Women have always played an important role at Bethlehem Steel, once the 2nd largest steel company in the country and the largest shipbuilder in the world. In the early 20th century, new markets for structural steel, shipbuilding, and armaments needed for the war effort prompted the need for more workers. Women started working in the plant during World War 1. Roles in the administrative offices offered more employment opportunities for women. And after the Consent Decree of the early 1970s, women increasingly were employed in various departments throughout the plant.
The Women of Steel Oral History project was conceived and spearheaded by Bette Kovach. Bette, Maureen Dresen, and Susan Vitez for Steel Weekend 2024. Our team was able to locate 19 remarkable women who were willing to share more with us about their careers. Thank you also to the documentary production crew of Ed Leskin, Bruce Ward, Mary Lafferty, Madelyn Dundun, and Bette Kovach. The preservation of these remarkable stories is an important way to continue to inspire our community’s future and the museum is committed to collection and preservation.
View the videos here.