An exhibit celebrating the work of West Virginia coal miners is on display at NACMHA’s I-79 location adjacent to Coal Country Miniature Golf in Fairmont. The exhibit, “Coal Miners: West Virginia Heroes,” is sponsored and created by the Northern Appalachian Coal Mining Heritage Association.

“We want to show our guests what it was like to be a miner in West Virginia. Miners are the true heart of West Virginia history,” said Ksenia Bradner, AmeriCorps member and curator of the exhibit. “Through a display of artifacts, photographs, equipment, and fun interactive activities, visitors of all ages will learn what miners needed to survive, and true West Virginia grit.”

The exhibit includes a range of artifacts that show the daily life of West Virginia coal miners through history. “This exhibit will show what one coal miner needs to do their job and what it takes to produce coal,” said Bradner. “As guests examine coal mining artifacts – including artifacts of a way of mining life that no longer exists – the human cost of producing coal becomes evident. Coal mining has been essential to keep America running, and we are honored to show our respect to these hard-working Americans.”

The exhibition, located at 22 Coal Country Lane, Fairmont, WV, just off Interstate 79, is free and open to the public.

Currently, hours are from 11:00 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday through Thursday. Visitors can make arrangements to visit the display outside of these times by calling 304-366-9358.  After June 1, our hours will expand, so check our Facebook page for details or go to nacmha.org.

Learn more about West Virginia’s coal mining history at https://marioncvb.com/mining-in-marion/ or request a Marion County History Guide at https://marioncvb.com/visitors-guide/. Visitors can also explore the interactive Black Diamond Display on the third floor at Arts & Antiques Marketplace.