A new museum, which will share and celebrate the history of mining in Kent, will open in late spring 2017.
The Kent Mining Museum is built on the site of the county’s last working coal mine in Betteshanger in Kent and will form part of Betteshanger Sustainable Park’s new visitor centre, which will be open to schools.
The museum, which will support studies in Science topics, such as energy, will feature interactive displays, photographic records, personal stories and artefacts that will help students discover more about Kent’s mining heritage, how coal was mined and the day-to-day lives of the miners who worked at the collieries. The museum will also look at modern and sustainable forms of energy.
The new visitor centre will also house the Green Energy Centre and a restaurant.
Jim Davies a former Betteshanger miner said: “The closure of the colliery was a huge blow to the miners, their families and the local people. It is wonderful to see the new visitor centre rise from the ashes. The Mining Museum will incorporate the whole Kent coalfield, providing an invaluable legacy. Visitors will be able to learn more about what it was like for us and our memories will be preserved for future generations.”
More at Betteshanger Sustainable Park
Betteshanger Sustainable Park also provides a range of outdoor activities, such as archery, fossil hunting, den building and cycling, for school groups, which can be tailor made to suit individual class requirements.
The outdoor activities are already available at Betteshanger Sustainable Park.
For more information visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk/kent-mining-museum.html.
