Big Sandy Heritage Center facts for kids

The Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum is a cool place to learn about the history of the Big Sandy region. It's located in Pikeville, Kentucky, a city in the eastern part of Kentucky. The museum first opened its doors in 2003. It was originally in an old train station, the Chesapeake and Ohio Depot. Since 2015, the museum has been on the fourth floor of the old Judicial Annex building in downtown Pikeville.

Discover the Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum

This museum helps visitors understand the special people, places, and events that make the Big Sandy area unique. It's a great spot to explore the past and see how things have changed over time. You can find out about important moments and everyday life from long ago.

What You Can See at the Museum

The museum has many different exhibits. Each one tells a part of the region's story. Here are some of the exciting topics you can explore:

Famous Family Stories

One of the most famous exhibits is about the Hatfield-McCoy feud. This was a long-running disagreement between two families, the Hatfields and the McCoys. It happened in the late 1800s and is a well-known part of American history. The museum helps you understand what happened and why it was so important.

Life in Early America

You can also learn about the American Civil War. This was a major war in the United States that took place from 1861 to 1865. The museum shows how this war affected the people and land of Eastern Kentucky. There are also exhibits on the precolonial era, which means the time before European settlers arrived in the area.

Big Engineering Projects

Another interesting exhibit covers the Pikeville Cut-Through. This was a huge engineering project that moved a mountain to make way for roads and a river. It was a massive undertaking that changed the landscape of Pikeville forever. You can see how this amazing project was completed.

How People Lived

The museum also shows what domestic life was like in the past. This means you can see how people lived in their homes, what tools they used, and how they spent their days. The Heritage Room focuses on local history and traditions. You can also learn about the history of medicine, war, and politics in the region.

The Story of Coal

A very important part of the museum is dedicated to coal mining. Coal has played a huge role in the economy and history of Eastern Kentucky. The exhibits explain how coal was mined and how it shaped the lives of many families in the area.

Past Special Exhibits

In 2015, the museum hosted a special traveling exhibit. It was called The Hatfields & McCoys: American Blood Feud. This exhibit was on loan from the West Virginia Humanities Council. It gave visitors an even deeper look into this famous family story.

When to Visit

The Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum has specific hours for visitors.

• Sunday: Closed
• Monday: 10 am - 4 pm
• Tuesday - Wednesday: Call for an appointment
• Thursday - Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm

It's a good idea to check their website or call ahead, especially if you plan to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday.