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

Apr 26, 2023
12:00pm–1:00pm

Where

West Frankfort Area Historical Museum
2000 E St Louis St
West Frankfort, IL 62896

Cost

Free
Open to the public

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 Judy Simpson at reagandogs@gmail.com.

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

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

Coal Loader in Appalachia, 1946

Sponsors

West Frankfort Area Historical Museum