Cleveland, Virginia is a small town located in Russell County, in the heart of Appalachia. In the community’s old elementary school they have worked to preserve the history of this town and its people with the establishment of the Cleveland History and Heritage Museum.
This is coal country, the part of the nation that fueled America’s rise to the dominant industrial nation in the world and the people of communities such as Cleveland often risked their lives on a daily basis in the course of their jobs. They worked deep in the Earth, in conditions that were sometimes shockingly harsh and many of them paid a heavy price for their labors. Museums such as this are a testament to the courage of these everyday daredevils who persevered through not only hard work, but economic times that could be as tough as the mines themselves.
The museum is open during the week from 10am to 5pm or one may call ahead to make an appointment. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the community and children are welcome at the museum. Should you find yourself touring western Virginia, this is definitely a stop worth the time involved.