Students and faculty from Kutztown University have embarked on an ambitious project to film a short movie at the historic Eckley Miners’ Village Museum. This endeavor, taking place on a Friday, aims to bring to life the story of the 1868 murder of Alexander Rea, the founder of Centralia, a town now largely abandoned due to a devastating mine fire.
Dressed in period costumes reminiscent of the 1860s, including straw bonnets and floral aprons, the cast engaged in scenes set against the backdrop of Eckley’s weathered buildings and rustic gardens. The film is part of a larger theatrical production titled “Centralia: The Fire Below,” created by Deryl Johnson, a professor at the university, who previously wrote a play about Centralia in 1998.
The filming not only showcases the historical significance of Centralia but also integrates video segments into Johnson’s play. The production aims to explore community ties that kept residents connected to Centralia despite the encroaching disaster. The short film shot at Eckley will be screened alongside another film inspired by the horror movie “Silent Hill,” which will be filmed at the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine in Ashland.
During filming, student Kirsten Heim took on the role of a gardener, narrating details about Rea’s murder and the subsequent trial that captured public attention. “Being on a real location is really cool,” remarked fellow student Will Brenner, who managed sound during the shoot. The team consisted of around 50 students and faculty, all working collaboratively to bring this historical narrative to the screen.
Film crew members faced various challenges, such as managing unexpected background noises, like a truck beeping during a scene. Lucas Garcia, the cinematographer, meticulously adjusted lighting settings with guidance from Cara Cotellese, a retired professor who directed the film. The production saw students taking on various roles, from camera operation to sound management, demonstrating a hands-on educational experience.
While waiting for his scene, Max Ford, a sophomore participating as a jury foreman, expressed his excitement about the project. He hoped to find the grave of a great-grandparent in the village’s overgrown cemetery during his time on set. His grandparents, Tom and Mary Ellen Kordowski, also joined the film as extras, contributing to the sense of community and familial ties associated with the project.
The story of Rea’s murder is intertwined with the historical context of the Molly Maguires, a secret society associated with labor struggles in the coal regions of Pennsylvania. Nine years after Rea’s death, three men were convicted of the crime, allegedly linked to this group. This historical thread adds depth to the film, as it explores themes of justice and communal resilience.
Local resident Ralph Ellis, an extra in the film, shared memories of growing up in Eckley, highlighting the village’s rich history. “I remember they turned the lights on, and the rats took off,” he recalled, reminiscing about the past and its connection to the film. His experiences lend authenticity to the production, grounding it in the lived realities of those who once called Eckley home.
Bode Morin, administrator for Eckley and the Anthracite Heritage Museum, noted that the village has previously hosted other film crews and is open to future projects. While there was no fee for filming at Eckley, Kutztown University plans to make a donation to the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation in appreciation of the venue.
Looking ahead, Johnson has been planning this film project for two years. The completed short films from Eckley and Ashland will be integrated into the live production of “Centralia: The Fire Below,” scheduled to be performed at the Plays and Players Theatre in Philadelphia from September 17 to 19, 2026. These films will serve to enrich the audience’s understanding of the play’s themes, drawing on authentic stories and artifacts shared by Centralia residents.
As filming concluded, the crew prepared for one final scene outside a Catholic church, portraying the attack on Rev. Daniel Ignatus McDermott, who was reputedly assaulted by the Molly Maguires. This moment in the narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the historical tensions that shaped the lives of those in Centralia.
Through their collaborative efforts, the students and faculty of Kutztown University are not only creating a film but also preserving and sharing an important part of Pennsylvania’s history.
