- This event has passed.
How Water Works: A Multi-Site Day of Tours & Demonstrations
September 10, 2023
On Sunday, September 10, 2023, see three centuries of progress in water pumping technology in action across the Lehigh Valley. Visit one, two, or all three sites that will be open and sharing the theme of water history.
National Museum of Industrial History: 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM
602 E 2nd Street, Bethlehem, PA, 18015
The most powerful operating steam powered water pumping engine in North America, the 115 ton Snow Corliss engine, will come alive, running on compressed air. It features a 14 foot diameter flywheel and once pumped 8 million gallons a day for the York Water Company. Included in NMIH admission.
National Museum of Industrial History: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
602 E 2nd Street, Bethlehem, PA, 18015
Where did the terms hard and soft water come from? Learn stories like these, ask questions, and watch live demonstrations of water testing and treatment with John Baum, a nationally recognized water quality expert. Much in the same way water cleanliness extends the life of household plumbing, so does it affect the smooth operation and lifespan of essential industrial machinery. Included in NMIH admission.
Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites, Bethlehem, PA: 1 PM and 3 PM
Tours Leave from the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center, 505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
The 1762 Waterworks, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and an American Water Landmark, was the first pumped municipal water system in America. The original building and a demonstration of the working replica 18 foot undershot water wheel powered water pump will be the highlight of colonial industrial quarter tours this day. Tickets and more information HERE.
Friends of the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center – People’s Water Company Pump House, Phillipsburg, NJ: 4:30 PM
No street address: From the intersection of JT Baker Way and N Main Street in Phillipsburg, NJ, go north on N Main Street (becomes River Road) for 3,773 feet. Turn left through the cattle gates and proceed 600 feet to the concrete pump house. If you see the railroad tracks along River Road, you went too far.
Tour the pump house home to Big Allis, the 1913 steam powered water pump, still in its original location. Rated for 6 million gallons of water a day, this three cylinder, two flywheel, vertical engine stands 51 feet tall and is surrounded by a complete steam plant with the original boilers, condenser, and backup turbine. The steam pump will not be running today, but an early 20th century open frame electric motor that once powered another pump will be demonstrated. This is a free tour, but donations are suggested. It will include stairs and irregular surfaces.
