Stories from the Coal Mines – A Tribute to the Miners, the Families, and the Mountain

Stories from the Coal Mines

Deep beneath the hills of Appalachia, stories were carved in coal and sweat—told not just through words, but through grit, prayer, and the echo of boots on the mantrip.

Stories from the Coal Mines is a new tribute project by Hearts of Appalachia dedicated to preserving the memories of coal miners and their families. Whether you worked underground, grew up in a coal camp, or carry the stories of a loved one who did—your voice matters here.

This isn’t just about history. It’s about honoring a legacy. It’s about remembering the sounds, sights, struggles, and strength that shaped families and towns across the Appalachian mountains. We believe every coal miner’s story deserves a place to be told and remembered.

How You Can Share a Story:

 Their stories were forged underground ~ but their legacy lives in the light.

Join the Private Facebook Group: Stories from the Coal Mines Facebook Group — Here you can post your story, photos, or memories, and connect with others who share your coal mining heritage.

Submit Privately: Visit our Coal Mine Stories page on www.heartsofappalachia.org to send your story as a Word doc, email, or even a voice recording. We welcome any format you're most comfortable with.

Some of these stories will be shared within the group only. Others may become featured blog tributes or preserved as part of our digital memory archive. All will be handled with care.

What You Can Share:

• Firsthand mining experiences (underground, surface, or camp life)

• Stories of faith, hardship, or survival

• Family traditions passed down from coal miners

• Black lung, strikes, and generational struggles

• Photos, letters, heirlooms, and favorite sayings
  

Even if it’s just one memory—that one moment matters. That’s what keeps these stories alive.

Ready to Get Started?

• 📍 Join the Group

• 🌐 Submit on the Website

• 📧 Email: stories@heartsofappalachia.org
  

• Request to join our group at:

  heartsofappalachia.com/group/stories-from-the-coal-mines/

  
  

We can't wait to walk back through those mine doors with you.