National Museum of Industrial History | Bethlehem

The National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich industrial heritage of the United States. Located on the historic grounds of the former Bethlehem Steel plant, the museum highlights America’s transformation through industry and innovation from the 19th century to the modern era.

Location and Historical Context

The museum is housed in the Electric Repair Shop building, constructed in 1913, which was once part of the sprawling Bethlehem Steel complex—one of the most influential steel manufacturing sites in American history. Bethlehem Steel was vital to U.S. infrastructure, supplying steel for iconic projects like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Empire State Building, and the U.S. Navy fleet during both World Wars.

By situating the museum on this historic industrial site, the NMIH connects visitors directly with the legacy of American manufacturing and labor.

Museum Mission and Focus

The National Museum of Industrial History's mission is to celebrate, educate, and inspire through the preservation of industrial artifacts and stories. It focuses on:

The evolution of manufacturing technologies

The lives and contributions of industrial workers

The role of innovation in America’s growth as a global industrial power

The social and cultural impacts of industry on communities

Permanent Exhibits

The museum’s exhibits are extensive and designed to engage visitors of all ages:

Machinery Hall

Contains 21 major artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, making it a rare opportunity to see historically significant machinery outside Washington, D.C.

Highlighted piece: The Corliss Steam Engine, a 115-ton powerhouse from the 19th century that revolutionized industrial power generation. This engine demonstrates the immense scale and mechanical ingenuity behind early industry.

Iron & Steel

Focuses on the steelmaking process, emphasizing Bethlehem Steel’s key role in American industry.

Features tools and equipment, including the massive Nasmyth steam hammer—a 20-foot-tall machine used for forging large steel components essential to bridges, ships, and infrastructure.

Silk & Textiles

Explores the region’s once-thriving textile industry, particularly silk manufacturing.

Displays include a Jacquard loom (instrumental in producing complex silk patterns), which was even used in White House restoration projects, and artifacts from local silk mills like the Scalamandre Silk Mill.

Propane & Energy

Details the development of propane as an energy source and its impact on industry and daily life.

Visitors can interact with exhibits, including a hot air balloon simulation, demonstrating propane’s role in energy innovation.

Highlights the work of Walter O. Snelling, credited with pioneering modern propane production.

Outdoor Artifact Park and Expansion

In 2020, the museum expanded with a 17,000-square-foot outdoor park designed to complement the indoor exhibits and provide space for larger artifacts and interactive demonstrations:

Whitcomb Diesel-Electric Locomotive (1941): Fully restored and operational, this locomotive represents the diesel revolution in rail transport.

Bement, Miles & Co. Steam Hammer (1887): An 11-foot-tall hammer used to shape massive metal parts, demonstrating the scale of industrial machinery.

Wellman Engineering Charging Machine: The only one of its kind remaining in the U.S., used in steel production to charge furnaces.

Steelworkers Veterans Memorial: A solemn tribute to steelworkers who served in the U.S. armed forces.

Interactive steel forging and casting demonstrations bring to life the processes once fundamental to Bethlehem Steel’s operations.

Educational Programs and Visitor Experience

The NMIH is deeply committed to education:

Guided Group Tours: Docents provide detailed tours tailored for school groups, industry professionals, and general visitors.

Self-Guided Mobile Tours: Visitors can use mobile apps to explore exhibits at their own pace, including tours of the SteelStacks campus adjacent to the museum.

Youth and Family Programs: Includes summer mini-camps, field trips, and distance learning opportunities designed to engage young learners in industrial history and STEM concepts.

The museum offers programs to foster appreciation for industrial innovation and labor history, making it a valuable resource for educators and families.

Visitor Information

Address: 602 East 2nd Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM

Admission Fees: Reasonably priced with discounts for seniors, veterans, educators, and youth. Children under 6 enter free.

Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers amenities to accommodate all visitors.

Parking: Limited free parking is available, with additional paid parking nearby.

Summary

The National Museum of Industrial History is a unique and immersive destination that captures the spirit of American industry through its vast collection of machinery, artifacts, and stories. By preserving the legacy of Bethlehem Steel and related industries, the museum provides a powerful educational experience that honors the ingenuity, labor, and innovation that shaped modern America. Whether exploring massive steam engines, historic locomotives, or interactive exhibits, visitors gain a deep understanding of how industry transformed society and continues to influence the world today.