UPDATE: Kutztown University students are currently filming a short movie at the historic Eckley Miners’ Village, bringing the past to life in an urgent and creative endeavor. The film, which explores the infamous 1868 murder of Centralia’s founder, Alexander Rea, is part of a larger theatrical production titled “Centralia: The Fire Below.”
On October 24, 2025, the crew, led by Professor Deryl Johnson, transformed Eckley into a cinematic set, with students donning period costumes reminiscent of the 1860s. This unique location serves as a stand-in for Centralia, a borough now abandoned due to a devastating mine fire. Johnson, who originally wrote a play about this tragedy in 1998, aims to integrate short films shot at Eckley into his upcoming production.
During filming, student Kirsten Heim narrated the grim tale of Rea’s murder while immersed in the village’s gardens, surrounded by sunflowers and tomatoes. The film will complement a horror-themed segment inspired by “Silent Hill,” set for shooting at the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine in Ashland.
The excitement among the 50 cast and crew members was palpable. Student Mars Gaston expressed her enthusiasm about the real-world filming experience, stating, “Being on a real location is really cool.” Meanwhile, sound technician Will Brenner managed environmental noises, ensuring that the film’s audio quality remained pristine despite distractions.
In a fascinating twist, some cast members, like Max Ford, are connecting with their family histories during the shoot. Ford, who is portraying a jury foreman, hopes to locate his great-grandparents’ grave in the village’s old cemetery.
The historical context is rich. Following Rea’s murder, three men, allegedly linked to the notorious Molly Maguires, were convicted and sentenced to death, a story that resonates deeply within the community. Filmmaker Bode Morin, who oversees Eckley, noted that this is not the first production filmed at the site; it has a legacy of cinematic history dating back to the 1968 film featuring the Molly Maguires.
As filming progresses, Johnson has emphasized the importance of sharing authentic narratives. He plans for the audience to see the short films alongside the live production, scheduled for September 17-19, 2026, at the Plays and Player Theatre in Philadelphia. The films will depict community ties that endured despite the fire that ravaged Centralia.
Before concluding the day’s shoot, the team will film one last scene outside a historic church, featuring an actor portraying the Rev. Daniel Ignatus McDermott, who was famously attacked by the Molly Maguires. This scene aims to capture the eerie folklore surrounding Centralia, including McDermott’s alleged curse on the town.
As the Kutztown crew continues their groundbreaking work at Eckley, they are not only creating art but also reviving the stories of a community that once thrived. Stay tuned for more updates as this project unfolds, bringing history to the forefront of contemporary storytelling.
