Mine Wars Museum receives grant for anniversary project

MATEWAN, W.Va. – The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum has received a $30,000 challenge grant for a project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Blair Mountain in 2021.

The National Endowment for the Humanities announced the grant last week. The museum is located in Matewan.

The grant will enable the museum to hire a director to co-ordinate activities. The museum said in a news release the grant is also intended to increase fundraising capacity and connect with humanities organizations across southern West Virginia.

The Battle of Blair Mountain lasted five days, unfolding on the border of Boone and Logan counties. The Blair Centennial Project is planned to last five days with activities across the counties where the conflict took place.

Screenings of the film “Matewan” are planned in October, with proceeds to benefit the centennial project.