Kentucky Coal Museum

08/21/2026

MUSEUM CLOSURE NOTICE

The Kentucky Coal Museum will be closed on Saturday, August 22, due to HVAC issues.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to address the problem.

We look forward to welcoming visitors back when we reopen on Tuesday, August 25.

Thank you for your patience!

08/21/2026

The Museum will be closed tomorrow, August 22, due to HVAC maintenance issues.

Send a message to learn more

08/13/2026

08/11/2026

Here is another antique piece of mining gear. This is a Premier carbide mining lamp.

Carbide mining lamps were widely used from the late 19th century until the 1930s, providing a significant advancement in mining illumination by producing acetylene gas through the reaction of calcium carbide with water. Their popularity declined with the advent of electric lamps, which offered better safety and efficiency

History of Carbide Mining Lamps
Carbide lamps played a crucial role in mining history.

Invention — Carbide lamps were invented after Thomas Willson's discovery of calcium carbide in 1892, revolutionizing mining lighting.
Usage Period — They were predominantly used in the United States from the early 1900s until the 1950s, with their peak popularity between 1910 and 1935.
Light Output — These lamps produced a steady flame that was four to ten times brighter than traditional candles or oil lamps.
Decline — By 1918, electric battery-powered lamps began to replace carbide lamps due to their superior light quality and safety features, leading to a near-total replacement by the 1930s.

08/04/2026

Do you know what this is?
Maybe you have seen one before that a family member has or had used when working in the mines. This is a carbide safety lamp!

A safety lamp is a specialized lighting device designed for use in hazardous environments, particularly in coal mines, where flammable gases may be present. It prevents ignition of these gases by enclosing the flame within a protective mesh or other safety features, allowing miners to work safely in potentially explosive atmospheres.

See this lamp and other mining items when you visit the Museum!

07/16/2026

Come see us Saturday! Free event! Come support the vendors!

Come join us for our Festival of Arts!!!

Spaces are still available for any vendors who would like to participate! Call 606-848-1530 for more details!

07/08/2026

Come join us for our Festival of Arts!!!

Spaces are still available for any vendors who would like to participate! Call 606-848-1530 for more details!

07/02/2026

The Museum will be closed July 3rd and 4th for the Holiday. Happy 4th of July!!!

Send a message to learn more

06/09/2026

Please spread the word! Vendors and demonstrators needed!

The Kentucky Coal Museum will host the Annual Festival of Arts on Saturday, July 18th from 10am till 5pm. We are looking for artists, authors, crafters, demonstrators, etc. for our event. It is free to set up with no charges or fees. Bring your artwork, books, crafts, etc. to be sold during business hours at the Museum. Please call 606-848-1530 to reserve a spot! Limited spaces available!