#ArchivesPowerAndLight

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Russell Lee’s photographs depicted the racial and ethnic complexities of US coal mining communities. Black miners in WV generally fared better economically and socially than they did in IL, IN, OH, or PA.

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"I'm taking pictures of the history of today." —Russell Lee

Come visit the new exhibit to see more than 200 of Russell Lee’s photographs of coal miners, their families, and their communities. 💡

[usnatarchives]

"I'm taking pictures of the history of today." —Russell Lee

Come visit the new exhibit to see more than 200 of Russell Lee’s photographs of coal miners, their families, and their communities. 💡

[usnatarchives]

Power and Light Exhibit 💡

Immerse yourself in the Power & Light exhibit, a profound exploration of the coal miner’s life in 1946 America through the compassionate lens of Russell Lee. A master of documentary photography, Lee was tasked with an extraordinary project following labor strikes—a nationwide survey capturing the essence of remote coal communities. His photos, over 200 of which are featured in our #ArchivesPowerAndLight exhibit, shed light on the rich tapestry of everyday moments against the backdrop of a pivotal time in labor history.

Beyond documenting the gritty realities of coal mining, Lee's photographs celebrate the strength, resilience, and unity of the families that powered these communities. From pride in their homes to solidarity in the mines, every image narrates a story woven into the broader American saga.

Lee, a notable figure among the greats like Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange, believed in the power of photography to create social change. He carried his camera through 13 states, into the homes and lives of those who toiled beneath the earth, and emerged with more than just images—he captured stories that continue to resonate with us today.

This exhibit invites you to traverse time and experience the power and light within this historical archive. Witness the intimate and candid moments Lee immortalized and see the enduring legacy of his work at the National Archives.

[usnatarchives]

The banners went up today for our new exhibit!

“Power & Light: Russell Lee’s Coal Survey” features more than 200 of Russell Lee’s photographs of coal miners and their families.

The man on the banner is Harry Fain, who was working as a coal loader for Inland Steel Company in Wheelwright, Kentucky, in 1946. He and his family appear in photographs throughout the exhibit.

“Power & Light” is free and opens to the public on March 16 in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.

Visit museum.archives.gov for details.