Westmoreland Coal and the Scotia Explosions
Where
Southwest Virginia Museum, 10 West First St. N., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.
Goodloe Center, Mountain Empire Community College
When
June 7, 2025. 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Known as one of the worst mine disasters in U.S. history, the explosions at the Scotia Mine rocked this region and resulted in numerous changes in health and safety regulations in the mining industry. Join us for a conversation with several members of the mine rescue teams from Westmoreland Coal Company who responded to the Scotia explosions in 1976. Listen as they recount their experiences in what became one of the most important moments in the history of coal mining.
This program will be led by Brian D. McKnight, Ph.D., a historian from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, and the panel of mine rescue team members will be David Breedlove, J.R. Kimberlin, Matt Smith, Gerald Tate and Allen Wolfe.
This program will be held at the Goodloe Center at Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, VA.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: No.
Phone: 276-523-1322
Email Address: SWVAMuseum@dcr.virginia.gov
Event types
History/Culture | Special Event
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