Steelworkers Archives Celebrates 10 Years

The Steelworkers' Archives celebrated 10 years of preserving the history of Bethlehem Steel workers with an open house Friday at the of Northampton County Community College.

Tours by former workers of the plant were given, and photos, most for sale, and other memorabilia were displayed in a gallery showing images of the iconic steel plant and the people who ran it.

A dinner was held in the evening, where former workers gathered and shared anecdotes.

The Steelworkers' Archives, founded in 2001, aims to preserve the legacy of Bethlehem Steel and the stories of its workers, who numbered nearly 265,000 in the plant's heyday.

The last cast was poured at the plant on Nov. 18, 1995.

Archive organizers hope to create a permanent community center in SouthSide Bethlehem for the preservation of the history of the steelworkers, including images, artifacts and memorabilia. Additionally, the group says it wants to create a searchable genealogical data base so people will be able to learn about family members that worked at Bethlehem Steel.

The project is ongoing, and organizers invite former steelworkers to register. In addition to video and audio recording, the group is looking for photos, letters, clothing and other artifacts.

More volunteers, and of course donations are also sought.

For more information, contact the Steelworkers' Archives at 610-861-0600 or visit their website at www.steelworkersarchives.com