NEW NIGHT ADDED- Thursday 16 July 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm Tuesday 14 July 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm — BOOKED OUT
Early in the morning of 14 July 1906, the sleeping town of Alexandra was awakened by the furious ringing of the fire-bell in Skird Street. Four miners were trapped deep underground as the Molyneux Coal Mine burned above them. What followed was an extraordinary day of community courage — and one of Alexandra’s most dramatic stories.
Join Russell Garbutt from Central Otago Heritage Trust as he tells the full story of the fire, the background, and the remarkable community effort to rescue the miners.
This talk takes place two days after the 120 year anniversary!
Central Stories holds William King’s bicycle, which will be on display for these evenings. William King was one of the miner’s rescued on this fateful day!
Tuesday 14 July 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm — SOLD OUT
A second talk has been added:
Thursday 16 July 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, Alexandra
Koha/ Donation entry
To reserve your place for Thursday, Book your place: www.heritagecentralotago.org.nz/event/heritage-talks-120-years-later-alexander-coal-mine-fire or go to Heritage Central Otago and click onto events. Follow the prompts from there.
Any issues, please email manager@centralstories.com to save your spot.
Any issues, please email manager@centralstories.com to save your spot.
