An exhibit that focuses on the transformation of mine rescues from uncoordinated, chaotic events into organized group operations, and the rescuers who are part of those operations is slated to open Feb. 1 at the Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum at West Virginia University. Helmet Men: Mine Rescuers of Appalachia’s Coalfields explores the development of mine rescue teams in the United States, particularly the Appalachian region.

At the turn of the 20th century, rescue missions at Appalachian coal mines were haphazard efforts, undertaken by anyone near the accident scene. When large-scale mining disasters in the early 1900s created public pressure for mine safety reform, the federal government established the Bureau of Mines.

The Bureau organized rescue teams to investigate mine disasters, assist in rescue efforts and train miners in rescue techniques. State agencies, coal companies and private organizations soon followed the government’s lead by organizing their own rescue teams.

With the formation of these “helmet men” teams, mine rescue efforts became increasingly systemized and effective. Like today’s rescuers, early team members were knowledgeable, physically fit and level headed, with a strong capacity for teamwork. These specialized volunteers worked together, often risking their own lives to save their fellow miners.

“When mine accidents occur, we tend to focus on the hazards of mining, the lives that are saved or lost and the disasters’ impact on families and communities,” said Danielle M. Petrak, museum coordinator and curator of the Watts Museum. “With this exhibition, I wanted to acknowledge the role of the rescuers and their commitment to the mining industry and fellow miners.”

Helmet Men showcases a selection of equipment used to prevent and respond to mining disasters, along with historical photographs and film footage of mine rescuers. The objects featured in the exhibition are either owned by the Watts Museum or on loan from other institutions and private collections.
The Watts Museum is located in Room 125 of the Mineral Resources Building on WVU’s Evansdale campus. The exhibit runs through Aug. 14.

The exhibition was curated by Petrak and Danielle LaPresta, a graduate assistant.

Housed in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at WVU, the Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the social, cultural and technological history of the coal, oil and natural gas industries of the state of West Virginia through the collection, preservation, research and exhibition of objects relevant to these industries. The museum is named in honor of Royce J. Watts, associate dean of the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, and his wife, Caroline, who have tirelessly supported its mission.

-WVU-

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CONTACT:
Mary Dillon
Communications, Marketing and Public Relations
College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
(304) 293-4086
mary.dillon@mail.wvu.edu