Permanent displays at the Clinton Coal Town and Railroad Museum housed in the restored 1904 railroad depot at Main and Vine streets feature many objects of the past that speak to the present. A visitor might spot an ancestor in one of the many photographs displayed alongside artifacts collected from the area’s rich mining, immigration, and railroading history. Seeing a lunch bucket can bring back memories of a grandfather who used the pail as a vessel for freshly-gathered milk, for carrying a salami sandwich and fruit pie lunch to the mine, and filling with beer from the local tavern come evening.  “Reduce, reuse, recycle” was everyday practice in the first part of the twentieth century.

For those whose ancestors lived in the area and those who enjoy history, a trip to the museums can be cool, comfortable, educational experience during the Little Italy Festival. Admission is free and air conditioning makes for comfortable browsing.