BETHLEHEM, PA – Through a unique partnership between the Steelworkers’ Archives and the National Museum of Industrial History, a one-of-a-kind walking tour exploring the legacy of Bethlehem Steel is now available. Each Thursday, Saturday and Sunday through December, former steelworkers or guides trained by former steelworkers will lead sidewalk and Hoover-Mason Trestle tours through the Bethlehem Steel plant site.
“Through these tours we will keep the legacy of steelworkers and their families alive for generations to come,” said Joe Mayer, President of Steelworkers’ Archives.
Guides will take guests on a multi-faceted journey from the evolution of iron making in the Lehigh Valley to the history of the Bethlehem Plant from its opening to closing, including its importance in World Wars I and II. Along the way, guests will learn about the remaining buildings on the plant site, life in the ethnic neighborhoods surrounding the plant, and what it was like working at the plant. The approximately one-hour tour concludes with a question and answer session.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Steelworkers’ Archives to welcome both local residents and visitors to the area to explore the legacy of the Bethlehem Plant workers through their unique perspective. Keeping these stories alive for future generations is an integral part of our mission.,” said Andria Zaia, President & CEO of NMIH.
Thursday tours start at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday tours start at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The tours are held rain or shine and leave from the plaza outside the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH), 602 E. Second Street, Bethlehem. Free parking is available in the SteelStacks Ruins East lot across the street from the museum. Tickets are $15 per person and free for ages 12 and under and can be purchased online at www.nmih.org/visit/steelworkerstour or in person at the Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks or the National Museum of Industrial History.
The Steelworkers’ Archives Tours are funded in part by the County of Northampton Department of Community and Economic Development Hotel Tax grant program.
Press interested in experiencing a walking tour can reach out to NMIH (media contact below) to schedule a complimentary tour.
Media Contact: Megan Pildis, Director of Development, [email protected] 610-428-3053 (cell)
ABOUT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL HISTORY
A Smithsonian Institution-affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History is dedicated to preserving America’s rich industrial heritage. Housed in an 18,000-square-foot, 100-year-old former Bethlehem Steel facility on the largest private brownfield in America, the Museum is home to exciting exhibits, engaging programs and amazing history. Learn more at nmih.org.
ABOUT THE STEELWORKERS’ ARCHIVES
The goal of the Steelworkers’ Archives is to preserve the history of our steelworkers, their rich heritage and diverse cultures, their struggles and accomplishments. Learn more at steelworkersarchives.com
