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.
Dr. Bailey served as the oral historian for the Matewan Oral History Project, sponsored by the Matewan Development Center back in ‘89. A distinguished professor at Northern Kentucky University, she’s a passionate scholar with a keen interest in preserving and sharing the untold stories of the Appalachian coalfields. Dr. Bailey and her students are active collaborators with the museum.
Through their meticulous research, they have crafted a number of compelling infographics and other visual resources. We’re excited to share the first one with you today.
In the bustling era when the Appalachian coalfields were a magnet for people worldwide, the Barrios family embarked on a journey from southern Spain to settle in Red Jacket, a community nestled in the Williamson Thacker coalfield of Mingo County, WV.
This Story Map offers glimpses into the life of the Barrios family and the vibrant coal community where they settled. Drawing from oral histories and records left behind, this immersive experience provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of those who call the Appalachian coalfields home.
Much of the information shared in this Story Map is a testament to the valuable insights provided by Manual Barrios, who graciously shared his experiences through an interview conducted in 1989. His memories and narratives serve as a bridge, connecting us to a bygone era.
