About Us
Preserving the History of Bell County.
The major emphasis of the Bell County Historical Society is the collection and preservation of historical documents, photographs, and artifacts of the Cumberland Gap area including the adjacent counties of Harlan and Knox Counties from which Bell County was formed on February 5, 1867. We are pleased to be able to display artifacts given to the museum as well as those loaned for a specific or indefinite length of time.
The Museum
The historic building housing our museum, built as the Carnegie Library and deep-rooted in the enrichment and educational development of the citizens of Bell County, still follows the legacy of Andrew Carnegie. It remains dedicated to learning and enlightenment, providing an opportunity for the youth of this generation to know and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of this region, the region which witnessed thousands of early pioneers traveling along the Wilderness Road, through the Cumberland Gap and into Kentucky.
Our History
On September 17, 1981 an organizational meeting for the Bell County Historical Society was held at the Middlesboro-Bell County Public Library. There were 41 people present. After a lively general discussion of the nature and purpose of a Historical Society, those present voted to organize themselves as such a group. A nominating committee was chosen to select a slate of officers for the new organization. The first officers of the new Bell County Historical Society were as follows: William Bell Sr., President; Ellwood J. Carr, Vice-President; Frances Hyde Gambrel, Recording Secretary; Marie Maxie, Corresponding Secretary; Mary Slemp, Treasurer; and Mabel Taylor and Dr. Edward Wilson, Directors.
As time went on the society began its first publication later called Gateway: The Journal of the Bell County Historical Society, which is still in publication today. The Society is proud to say they have grown to well over 200 members residing in 24 of the 50 states, as well as a few overseas.
For more about our history check out our Research Collection pages. There is history in every place and every person. History is a part of us all. We hope through continued support we will keep our history alive for many generations to come.
Our ongoing program is the collection and preservation of artifacts, photographs and documents recognizing the importance of the history of our area. We're dedicated to preserving the history of those who live here and of those who passed through, leaving their imprint in the history of the Cumberland Gap area. We have developed a multifaceted program to facilitate this directive.
Officers
President -
Vice President - Robert Cox
Treasurer - Kirby Smith III
Secretary -
Board Members
Tom Kelemen
Robert Cox
Glynna Brown
Mark Smith
Chris Douglas
Sarah Slusher Ausmus
Jane Cambron
Steve Cawood
Buffy Dunnaville
Celia Shoffner
Mark Smith
Ben Slusher
Chuck Owens
Piddle Osborne
Sharon Goodin
Danny Vaughn
Emeritus Members
Tom Shattuck
Ann Matheny
Dr. Kenneth Smith
Museum Director
Jes’Anne Givens