Bethlehem Steel Locomotive Engineer Experience
2024-09-01 11:00 - 15:15, 2024-09-15 11:00 - 15:15, 2024-10-06 11:00 - 15:15, 2024-10-20 11:00 - 15:15 (America/New_York) | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States

Metal Melting for Kids
2024-09-01 12:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-15 12:00 - 15:00

2024 Annual Gala
2024-09-14 17:00 - 20:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
On September 14th, we gathered together at the Museum to celebrate our mission and honor Manufacturers Resource Center with the Spirit of Innovation Award. A heartfelt thank you to Manufacturers Resource Center, the PA Dream Team, our generous sponsors and attendees, and our dedicated Board of Directors, staff and volunteers for making this evening possible. Thanks also to our guest performers Madelyn Dundon and Patrick Kerssen and to Settlers Hospitality/Karen Hunter and CB Banquet Services for the delicious food and drink.
All proceeds help support our dynamic exhibits, innovative programs, youth educational initiatives and the ongoing care of our collections. Together, we can preserve the past, explore the present and inspire future generations. Thank you!

Metal Health: A Veteran focused hands-on iron art casting workshop
2024-09-20 10:00 - 14:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
On Friday, September 20th, from 10 AM to 2 PM, NMIH will host a workshop led by Veteran and artist Jay Elias of Evolution Art Studios. Elias, a former United States Marine, served during the Gulf War era. Suffering from undiagnosed and untreated PTSD, he wound up on the wrong side of the law and eventually served a lengthy prison sentence. After many years of gradually declining mental health, he discovered the healing effects that art and the creative process can provide to promote both spiritual and emotional wellness. He created Evolution Art Studio to share this holistic approach to healing with other veterans and members of the community alike.
The workshop will introduce the process used to create three-dimensional sculptural forms in cast iron —patternmaking, mold-making and casting. The workshop includes instruction in the use of pattern materials. Most participants make their patterns from several pre-made forms. Workshop participants can customize their own design to these existing forms, making them unique, or build entirely from scratch using techniques demonstrated during the workshop.
On Saturday, September 21st at 7pm, a public iron pour demonstration will take place outdoors in the Museum’s Foundry Park (weather permitting) with the participation of workshop registrants. Whether they attended the workshop the day before or not, anyone from the public is invited to watch the pour, where scrap iron will be recycled and melted down in a visually stunning process of fire and molten metal. After cooling down from 2700 degrees Fahrenheit, the resulting cast iron sculptures and objects will be on exhibit for the general public on Sunday, September 22nd during Steel Weekend before their makers bring them home.
All activities will take place outdoors at the National Museum of Industrial History, located on the grounds of the former Bethlehem, PA, plant of Bethlehem Steel.
Participants must be prepared to work with sand and wear safety glasses. Anyone who has their own safety glasses is welcome to bring them. Limited quantities will be available on site.
Space is limited and registration is required. Free for veterans, $40 for general public. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Register Here

Steel Weekend 2024
2024-09-21 10:00 - 2024-09-22 17:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
Join us for an exploration of all things STEEL!
Featuring
Free admission all day | Steelworkers Reunion | Guest Speakers | Steelworker Portrait Studio
Pop-Up Exhibits | Youth Activities | Public Art Installation
Live Demonstrations | Songs About Steelmaking & More
DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAM/SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HERE.
Can’t attend, but still want to lend your support? Donate here.

Steeples & Steel Tour with Steelworkers' Archives
2024-09-28, 2024-10-26

Guest Lecture: The Life & Legacy of Robert Sayre
2024-10-13 13:00 - 14:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
Robert Heysham Sayre initiated or influenced nearly every industrial, educational, and public welfare development in the Lehigh Valley during the second half of the 19th century. Born on October 13, 1824, Sayre learned engineering in his early youth building the Switchback Railroad and enlarging the Morris Canal, and at age 30 was named chief engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad by Asa Packer. Packer also directed him to build the rolling mill that became the Bethlehem Iron Works and Sayre remained a manager and officer of the company until 1899.
At the same time, Sayre’s involvement in community projects, education, and philanthropy shaped the growth of South Bethlehem and its institutions. His legacy as one of the founders of Lehigh University, St. Luke’s Hospital, the Church (now the Cathedral Church) of the Nativity, and many public utilities continues to today.
The National Museum of Industrial History is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Robert Heysham Sayre, with a special display of objects, letters, and photographs from his life on view September 14, 2024 through the end of the year.
Join us on October 13, 2024 at 1 PM as we welcome industrial historian Professor John Smith and local author Martha Capwell Fox for an intimate discussion of the life of Robert Sayre and his industrial and philanthropic legacy.
Included with museum admission

S.T.E.A.M. Adventures: Halloween
2024-10-20 11:00 - 15:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
Join us on the third Sunday of each month for a drop-in style family program to engage in S.T.E.A.M. concepts like building, engineering, and strategic thinking. During Family Sundays, all youth 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Adult admission is $15. This month’s theme will be Halloween with lots of Spooky S.T.E.A.M. activities!

