Helping fund the construction of a new Whitwell Coal Miners’ Museum is one of the ambitious goals the Whitwell Education and Heritage Center has set as fundraising continues. The museum is presently in the public library.
– Nathan Havenner photo
DUANE SHERRILL
Contributor
The inaugural coalminers and veterans memorial concert will be held Sept. 2 with proceeds going to benefit the Whitwell Educational and Heritage Center.
The benefit will be held at 300 Tiger Trail in Whitwell at Earl Condra Stadium at Whitwell High School with gates opening at 3 p.m. Cost will be $20 at the gate and children 12 and under will be admitted free.
The concert series will feature Dawson, Chase Baker, Caleb Thomasson and Camden Smith.
“It will be fun for the whole family,” organizers said, noting there will be food, drinks, vendors for local shopping and country music. “Bring a lawn chair.”
The plan moving forward is to build a combined facility in Whitwell. The Orena Humphreys Public Library will be the first building to be constructed at the new Heritage site. In the past the public library has been hosted in the old Whitwell Middle School.
“We want to have a new building so that the Orena Humphreys Library can continue to serve its patrons in the surrounding communities in a convenient and pleasant environment,” project supporters said, noting a new senior center is in the plans. “The Whitwell Senior Citizens Center is currently located in the basement of the Whitwell Coal Mining Museum. Our goal is to construct a new Senior Citizens Center so they have a safe, convenient place to meet and gather for fellowship and to participate in a variety of activities.”
The ambitious plan for the Whitwell educational and heritage campus would see the construction of a third building on the Heritage Project Site, namely the Whitwell Coal Miners’ Museum which is presently located in the Orena Humphrey Public Library.
“The museum tells the story of underground coal mining, once the primary industry of Marion County,” project supports noted. “It also brings to life the story of the miners and their work through exhibits and retired coalminers who staff the museum.”
The second goal for the site will be a separate Children’s Holocaust Memorial which is presently on the campus of Whitwell Middle School.
“This will allow more access to the public,” project supporters noted.
Donations may be sent to Whitwell Education and Heritage Center, PO Box 125, Whitwell, TN 37397.
