The Descendants of Miners, 1607–1907: Preserving America’s Mining Heritage

The history of the United States is deeply intertwined with mining. From the early colonial settlers digging for precious metals in Virginia to the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s and the industrial coal mines of Appalachia, miners played a critical role in shaping the economy, culture, and growth of the nation. To preserve and honor this heritage, the Descendants of Miners, 1607–1907 was established as a hereditary society recognizing the families of those who worked in mining during America’s formative centuries.

Formation of the Descendants of Miners

The Descendants of Miners, 1607–1907 was founded on December 1, 2019 and organized on February 15, 2020. The group was created for men and women who could trace their ancestry to miners who worked in America between 1607 (the establishment of Jamestown) and 1907 (marking three centuries of mining history in North America).

The organization’s founders sought to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of miners, who risked their lives and health to provide the raw materials that fueled settlement, industrialization, and national expansion.

Mission and Purpose

The society’s mission is to:

Honor the memory of miners who contributed to America’s growth from colonial times through the dawn of the 20th century.
Preserve genealogical records of mining families.
Support education and awareness about the cultural and economic role of mining in American history.
Encourage historic preservation of mining sites, cemeteries, and artifacts.
Provide fellowship among descendants who share a common mining ancestry.

Membership

Membership is open to men and women who can prove lineal descent from a miner who lived and worked in America between 1607 and 1907.

Qualifying miners include:

Early colonial miners of iron, lead, and copper;
Miners involved in the California Gold Rush (1848–1855);
Appalachian coal miners of the 19th century;
Silver miners in Nevada’s Comstock Lode;
Miners of Pennsylvania anthracite fields and Michigan’s copper country.

Applicants must submit genealogical documentation (census records, mining payrolls, land deeds, obituaries, or other records) linking them to a qualifying ancestor.

Activities and Contributions

The Descendants of Miners, 1607–1907, supports a variety of historical and educational activities:

Preservation projects, including cemetery restoration and documentation of abandoned mining towns.
Historical research and publications, focusing on the role of miners in settlement, industry, and westward expansion.
Scholarships and awards for students studying history, geology, and industrial heritage.
Participation in commemorations tied to mining history, such as Gold Rush anniversaries or labor history milestones.

By preserving the stories of miners, the society highlights their importance in the broader narrative of American resilience and progress.

Conclusion

The Descendants of Miners, 1607–1907 provides an important platform for remembering and honoring those who labored underground to provide the raw materials of America’s growth. By preserving genealogical records, promoting historical education, and commemorating the sacrifices of mining families, the society ensures that the legacy of miners is recognized as a cornerstone of American history.