The interpretive signage area is located away from the main monument next to the memorial's off-street parking lot. It is a gateway to the memorial plaza and introduction to the events that occurred at Upper Big Branch. Three interpretive signs mounted on a limestone base comprise the area.

The center sign is a synopsis of events that occurred from the moments after the explosion on April 5th, 2010 through the completion of the recovery effort on April 13th. A diagram on the second sign details where the explosion occurred and how it propagated through the mine. It also explains the factors that contributed to the fire and subsequent explosion. The last sign provides summaries of four historical coal mining disasters that occurred in West Virginia.

The signs were designed and made by Interpretive Graphics in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are made from Novalloy anodized aluminum.