After several years of planning and grant writing, the restoration of the former Patteson/Dearing building in Mount Hope is now underway.  Intended as the future home of the Coal Heritage Discovery Center, this building is recognized as a contributing structure in Mount Hope’s national register historic district.  Construction began in October of 2014 and restoration of the exterior is now complete.  This restoration involved interior demolition, replacement of the roof, masonry repairs and replacement of windows and the original store front windows and doors. Chapman Technical Group from St. Albans has been responsible for design work and construction management of the project and Lombardi Construction from Follansbee, WV was the general contractor with numerous West Virginia sub-contractors engaged for specialized tasks. This work has been completed with over $800,000 in funding from various sources including Scenic Byway and Transportation Enhancement funds, WV State Historic Preservation Office, Greater Kanawha Foundation, Greater Mount Hope Foundation and the National Coal Heritage Area.

Interior design has been completed and we are currently seeking funding for the interior restoration of the structure.  When completed, the Coal Heritage Discovery Center will house the offices of the National Coal Heritage Area Authority, but more importantly, will provide a place where visitors to our region can gain an understanding of the development of the coal industry in our area and the national importance of the contribution of the industry and the people to the development of our country. The story of the development of the coalfields is a fascinating piece of history and the Coal Heritage Discovery Center is a place for us to tell our story in our own way to the world.  The City of Mount Hope sees the completion of this project as critical to their efforts to revitalize their downtown and take advantage of opportunities presented by the presence of The Summit Bechtel Scouting Reserve located nearby.

During the boom years of the coal industry, the community of Mt. Hope occupied a very important position as the home of the New River Company. The town retains much of its historic fabric and has been designated as a National Register Historic District.  With numerous intrinsic resources located within walking distance, Coal Heritage Discovery Center will make a perfect stop for visitors to the region to begin their journey.  This site is immediately adjacent to an elegant and well preserved historic residential district.   emphasize the unique architecture in Mt. Hope, connect it to its historic past and enhance the walkability of the community. 

Planned interpretive information and hands on activities will introduce visitors to the story of coal in southern West Virginia and allow them to begin to appreciate the national significance of the contributions of the region to the development of the industrial revolution in the United States.  From the Discovery Center, travelers can venture south along the Coal Heritage Trail into the counties of Raleigh, Wyoming, Mercer, and McDowell where they can experience the underground mine tour at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, travel through the former coal camps of the region and even view active, working mines. Heading north from the Discovery Center visitors can view some of the oldest mining areas in the region, visit the restored train depot in Thurmond, or tour the unique Whipple Company Store.

You can help make the Coal Heritage Discovery Center a reality with your purchase of an engraved brick that will be placed in the exterior courtyard.  This is a unique opportunity to honor someone in your family or community or to show your support for this project.