BY ANNIE HOLLER
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Martin County Fiscal Court has received a $20,000 grant to support two heritage tourism projects that celebrate the county’s unique place in American history while investing in its future.
The funds will back “A President’s Visit” and the “Himler Heritage Caboose Exhibit,” both designed to preserve and share stories that define Martin County’s identity.
A President’s Visit will commemorate President Lyndon B. Johnson’s historic April 24, 1964, trip to Inez during his “Poverty Tours.” The visit, immortalized in photographs and national headlines, marked a pivotal moment in America’s War on Poverty and placed Inez at the center of national attention.
The Himler Heritage Caboose Exhibit in Warfield will honor Martin Himler, the Hungarian immigrant who founded the cooperative mining town of Himlerville—a model of community enterprise and Appalachian resilience that continues to inspire historians and entrepreneurs alike.
Judge/Executive Carolea Mills said in a press release that the projects are part of Martin County’s broader “Save Our History” initiative, which aligns with America250KY, Kentucky’s statewide commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The exhibits will feature interpretive signage, educational programming, and a public celebration planned for Independence Day 2026.
“This grant allows us to preserve two of Martin County’s most powerful stories without placing any burden on local taxpayers,” Mills said. “We’re being resourceful and using available funds that are only available for these projects so that we can bring positive attention and tourism to our community.”
Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty added, “By investing in our story through grants like this, we are investing in our people and our future.”
Grant funds will cover the design, fabrication, and installation of interpretive exhibits at Courthouse Square in Inez and in the Warfield area. Both sites will serve as educational destinations and key stops on Martin County’s growing heritage tourism trail.
“These initiatives also complement the ongoing Revival on Main effort to revitalize downtown Inez, enhance Appalachian cultural identity and attract visitors to local businesses and landmarks,” Mills said.