The Eastern Mining Collectors Association is a group dedicated to the preservation and understanding of America's rich mining heritage through collection and preservation of mining artifacts. Because our group is "eastern", there is a large emphasis on eastern coal and copper mining, both historic and modern (some of the membership also has interest in western mining procedures and artifacts as well).  Kentucky and Appalachian mining is a huge part of the region's economy, and we appreciate the miners and their families who have historically helped keep this country running, and celebrate those who still do so today.  While the founding members of this group concentrated on antique collectibles, the membership has expanded to include modern memorabilia and collectibles as well.