BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine reopened in early July with some changes.
Leslie Baker, the Director with Beckley Parks and Recreation, said that it was disappointing that they weren’t able to open back in April when their season should have started, but they’re happy that they are now.
“First y’know it was really sad. We’re so busy in April. April would’ve had Easter this year and Spring Break, and we were really disappointed that we weren’t able to do that. And we had over 51 school tours that had to cancel. It was a very busy time for us. So it was disappointing to lose that revenue, but more than that it’s just disappointing that the children don’t get to learn about that part of their West Virginia history,” Baker said.
The biggest change is patrons will not be able to tour the coal mine. Instead, a video will be available in it’s place and coal mining experts will still be onsite. Everything else the exhibition has to offer will remain open.
Masks will be required at the Youth Museum and prices at the exhibition coal mine have also changed to reflect the modifications.
So far the Exhibition Coal Mine is unsure if the mine will reopen for visitors during this season.
