National Museum of Industrial History – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania - Atlas Obscura

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National Museum of Industrial History

A former plant in one of the hubs of U.S. steelmaking has been turned into this museum celebrating the history of American industry. 

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The original Electric Repair Shop of the Bethlehem Steel plant has been transformed into the National Museum of Industrial History. Located on the SteelStacks arts and culture campus, this unusual museum opened in 2016. It explores the past, present, and future of industry through engaging stories of the machines and people that transformed the U.S. during the Industrial Revolution.

The collection includes many rare pieces from industries including textile, steel and iron, and propane gas, many of which are kept in working condition. Exhibits include a hot air balloon simulator showing one of the many uses of propane gas, and the original Jacquard Loom that produced fabric for the White House for almost 80 years, including a piece of fabric produced for President John F. Kennedy.

The museum is located near the Hoover Mason Trestle.

Know Before You Go

There are restaurants and retail shops located on the campus as well.

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November 29, 2021

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