On this episode Big Blend Radio’s “Historic Jefferson Highway” Show we journey to Franklin, Southeast Kansas, to spotlight the Miners Hall Museum, located right on the historic Jefferson Highway. Our featured guest is Phyllis Bitner, Chair of the Miners Hall Museum Foundation, who shares powerful insights into the region’s coal mining legacy, rich immigrant history, and the iconic Amazon Army March led by women fighting for miners' rights.
Explore must-see local attractions like the Coal Camp, Arma-Franklin Sidewalk (the longest sidewalk connecting two communities), and Franklin Community Park. Phyllis also unveils exciting news about Dragline Park, a upcoming new free public tourist attraction that will feature the largest walking dragline preserved for display in the U.S., coming soon to Highway 69 & 47 on the Jefferson Highway.
We also dive into the museum’s role as a Jefferson Highway Tourist Center, and discuss the 2025 Jefferson Highway Association Conference, happening June 4-7 in McAlester, Oklahoma – another historic coal mining town – along with the Sociability Caravan, June 2-4.
🚗 The Jefferson Highway, known as the “Pines to Palms Highway”, stretches from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana, weaving through communities with deep historical roots and cultural pride.
🔗 Learn more: - Miners Hall Museum: https://www.minershallmuseum.com/ - Jefferson Highway Association: https://jeffersonhighway.org/
📅 Tune in every 4th Thursday at 6pm CST (except holidays) to the "Historic Jefferson Highway" Podcast: https://jefferson-highway.podbean.com/
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