Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum

06/23/2026

06/22/2026

One version of the story:

06/21/2026

Coleman A. Hatfield (1889-1970), a son of Cap Hatfield, was born on Grapevine Creek in the Tug Fork Valley. He was raised in the Tug Fork section and later became an attorney in Logan, WV. He gathered many Hatfield family stories, which his son later published as “The Tale of the Devil” in 2007.

06/19/2026

Today we mourn the passing of a truly remarkable woman, Emalene Lee, whose dedication, vision, and service left an enduring mark on Elkhorn City and the surrounding region.

Emalene was the giant of the Elkhorn City Area Heritage Council and a tireless advocate for our community. For more than twenty years, she devoted countless hours to producing and improving the Heritage Council's quarterly newsletter, helping preserve the stories, history, and heritage of our mountain people. Through her efforts, important pieces of our local history were documented and shared with future generations.

Emalene was also the driving inspiration behind bringing the Remote Area Medical (RAM) program to our area. She understood the challenges faced by many families in rural Appalachia and recognized the importance of accessible healthcare. Her vision and commitment helped support efforts to bring free medical, dental, and vision services to people who otherwise might not have received the care they needed. The impact of that work can never be fully measured, but it has touched countless lives.

Those who knew Emalene knew a woman of determination, generosity, and unwavering dedication. She believed deeply in serving others and in preserving the history and traditions that make our community unique. She gave freely of her time, her talents, and her heart.

The Heritage Council, and indeed our entire community, is better because of her life's work. Her legacy lives on through the programs she championed, the history she helped preserve, and the many people she encouraged along the way.

On behalf of the Elkhorn City Area Heritage Council, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life well lived...a life devoted to service, community, and compassion.

Thank you, Emalene, for all you gave to Elkhorn City. Your work will continue to inspire us, and your memory will remain a treasured part of our community's story.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

06/19/2026

Today our director visited Jack Hatfield and the new Hatfield-McCoy museum located near The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, TN. Here’s a look at the gift shop:

06/18/2026

York home, Main Street, Pikeville, KY.

06/18/2026

New acquisition: an Eduard Reicher violin, 1910.

06/18/2026

New acquisition:

06/14/2026

Our new page now has over 500 followers. THANK YOU!