The Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum, housed in West Vriginia University’s College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, is the recipient of an award of merit from the American Association for State and Local History.

The museum earned recognition for its exhibition, Helmet Men: Mine Rescuers of Appalachia’s Coalfields.

Helmet Men explores the development of mine rescue teams in the United States, particularly the Appalachian region. The exhibition focuses on the roles of rescue team members and the transformation of mine rescues from uncoordinated, chaotic events into organized group operations. 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 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 CEMR, and his wife, Caroline, who have tirelessly supported its mission. The exhibition runs through Aug. 14.

In its 66th year, the AASLH Leadership in History Awards recognize achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. The organization conferred 59 national awards as part of this year’s competition and will present them at its annual meeting, Sept. 16, in Richmond, Va.

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CONTACT: Mary C. Dillon, CEMR
304-293-4086; mary.dillon@mail.wvu.edu