FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bethlehem, PA – The National Museum of Industrial History is pleased to announce the acquisition of a collection of archival materials from former Bethlehem Steel draftsman and local historian, the late Frank Fabian, and his wife, Bernice. Frank worked for Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 30 years, primarily in the blast furnace and coke oven divisions. He had a particular appreciation for history and collected materials related to the local history of Bethlehem, the surrounding areas, and the Bethlehem Steel Plant. Frank was especially knowledgeable on the history of Shimersville, not to be confused with Shimerville in Lehigh County. Shimersville was located just east of South Bethlehem and was an 18th and 19th-century mill village, harnessing the power of the Saucon Creek as it emptied into the Lehigh River. In 1920, the Bethlehem Steel Corporation purchased the land holdings and assets of this village and expanded plant operations here.
“These materials represent an important time of growth in the history of the Bethlehem Plant, and we are indebted to Mr. Fabian and his family for preserving and sharing them to enhance the knowledge of future generations.”, expresses Andria Zaia, President & CEO at the National Museum of Industrial History. Some highlights from the Frank & Bernice Fabian Collection include photographs of Bethlehem Steel employees and projects, newspaper clippings and articles, books, and engineering drawings. Frank and Bernice’s family stated that, “The Fabian Family is very grateful to the National Museum of Industrial History for this wonderful honor to our parents.”
This collection of archival materials will be preserved in the museum’s archives as an important resource for researchers and will be displayed as part of future exhibitions at the National Museum of Industrial History. A selection of these pieces will be on display during the upcoming Steel Weekend event at NMIH on October 11th and 12th. collection of materials was also donated to the Lower Saucon Historical Society by the Fabian family.
