This is the centerpiece of Saltville. This unoriginally named town holds more intrigue than you…read morewould probably think. The salt is a product of some unusual geologic conditions that lead animal bones to be well preserved, making this a top site for archaeology. In addition, the salt was also of enormous economic value and was a military asset during the Civil War, making this the site of a significant set of armed conflict. Some other environmental and cultural history pops up as well. The museum has several well-produced and substantial documentaries showing in a tiny theater. The two rooms of exhibits take up more time than you'd think, and I was probably there for an hour and a half or so. The $5 admission is worth it, easily. The town continues to have some unusually salty ponds that you can walk around on some paved trails, as well as some historic markers and a recreated set of salt mining equipment on the edge of town. All of these features and more can be viewed and contextualized on the museum's topographic map/diaorama. It's not a metropolis, but it is an interesting place.

Self guided tour. Small but very well organized and awesome artifacts. Information on Civil War,…read moreNative Americans, geology and fossils. They also have a few videos to watch.

I'm not from Harlan County but in my time living here I have come to see how much mining and the…read morehistory of mining is deeply woven into the fabric of this region. So I knew at some point I had to check out this museum. My mother came along with me and we enjoyed each of the little vignette-type displays representing mining life. As much as this is a museum of coal mining and the coal mining culture, it is also a flashback to earlier American culture. I enjoyed the recreations of the old 1940s kitchens and the display of the old physician's equipment. It's also important that the museum showcases the x-rays depicting the Black Lung that now is just as representative of the coal life as anything else. In a region where coal is still King, this museum was a great way to look back at how far it's come and see how much has been lost.

This museum was worth the six hour drive to give my daughter and myself a better understanding of…read moreour heritage in the coal mining industry. We went in knowing very little and came away with a good understanding of mine operations, life in a coal camp/town and the unique economics and politics that surround the industry. The mock mine in the basement was fun to crouch down and crawl through. Very well done! Mandy and Phyllis were very professional and helpful in gathering materials for me to take home and add to my family history. This museum is both educational and fun. A must see for all ages interested in history, Appalachian culture and the obvious---coal mining industry.

I was debating about whether or not to visit, as I was afraid it might be a simulation experience…read more Boy, was I wrong! This turned out to be the highlight of my roadtrip. I enjoyed going underground, and our tour guide, Gerald, was great. He was able to answer all the questions he was asked. I also went to some of the outbuildings. I was surprised and pleased to see that there were docents in the Supervisor's house & the school. Both of those women came from coal mining families, and I was lucky to be able to spend some time talking to each of them about their experiences. What a hard -- and kind of sad -- life. I actually felt a little guilty that mine is so much different. I also went into the gift shop, where all of the women were just hilariously funny! They almost made me wish that I lived in the area & wanted a job; I would love to work with them! I encourage everyone to visit the Beckley Coal Mine. It was very informative and eye-opening.

We had a great experience on the mining tour in Beckley! I was born and raised in West Virginia, so…read morecoal has always been part of our history--but I had never actually been inside a mine before. This was such a unique way to experience it firsthand. Our tour guide, Tony, really made the tour. He was incredibly knowledgeable and added a lot of humor, which kept things interesting the entire time. You ride through the mine on a cart that's pulled along, and while you don't get off during the tour, he stops a few times to share stories and information. If you're extremely claustrophobic, it might not be for you--but personally, I didn't find it too bad at all. The whole facility is really well done. There's a gift shop, drinks, restrooms, and a museum inside the depot. Outside, there are several historic buildings and houses you can walk through, and they're all accessible with ramps. Parking is easy and right on site. Overall, it's a really neat experience and a great way to learn more about an important part of West Virginia's history. Definitely worth a visit!

For five years I had heard my wife talk about how amazing the Whipple Company Store and Museum was…read more So on our way for a weekend at the New River Gorge we stopped in so I could see myself. Needless to say I was blown away! What an absolute treasure. There was an informative tour about the coal company store, the lives of the miners and their families, the coal wars, and about the architecture. The man leading the tour was knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the area. I would recommend coming here to anyone!!

Great place and very educational....i loved the owners and everybody there, very good people. it…read morewas unforgettable!!