VR Experience: Watershed Explorers
2024-10-20 11:00 - 15:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
Come join us for an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience to learn about industrial history in our watershed. Take a virtual canoe exploration down the Lehigh River to learn how the industrial revolution influenced and transformed our communities. In the VR experience, you will learn about the importance of coal, canals, and railroads, the cement and steel industries, and how areas in the Lehigh Valley were reinventing and transformed.
The experiences will be available at National Museum of Industrial History on October 20th from 11am-3pm and on November 17th from 11:30am-3pm. This program takes place during Family Sundays at NMIH. Youth 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult.

Engineering of Fear: How Innovation Created Haunted Attractions
2024-10-27 11:00 - 12:30 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
Join Mitch Roshannon, Event and Entertainment Manager at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA, for a presentation tracing the history of “haunted” amusement attractions and dark rides. A lifelong horror enthusiast, Roshannon will illustrate how advancements in industrial engineering were adopted for entertainment purposes and allowed for “haunts” to be a viable industry. From the first steam powered haunted house though control systems and modern hydraulic animatronics, come explore the evolution of the entire industry. Included with regular museum admission.

About the presenter
Mitch Roshannon is the Event and Entertainment Manager at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA where he has spent the last decade. He is a lifelong horror enthusiast, interested in the genre in all its forms, including in-person haunts and Halloween themed events. He has assisted in the setup for Hallo-Fun at Knoebels for many years and finds his connection to the current talk through those experiences and personal study.

Thank you to our presenting partner

Haunted Attractions – Images courtesy of Knoebels/Mitch Roshannon

NMIH in the Bethlehem Halloween Parade
2024-10-27 14:00
Join us for a Bethlehem tradition! The 103rd Annual City of Bethlehem Halloween Parade will be held on Sunday, October 27th at 2:00pm. NMIH will be participating with a “Forging Candy” float inspired by our community’s rich historical ties to the steel industry.
In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be postponed to Sunday, November 3rd. The parade route (approx. 1.5 miles) will begin on West Broad Street and 9th Avenue and continue east on Broad and south on Main Street, concluding on Main and Spring Streets.
Full parade details on the City of Bethlehem website.

Veterans Day
2024-11-11 10:00 - 13:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
Join the Steelworkers Veterans Memorial Committee for a ceremony and featured remarks at 10am followed by free admission to the National Museum of Industrial History for veterans and their families until 1pm.
With appearances by distinguished speakers, keynote speaker Lieutenant Colonel Edward J. Erickson, Broughal Middle School Band, Bethlehem Mounted Police, Steel Battalion Army ROTC and NAM Knights.
About the Keynote Speaker
Lieutenant Colonel Edward J. Erickson
LTC Edward J. “Ed” Erickson enlisted in the US Army in 1971 and served in the 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne). He was commissioned in the Field Artillery from OCS in 1975. He served three tours in Germany, three tours in Turkey, and a tour in Italy. During Operation Desert Storm, he served as an artillery battalion operations officer in the 3rd Armored Division, and he served as a special assistant to the NATO Force commander in Sarajevo, Bosnia during Operation Joint Endeavor. Ed also served in the 8th Infantry Division, the 24th Infantry Division, the 528th Artillery Group, and the 42nd Field Artillery Brigade. He graduated from the Defense Language Institute and qualified as a Turkish Foreign Area Officer. Ed retired in 1997 and was recalled to active duty in 2003 for Operations Iraqi Freedom serving as General Raymond Odierno’s political advisor with the 4th Infantry Division in Iraq.
Over his 27 year career, the army awarded him the Legion of Merit Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Services Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and five campaign medals. NATO and foreign governments awarded Ed the NATO Medal, the Kuwaiti Gulf War Medal, and the Saudi Gulf War Medal. He earned the Parachute badge, the Pathfinder badge, the Air Assault badge, and the British Army Parachute badge.
LTC Erickson has a PhD in History from the University of Leeds and he retired in 2017 as Professor of Military History from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia. He is widely recognized as one of the foremost specialists on the Ottoman Army during the First World War and he has published eighteen books and numerous articles. Ed has lived in Macungie since 2022.

S.T.E.A.M. Adventures: America Recycles Day!
2024-11-17 11:00 - 15:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
Join us for a discussion on recycling in celebration of America Recycles Day! Recycling experts from WM (formally known as Waste Management) will be sharing the do’s and don’ts about recycling at the curb – that includes explaining the term “wishcycling”. The conversation will lend a hand to the fun holiday themed recycle art activity. Build an “Elf” house with us using recyclables and other items!

