ADMISSION: Free

HARRY W. MEADOR JR - FOUNDER OF COAL MUSEUM. Harry W. Meador, Jr., to whom this museum is dedicated, was a tireless advocate of the coal-mining industry in general, and of the Westmoreland Coal Company in particular. He began his career in 1949 as a union laborer. He joined Westmoreland management as an assistant superindentent and advanced through numerous managerial positions to Vice President of Eastern Operations in 1969, and finally to Vice President of Coal Development in 1978, his responsibility at the time of his death in 1981,

From concept to operation, Mr. Meador was the coal museum. His love of coal-mining and its history are evident throughout, as he personally collected, catalogued and displayed nearly every exhibit. A tour of the museum with him was an enlightening experience - he could speak with authority as to the use and significance of each item.

E. B. (Ted) Leisenring, Jr. Chaitman of the Board of Westmoreland Coal Company, speaking at the dedication ceremony in September 1982, said it all: "I think Harry Meador would like best to be remembered as a Coal Miner, with every proud attribute that goes with that name."

THE MUSEUM: The Coal Museum was put together bit by bit from the memorabilia of private homes and public buildings from Big Stone Gap and the surrounding area. In 1972, the property that once served as the library and study of John Fox, Jr. famed author of The Trail of the Lonesome Pine. The building has been completely renovated for the purpose of housing the museum, but great care was taken to retain the authenticity of the original structure.