National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum

A nonprofit organization

The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to igniting curiosity and raising awareness about the vital world of mining. With its captivating exhibits and educational programs, it aims to make mining history more accessible and interesting to all.   

Testimonials

"Awesome People, Awesome Museum

March 2022

This place was awesome!  It was a huge museum which I was not expecting for such a small town!  There were tons of specimens to examine and the information was top notch.  The ladies who checked us in were super cool and super nice.  If you're going to be in Leadville I HIGHLY suggest checking this out!!  It was an amazing time!"

-K (TripAdvisor Review)

Mission

Tell the story of mining, its people, its importance to the American public, and to society's sustainability.

Background Statement

Located within the heart of historical Leadville, the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum proudly commemorates the work of miners and people who work with our natural resources. We aim to educate the public on the history of mining and it's every day uses today.

While the NMHFM holds a Federal Charter, we do not receive any regular federal funding. As most museums and non profits, we rely on museum admissions, gift shop sales, memberships, grants, and donations to continue operating.

NMHFM consists of The Hall of Fame, Museum, and Matchless Mine.

Within the Hall of Fame, 257 individuals are immortalized through commemorative plaques showcasing their contributions to mining throughout history. Dive deeper into their remarkable journeys by exploring the captivating biographies and photographs of these inductees at the Hall of Fame.

The Museum contains 25,000 square feet of interactive and immersive exhibits that share the stories of historical mining as well as the present day impacts on our every day life. Our new temporary exhibit "Leadville's Thirst for Gold" opened in the summer of 2023!

The Matchless Mine, located on the outskirts of Leadville, is a National Historic site proudly preserved by NMHFM. Unveil the captivating tale of boom and bust, fame and fortune, and the bittersweet love and loss of Horace, Augusta, and “Baby Doe” Tabor. With a wealth of educational guided and self-guided tours available during the summer, visitors can step back in time and immerse themselves in the vivid narratives that have shaped Leadville’s mining legacy and Colorado’s rich mining history.

Each year, over 20,000 visitors come from all around the globe, representing all 50 states and numerous foreign countries. Our impact extends far and wide, as we not only rank among the nation’s premier tourist destinations but also contribute over $1 million into our local economic community annually. Beyond catering to tourism, we actively enrich the lives of over 1,000 children within the Lake County School District as well as the students at the Leadville Campus of Colorado Mountain College by offering them free access to our enlightening exhibits and educational tours.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum

other names

NMHFM

Year Established

1977

Tax id (EIN)

84-0764061

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

120 W. 9th St.
Leadville, CO 80461

Mailing

PO Box 981
Leadville, CO 80461

Service areas

Lake County, CO, US

Phone

719-486-1229

Fax

719-486-3927

Social Media