Down in the Mine: American Coal Miners and Their Songs, 1890-1960

A Road Scholar Program by Bucky Halker

Harry Fain coal loader Inland Steel Company Wheelwright 1 2 Mines Wheelwright Floyd County Kentucky NARA 541452 466x600
When

May 19, 2024
2:00pm–3:00pm

Where

Case-Halstead Library
550 6th St
Carlyle, IL 62231

Cost

Free

Coal miners in Illinois and the rest of the US have a long tradition of writing poetry and music related to their occupation. This program brings that tradition to the forefront. “Down in the Mine” combines music performance (guitar and vocal) and spoken commentary.

The presentation features songs and poems by coal miners, including Illinois miners. The commentary places this important folk tradition in a broader historical context and offers details on coal mining, coal-miner bards and songwriters, early country music, and individual songs.

This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact Jerome Keith Housewright at librarian@carlylelake.com.

Learn more about Bucky Halker, this program, and how to book it here.

Host Organization