Coal mining has been at the foundation of the local economy for decades, drawing those seeking employment and serving as the engine for larger industry. At 6 p.m. today, area historian David Adair will be unearthing the details of the lives and work of the miners who built the area.

Cathryn Stanley, curator of the Belmont County Heritage Museum, is pleased to welcome Adair and his presentation. She added that Adair, a resident of Guernsey County, has presented in Belmont County before. The presentation complements the museum’s current display, tracing an Italian-American family coming from Italy to Belmont County to seek a better life by working in the coal mines. The display will be up through Sept. 30.