“The Steel”
Held on the grounds of the former Bethlehem Steel Plant is “Steel Weekend.” This annual event, hosted by the National Museum of Industrial History, brings together pop-up exhibits, demonstrations, tours by the Steelworkers’ Archives, speakers, and more into one fantastic event. While I could only make it for the latter half of the last day, the event was still a blast. Here are some of the highlights.
Sunday's Riveting demonstration
Museum Historian Mike Piersa explaining the process of Riveting
Beneath the shadows of the furnaces, museum volunteers demonstrate riveting
Museum Volunteers demonstrating riveting
Andrew Morton gave presentations on his time at Bethlehem Steel. After spending 40 years at the Sparrows Point, Maryland plant, his stories were captivating.
Now however, Andrew’s work is still centered around Sparrows Point, but in Virtual Reality.
Learn More
The Steelworkers’ Archives
Giving tours of the former plant were members of the Steelworkers’ Archives. With the goal of preserving the history of steelworkers, the archives gives weekly tours of the plant and partnered with the NMIH for the event. Visitors could visit their display, talk to steelworkers, and walk the plant while hearing some of the incredible stories and facts from the source.
Archives President Joe Mayer speaking to people on one of the walking tours
Archives member Donald Young explaining the uses of some of the former plant buildings
Archives member Donald Young explaining the uses of the Whitworth Bending Press
Archives member Larry Neff stands at the base of Blast Furnace "A" during a walking tour
Archives member Larry Neff and tour members looking up at Furnace "A"
Tour members taking in the sheer size of the blast furnaces