What a gem of a museum!…read more We were driving from Texas to West Virginia and stopping at antebellum mansions and other historic spots along the way. When we saw the sign for Settler's Museum (http://www.settlersmuseum.com/), I pulled off the road with a reluctant car of daughers and my partner. Upon leaving, they all proclaimed it to be the single best museum they had ever visited. Off the beaten path, this hidden gem is truly a step back in time to an 1800's farm. With no staff present, we deposited our donation in a jar or some other spot, and then picked up a handheld cassette that narrated our tour throughout the museum "office", school buidling, and then the home and farm buildings set back off the road. When my daughters charged forward to play an old organ in the home, I quickly stopped them only to hear the voice of our female historian issue forth from our cassette as she lovingly instructed parents to allow the children to play it if desired. Every item is open for kids to investigate and touch. The Settlers Museum in Atkins, Virginia is simple, beautiful, authentic, and takes you back in a time warp. I strongly encourage visitors to tour the place, and leave a donation worthy of keeping it alive.

An absolutely amazing restoration of American history and the passion invested into this museum is…read moreevident. It is a true hidden gem in the most beautiful section of mountains along the Appalachian Trail.

I would give this place 6 stars if that's possible. I visited in mid-September 2022. This is an…read moreoutstanding museum with excellent historical facts on the famous Bristol sessions of 1927 and 1928. You'll learn about the Carter family, Jimmy Rogers, and Mr. Stoneman - who set the standard for country music (which continues to be emulated to this day). One highlight is the "sing-along" booth where you can practice one of four songs and record yourself karaoke style. I loved the "unbroken circle" exhibit where you could hear Jimmy Rogers - and then hear examples of country music artists with echoes of Jimmy Rogers. The gift shop is really nice - if you get a chance, be sure to watch the Ken Burns PBS special on country music. It will enhance your appreciation of this museum. Bristol was a strategic location because of the direct railroad access to New York City. Oh - if you're staying at the Bristol hotel a block away, just show your room key at the front (admission is free). Loved this museum!

Did you know that country music started in Bristol? I did not. We stayed next door on our road…read moretrip south and we're intrigued by the museum. I am so glad we went. We spent a couple of hours learning all about the "Sessions" that started it all. Really glad to have gone and would love to come back and learn some more.

The building does not seem like a museum, and indeed appears to be used for multiple purposes,…read moreincluding criminal legal proceedings and Red Cross training, as far as I could tell. But the fourth floor does hold this museum, which is not huge but does comprise several rooms. I was offered a tour with the warning that this could take minutes or hours. Unlike most visitors, I was not primarily interested in the Hatfield-McCoy feud, but the history of medicine in the area. This topic does get one bit of hallway to itself. My tour guide wasn't really knowledgeable on the history of osteopathic medicine (which would be a big ask, frankly), but did have plenty of anecdotes about the area. Other topical rooms covered all sorts of local history. The Hatfield-McCoy exhibit is front and center, but there is definitely more than that to be discussed. It isn't fancy, but I didn't feel bad about spending $5 and some of my time here, and I left with a little piece of coal they offer as a souvenir.

Has Native American artifacts found in the Big Sandy area A…read morenice collection of civil war items. Also. A large collection of Hatfield McCoy feud items. Also exhibits on railroads, country music, cultural education, coal mining z educat I on and politics.

Wow! Just WOW! I'm sure glad we didn't miss this in our travels. The museum is a huge private…read morecollection of American history (and some other stuff) in the most intriguing mansion being lovingly restored by the owners. We had the private museum tour (well worth it to learn the history behind all the artifacts and the mansion). We did a paranormal investigation night with the folks from Haunted Night Experience and the Wraith Chasers and serval other professional paranormal investigators. Then, Dinner with a ghost our last night. It was one of the best experiences of my life. (I would drive the 17 hours for that dinner...YUM!). Lots of amazing paranormal activity was experienced and the pros were so awesome in showing us what they do, how they investigate, how they separate the electrical and radio interference from the actual activity and why they do what they do. We drove from central TX to VA for this event and it was well worth it. Even just visiting the museum is worth the stop if you are ever in the area of Wytheville, VA. It's a cute little town too.