Join us for events leading up to Heritage Day in Matewan!

Happy International Workers’ Day! May 1st doesn’t just mark the first day of a new month–it's a global celebration of workers’ rights and solidarity! Here at the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, we’re all about honoring these victories and sharing the stories behind them. We also know there’s plenty more to do. 

Are you a natural at building connections and capturing stories? We've got the perfect opportunity for you!

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's essential to shine a spotlight on the often overlooked, but incredibly vital roles that women played in the West Virginia Mine Wars.

In early December museum staff and a dedicated crew of volunteers undertook the monumental task of organizing an extensive collection of papers, books, and objects generously donated to the museum by Sandra S. Barkey.

Here at the Museum, we understand, honor, and value the fact that the Mine Wars were a multi-racial fight for fair labor in the mountains of West Virginia. While its important to uplift these voices, people, and stories year round, here are some that we wanted to share with you this month.

For decades, the West Virginia Mine Wars, a critical chapter in the struggle for workers' rights, has remained shrouded in silence, deliberately omitted from public discourse and classroom curricula. But now, a new generation can finally uncover the profound impact this history holds.

In anticipation of a major announcement regarding our Teaching Trunks, we have some additional education resources we’ve been working on with Dr. Rebecca Bailey, author of "Matewan Before the Massacre," and her students at Northern Kentucky University to share today.