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.