The Reality Theatre in Robertsdale is home to a museum of artifacts and documents relating to the coal mining history of the Broad Top area. The museum is operated by the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Historical Society in a fully-operational movie theatre that once brought entertainment to residents of this company town.

Although Broad Top coal has been mined on a very small scale since the earliest settlement of the region, mining as an industry could not develop until the construction of railroads provided a means of getting the product to market. The Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain Railroad, completed to the mines in 1856, connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad at Huntingdon; and in 1874, the East Broad Top Railroad reached the eastern section of the coalfield, connecting with the PRR at Mount Union. Both railroads operated until the 1950’s, and it is this century-long period when coal was king that is focused on in the museum exhibits.

The theatre aspect of the museum building is still alive with both movies and stage shows being offered. Country music performances are particularly popular as fund-raisers for the museum operations. Events are scheduled throughout the year. Please contact the museum for a current schedule.

For more information about the society please contact them using the information below, or visit their website by clicking here.