Historic Explorations

Historic Explorations is based in the coalfields of southwest Virginia. We cover a diverse amount of history, including coal mining and local history throughout the Appalachian Mountains. We also cover entertainment history, from Hollywood’s golden days to music icons.

Episodes

Roy Castle: A Life of Faith, Labor, and Community

January 12, 2026 • 87 mins

In this compile of reflective interviews, Roy Frank Castle shares the story of a life deeply rooted in the coalfields of southwest Virginia and shaped by service, faith, and a lasting love for people and place. Growing up in the coal town of Dante, Roy talks about the values learned early in life—hard work, responsibility, and loyalty—that guided him through every chapter that followed. Roy discusses his time serving in the U.S. A...

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Secrets in the Walls: The Mystery of Big Stone Gap’s Minor Building

December 10, 2025 • 21 mins

When the Minor Building first rose in 1908, it symbolized Big Stone Gap’s optimism during a time of rapid industrial growth. Designed with classical architectural elements and built to serve a bustling Appalachian town, the structure quickly became more than just an office space—it became a community hub. Over the years, it housed a well-known dentist office, and it provided meeting space for the local Masonic lodge, whose members ...

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Faith on the Front Lines: The Remarkable Journey of Rev. Don Parker, WWII Veteran

July 16, 2025 • 56 mins

Rev. Donald G. Parker's journey from college student to decorated World War II veteran is a story of courage, faith, and resilience. Drafted while attending the University of Pittsburgh, Parker was sent to Camp Gruber in Oklahoma for training before being assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division. In this moving interview, Rev. Parker recalls pivotal moments of his service, including a memorable encounter with General George Patton an...

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Historic Buildings of Appalachia Virginia

May 5, 2024 • 9 mins

Tabitha Hibbitts Grieger with Appalachia Rising Ventures talks with us inside the Historic Peake Building in Appalachia, VA, on their restoration journey on the town's historic buildings. Tabitha and her husband John started Appalachia Rising Ventures when they purchased the Peake Building in October 2023. They now own the Peake Building, Lavigne Building, and Western Auto (former Pet/Flav-O-Rich diary distribution warehouse.) The ...

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Dante Coal & Railroad Museum

February 6, 2024 • 12 mins

Nestled in the mountains of southwest Virginia is a little community called Dante. In the early 20th century, Dante was a booming coal mine community like many other towns in the surrounding region. In 2003, the Dante Coal & Railroad Museum was opened by many who wanted to preserve Dante's coal heritage. The museum holds many artifacts and pictures from long ago that give visitors insight into what life was once like in Dante. I ha...

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Historic Explorations

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Roy Castle: A Life of Faith, Labor, and Community

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}Secrets in the Walls: The Mystery of Big Stone Gap’s Minor Building

Faith on the Front Lines: The Remarkable Journey of Rev. Don Parker, WWII Veteran

Historic Buildings of Appalachia Virginia

Dante Coal & Railroad Museum

Popular Podcasts

Roy Castle: A Life of Faith, Labor, and Community

Secrets in the Walls: The Mystery of Big Stone Gap’s Minor Building