{mosaddphp:megaKITTANNING, Pa., March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Kittanning-based Rosebud Mining Company recently announced the purchase of the Coal Heritage Center museum and building located in Windber, PA. The museum, which is expected to reopen within a few months, provides great insight into the coal mining industry and the individuals who have supported their families, neighborhoods and nation.

"We are happy to make an investment to keep the Center open for the community and to celebrate the hard-working coal miners," said Rosebud President Cliff Forrest. "This facility houses not only the history of the coal industry, but also provides a unique perspective of the individuals who worked in the mines. The dedicated coal miners who labored tirelessly are remembered and honored here. It's a great tribute to those individuals, as well as the generations of miners who followed them and who still work hard today."
Rosebud Mining purchased the building and will use a section for office space to serve the former Bethlehem Steel Mine 78 and a coal processing facility, which was reopened by Rosebud in 2007. For the last 11 years, the museum was owned by The Progress Fund.

"The coal miner plays a major role in the energy supply chain by providing the resource to power over half of the electricity in Pennsylvania and the entire country," continued Forrest. "Now more than ever, it is important for the public to recognize the hard-working miner and the value of coal as an abundant energy resource. Together, they provide affordable electricity and a major boost to our economy."