THE EVOLUTION AND IMPACT OF COAL MINING MACHINES
From late 19th century coal mining with picks and shovels to the huge longwall machines used today, the mechanization of West Virginia’s underground coal mining industry drastically altered the workplace structure, labor relations, and livelihood of those that relied on the coal industry.
The Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the social, cultural, and technological history of West Virginia’s coal and petroleum industries through the collection, preservation, research and exhibition of historical objects and archival materials.
The Watts Museum is housed in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University.
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Parking permits are available for visitors of the Watts Museum. Please call 304.293.4609 in advance of your visit to reserve a parking permit for your vehicle. Permits are not needed on Saturdays. Visitors may also park in the Coliseum parking lot (no permit necessary) and take the shuttle or walk to the Mineral Resources Building.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 1pm – 4pm
Call 304.293.4609 for an appointment
Closed in August for installation of new exhibit
*Please note that the Watts Museum is closed on WVU holidays.
These holidays include: Martin Luther King Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, WV Primary Election Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat during week of Thanksgiving, and the Saturday before Christmas through the Saturday after New Year's Day.