THE CHARITY
The museum is run and supported by the charity The Kent Mining Heritage Foundation whose Mission is to:
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To record and preserve Kent’s mining heritage, maintain the Kent Mining Museum on the former site of Betteshanger Colliery, and to further public understanding of old and new forms of energy
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To enhance the quality of life in the local community through the provision of education, skill-sharing, and activities.
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To provide opportunities (ie. Volunteering, events) that foster social welfare.
THE MUSEUM
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Collecting and conserving the stories of the Kent mining communities in order to share them in an exciting, engaging and accessible way for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.
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To enable a wide range of people to participate in, and learn about, Kent’s mining heritage through outreach and education programmes; to celebrate the coalmining industry in Kent, its wide economic and social impact (ie. Kent Miners Festival).
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To bring together the Kent mining communities, their stories and collections – specifically the villages of: Aylesham (Snowdown), Elvington and Eythorne (Tilmanstone), Mill Hill/Deal (Betteshanger) and Hersden/Chislet (Chislet).
In alignment with the Mission of the KMHF, the Aims of the KMM are to tell the story of the Kent Coalfield by:
HERITAGE CENTRES
We work alongside heritage centres and groups who are dedicated to collecting and sharing memories of the local area, particularly Tilmanstone, Snowdown, Betteshanger & Chislet collieries. They are run by volunteers, many of whom are ex-miners.
Elvington & Eythorne Heritage Centre (Tilmanstone), located in the village hall in Elvington, is open to visitors on Tuesdays from 10:00 - 14:00.
Aylesham Heritage Centre (Snowdown), located in the Parish Council building (the "White House"), is open to visitors on Wednesdays from 10:00 - 14:00.
There is also the Breakfast Club that meets in the Betteshanger Sports and Social Club, every Tuesday from 9:00.
The Hersden and Chislet Heritage group are active on Facebook, and are based in the village of Chislet
To find out more click on the buttons below.