OPENING JUNE 2026
The Cecil E. Roberts Legacy Museum
The legacy of Cecil E. Roberts on display. The life, accomplishments and awards of a family man, solider and President.
The Bob Phalen Building
UMWA District 17
1300 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, WV 25301
“The labor movement did not just build the middle class. It fought for it, bled for it, earned it.”
– Cecil E. Roberts
“If you are a leader and no one is following, you’re just going for a walk.” – Cecil E. Roberts
The Cecil E. Roberts Legacy Museum celebrates the extraordinary life of a sixth-generation coal miner who became one of the most influential voices in American labor. This one-of-a-kind exhibit features personal artifacts, historical photos, and powerful moments from Roberts’ six-decade journey in the labor movement. A coal miner from Cabin Creek, West Virginia, Cecil E. Roberts has spent his life serving working families. A Vietnam veteran, fiery orator, and tireless advocate, Roberts joined the UMWA as a young man and rose to become International President in 1995. For 30 years, he has led with strength, vision, and unwavering conviction, becoming one of the longest-serving labor leaders in American history.