Session 1 11:00am Presentation & hands-on activity
Session 2 1:00pm Presentation & hands-on activity

National Museum of Industrial History
602 East Second Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
www.nmih.org

S.T.E.A.M. Adventures is part of our Family Sundays Program. Youth 12 and under receive free admission all day. Family Sundays is generously supported by PA Manufacturers’ Association, Dexter F. Baker & Dorothy H. Baker Foundation, First Energy Foundation, and Keystone Savings Foundation.

Watershed Explorers: Industrial History Virtual Reality Experience
2024-11-17 11:30 - 15:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States

Museum Store Sunday
2024-12-01 10:00 - 17:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States

The Casting of Iron Toys
2024-12-14 13:00 - 14:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
This presentation by NMIH Historian Mike Piersa will detail the process of casting toys and other products using iron. Created by skilled workers using a foundry method called sand casting, the toys became popular in the latter half of the 19th century as they used materials that were inexpensive at the time, similar to today’s plastic toys. This illustrated lecture will trace the process from furnace to finished product and will feature a small live demonstration, melting tin, to show how the foundry process uses patterns and sand molds to create goods. Included with Museum Admission.

Family Sundays
2024-12-15 10:00 - 17:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
Join us each Sunday at the Museum where youth 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by an adult. Try your hand at lifting pig iron, meet Tug! our beloved restored tow tractor, explore the process of weaving silk, be inspired by the genius of American invention and the tireless dedication of the American worker. On the Third Sunday of each month, drop in from 11-3 to participate in a hands-on activity during S.T.E.A.M. Adventures.

Our Family Sundays program is generously sponsored by the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association.

Family Sundays
2024-12-22 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-29 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-12 10:00 - 17:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States

Museum in Motion Days
2024-12-27 11:00 - 15:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
Join us December 27th, 28th and 29th from 11am – 3pm as we bring history to life with demonstrations and interactive activities for all ages. See many of our artifacts in operation including our 115-ton Corliss Steam Engine, operate a 19th century printing press, see a ribbon loom in action. Little ones can practice their S.T.E.A.M. skills with hands-on activities or color their own special holiday-themed “Tug” coloring page. Our unique gift shop will be offering 10% off select merchandise (20% for members). All included with regular museum admission (youth 12 and under FREE on Sunday).
On December 27th, the Corliss engine will run at 11:30am and 2:30pm. A special lecture “The Snow Corliss Engine at NMIH” by NMIH Historian Mike Piersa will take place at 1pm in the Barnette Education Center.
Make a day of it – be sure to take advantage of our proximity to many wonderful eateries and retail shops. Visit the SouthSide Arts District page for details.

The Corliss Comes Alive! & Special Lecture
2024-12-27 11:30 - 14:30 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
The Corliss engine will run at 11:30am and 2:30pm. A special lecture “The Snow Corliss Engine at NMIH” by NMIH Historian Mike Piersa will take place at 1pm in the Barnette Education Center.
For more than a decade the museum’s staff, volunteers, and community partners worked to restore our massive 115-ton Corliss steam engine to working order, 105 years after being built by the Snow Steam Pump Works in Buffalo, N.Y. The engine was used by the York Water Company and pumped eight million gallons of water per day. Today the engine, the most powerful operating water works steam engine in North America, is a focal point of the museum’s 13,000 square foot exhibit space, where it has painstakingly been mechanically restored to its former glory and repainted its original color. Join us as we operate the engine and learn more about this fascinating piece of industrial history from the museum’s historian.
Included with Museum admission.

The Snow Corliss Engine at NMIH
NMIH historian Mike Piersa details the 115-ton stationary steam engine at the center of the Museum. This illustrated talk tells the history and operational restoration of the engine, built in 1914 by the Snow Steam Pump Works in Buffalo, N.Y. for use at the York Water Company in York, Pennsylvania, USA. Once capable of pumping eight million gallons of water per day, the engine is now most powerful operating water works steam engine in America.
This lecture is presented by NMIH Historian Mike Piersa. Mike graduated with a bachelor’s in history from Moravian College and a master’s in history from Lehigh University. He has been with NMIH for over 20 years and has been instrumental in the research and interpretation behind the museum’s collections as well as the restoration of historical industrial equipment both at the museum and at outside facilities. His quarry machinery preservation work resulted in him becoming an MSHA Certified Miner and taking leading roles in important restoration and preservation projects across the country, including the Bangor Quarry Hoist Project, a collaboration between the Totts Gap Arts Institute, the American Industrial Mining Company Museum, and the Borough of Bangor, PA. Mike has presented across the country on his work with industrial heritage and in 2019 published The Big Green Machine, a short book detailing the history, preservation, and operational restoration of NMIH’s 115-ton stationary steam engine.

Museum in Motion Days
2024-12-28 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-29 11:00 - 15:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, 18015, United States
