The Youth Museum, in conjunction with the Raleigh County Historical Society, will present a West Virginia Humanities Council “History Alive” program, July 18, at the Pemberton Coal Town Church, on the grounds of the Exhibition Coal Mine.
The presentation will begin at 2:00 pm and will feature Becky Park of Charleston portraying Colonel Ruby Bradley. Bradley led U.S. Army nurses in World War II and Korea and was the most decorated woman in American military history at the time of her retirement in 1963. The program is open and free to all and will last 60 to 90 minutes.
The West Virginia Humanities Council’s, History Alive! the program presents a roster of historical figures available for first-person portrayals. There is currently twelve History Alive! characters who portray historical figures at venues including museums, libraries, community centers, and fairs and festivals. They are available for a $150 booking fee to both nonprofit and for-profit organizations across West Virginia.
From Pearl Buck and Nellie Bly to Charles Schulz and Walt Disney, these living history performances provide a passport through time for student and adult audiences throughout the Mountain State. Call the West Virginia Humanities Council at 304.346.8500 and speak to Program Officer Kyle Warmack for more information.
Following the History Alive! presentation, the Raleigh County Historical Society will dedicate a narrative sign commemorating the mine’s dinky locomotive. The dinky, formerly of Winding Gulf Coal Company No. 1, was donated to the city in 1963, and originally displayed at New River Park. The locomotive was extensively refurbished and moved to its present location at the Exhibition Coal Mine entrance in May 2016.
The Exhibition Coal Mine is located at 513 Ewart Ave. For more information please contact 304-256-1747.