Park City, Utah – The rich mining history of Park City is set to take center stage this Thursday as Brian Buck, project manager for the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History, presents a free public lecture titled "Preserving Park City Mine History" at the Park City Museum’s Education and Collections Center. The event, scheduled for 5 p.m., aims to shed light on the important work being done to stabilize and preserve the town's historic mining structures, which are at risk of deterioration. Since its inception in 2015, the Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History committee has worked tirelessly under the auspices of the Park City Museum to safeguard the town’s mining heritage. With a growing interest among community members regarding the efforts to protect historic sites, Buck's presentation promises to be both informative and engaging. "There is so much interest in what we and other entities in town — Park City, different homeowners associations and the Park City Museum — are doing to help preserve our history," he stated. "I aim to provide a broad overview of why these preservation efforts are essential." During the lecture, attendees will gain insights into the various deteriorating structures across Park City that require immediate attention. Buck will highlight two significant mining sites that the committee has successfully preserved: the Silver King Coalition Mine and the Thaynes Mine. Both projects carry substantial budgets exceeding $1 million, reflecting the commitment to maintain these historical landmarks. "I will show them what the Silver King Coalition Mine looked like when we first got there, and what we have done inside and outside to preserve it," Buck explained. "It’s mostly done, and the project is getting wrapped up." The Silver King Coalition Mine, located near the Bonanza lift at Park City Mountain, is not only a vital piece of mining history but also part of the community's identity. The Thaynes Mine, positioned further up the mountain, holds a unique place in both mining and skiing lore. Buck elaborated, "Thaynes is interesting not just for its mining history but also because, in the 1960s, it housed the underground ski lift known as the skier subway. This tunnel transported skiers three miles to the Thaynes mine elevator, which lifted them 1,700 feet to where the base of the Thaynes lift stands at Park City Mountain." This underground ski lift was a remarkable feat of engineering and remains a unique aspect of Park City’s transition from a mining town to a premier ski resort destination. Buck emphasized the dual significance of the Thaynes Mine, stating, "It has real importance not just from the mining aspects, which are significant, but the ski-industry part, which makes it so important in my mind." In a nod to the historical significance of these preservation efforts, Buck will conclude the presentation by sharing a poignant letter written by Tom Clyde, a former Park City city attorney and current columnist for the Park Record. "Nobody says it better than Tom," Buck remarked, anticipating that the letter would resonate with the audience. The timing of Buck’s presentation is notable, as just last week, the Park City Municipal Historic Preservation Board awarded the 2025 Park City Historic Preservation Award to the Silver King Coalition Mine. This recognition underscores the importance of preserving such sites for future generations. Following the lecture, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Buck during a Q&A session. "I enjoy answering questions from folks who come to these events," he said. "I try to make the presentation not only informative but also entertaining. I hope that by the end of the session, attendees leave with a deeper understanding of our mining history and its significance to our community." The details for the lecture are as follows: the event will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Park City Museum Education and Collections Center, located at 2079 Sidewinder Drive. Attendance is free, and interested individuals can find more information at parkcityhistory.org/events. As Park City continues to evolve, preserving its mining history remains a vital endeavor. Buck’s lecture offers a valuable opportunity for residents and visitors alike to connect with the town's past and understand the ongoing efforts to maintain its historical integrity. With community interest in local heritage growing, events like these serve as essential pathways for education and engagement in preserving Park City’s unique story.