Historical exhibits presented by the Big Sandy Heritage Museum
To book exhibits for your school or organization, contact Jason Belcher, BSHM Director, 172 Division St., Pikeville; 606-766-1025 or 606-213-0134.
A Town that Coal Built
The coal industry served as the foundation
for several other parts of Pikeville’s economy including the banking sector, healthcare, legal profession, and mechanized industries. Each of these grew because of the existence of a robust coal industry, especially beginning around the turn of the 20th Century. Also included in this exhibit are key individuals who played outsized roles in growing the coal industry in and near the City of Pikeville.
Education
Visitors will be taken on a journey exploring the development and growth of Pikeville educational institutions. From subscription schools and teachers managing one-room schools to innovative teacher training initiatives and the expansion of higher education, Pikeville often has led the way in creating more accessible
and inclusive educational pathways for our citizens. The exhibit will explore the progressive development of Pikeville Independent Schools while discovering the foundations that have become the University of Pikeville. Artifacts, photographs and videos are included in this exhibit.
Timeline of Pikeville Civil War Events
A uniquely crafted timeline illustrates the key events taking place in Pikeville during the American Civil War. Included are artifacts from the Big Sandy Heritage Museum commemorating the commissioning of future U.S. President and then Col. James Garfield to Brigadier General, which took place in Pikeville in February of 1862.
Healthcare: How Far We’ve Come
This exhibit showcases the advances in medicine and medical practices in Pikeville through a striking visual comparison of the earliest days to modern advanced medical equipment and knowledge. Included are two hospital beds, one from the early 1900s with 19th century medicines next to modern, state- of-the-art diagnostic equipment and advanced technology.
The Making of a Model City
This exhibit highlights the transformation of Pikeville through the completion of several visionary projects. Foremost is the Cut-Through project and included are scale models of the Riverfill, the Cedar Creek subdivision, Bob Amos Park and Model City Daycare illustrating what these projects added to Pikeville’s growth and development.
