BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Bookstore in Washington is set to host a special signing event for the autobiography of former Martin County coal mining entrepreneur Martin Himler. The event will take place June 16 from 1-4 p.m. and June 17 at 10 a.m.
Himler (1889-1961) was a prominent historical figure who emigrated from Hungary to America in 1907. He later found himself in the Appalachian region, where he established the Himler Coal Company, the small town of Himlerville, Kentucky – almost completely populated by Hungarian immigrants – and a weekly newspaper, the Hungarian Miners’ Journal.
At the outbreak of WWII, Himler began working for the OSS with the rank of colonel. He arrested and interrogated 40 Hungarian Nazi war criminals. His collected evidence and testimony were also used in the Nuremberg trials.
Himler wrote his autobiography sometime during his later years when he retired to California but never published it. The autobiography exchanged hands amongst Himler family members and was finally donated to the Martin County Historical Society in 2007. The manuscript includes the full text of the autobiography, an introduction by Doug Cantrell, and editing and annotations by Cathy Corbin, a Morehead resident whose family is from Martin County.
The memoir, titled “The Making of an American (The Autobiography of a Hungarian Immigrant, Appalachian Entrepreneur, and OSS Officer),” published in the Hungarian Magyar language by Europa Publishing, Budapest, in 2021, has gained notable recognition and acclaim.
In 2018, “The Making of an American” was nominated for the Weatherford Award and the U.S. Army Excellence in Writing History Award, highlighting its significance in the literary and historical realms.
Himler’s compelling story sheds light on his journey.
Himler’s family, goddaughters, descendants of Himlerville residents, and historians will be on hand at the Holocaust Memorial Museum to delve deeper into Himler’s life and the impact of the community he fostered. The Appalachian Regional Community Television, based in Norton, Virginia, will film the discussion, ensuring broader access to this captivating dialogue.
The Martin County Historical and Genealogical Society invites Martin Countians to join them at the Holocaust Museum for this momentous occasion.
With Martin County’s rich history taking center stage on a national platform, this event promises to be a remarkable opportunity to explore Martin Himler’s life and discover his lasting impact on the region.
Attendees can obtain signed copies of “The Making of an American” and engage with the descendants and experts who have gathered to honor Himler’s legacy. This event serves as a celebration of Martin Himler’s achievements and a reminder of the resilience and contributions of immigrants in shaping the American narrative.
