidden America’

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Today, Tom Weber spoke with Jeanne Marie Laskas, who immersed herself in jobs most Americans are not aware of or don't realize their contribution to making our country work. Being from Pennsylvania, she fittingly immersed herself into the role of a coal miner.

I was interested in what she had to say because my friends and I ventured to Scranton, Pa. earlier this month. Scranton was home to one of the largest areas of anthracite coal mining. We took some time to go on a coal mining tour to learn more about the community and industry that drove it. We came away learning some startling facts and felt appreciative of those who worked the mines and risk their lives.

A few photos from our tour and explanations of some working conditions can be found here. You can read my friend's more detailed write-up here.

I highly doubt miners had a smile like mine going to and from work. However, I'm glad this particular mine was able to re-work itself to be a learning experience so we might all better understand and appreciate these "hidden workers".

-Meggan Ellingboe, assistant producer