This August, the National Museum of Industrial History celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of preserving America’s industrial heritage, educating future innovators, and strengthening community connections through history.

Since opening its doors to the public on the historic Bethlehem Steel campus in 2016, NMIH has welcomed visitors from across the United States and around the world to explore the stories, inventions, and people that transformed America through industry.

What began as a vision to preserve the nation’s industrial legacy has grown into a vibrant cultural destination serving families, students, educators, history enthusiasts, and lifelong learners through exhibits, educational programming, public events, and community partnerships.

“Our first 10 years have been about building a museum that honors the ingenuity, determination, and resilience that shaped America,” said Andria Zaia, president and CEO of the National Museum of Industrial History. “Every visitor, volunteer, member, donor, educator, and community partner has played an important role in that journey. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead to an exciting future that will allow us to share even more stories and inspire the next generation of innovators.”

Over the past decade, the museum has continued to grow both its campus and its impact. Major milestones include:

• 2016: Opening the National Museum of Industrial History to the public.

• 2020: Creating Foundry Park, a 17,000-square-foot outdoor exhibit and community space showcasing large-scale industrial artifacts and live demonstrations.

• 2020: Relocating the historic Steelworkers’ Veterans Memorial to the Museum plaza, preserving an important tribute to veterans who worked in America’s steel industry.

• 2022: Adding the Air Products Pavilion, expanding opportunities for educational programming, demonstrations, performances, and community events.

• 2026: Completing construction of the museum’s previously undeveloped second floor as part of the transformational Next Level: Raising Industrial History to New Heights capital campaign.

Once completed, the Next Level expansion project will nearly double exhibit space while adding flexible programming and event space, and immersive new exhibitions that broaden the stories of American innovation. The expanded second floor is scheduled to open fully to the public in 2027, ushering in the next chapter of the museum’s history.

“There is perhaps no more fitting place for this museum than Bethlehem,” said NMIH Board Chair Ken Rampolla. “The history of this city is intertwined with the history of American industry. The workers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and families who shaped this community helped forge the steel, products, technologies, and innovations that transformed America.”

Celebrating with the Community

To thank the community for 10 years of support, the National Museum of Industrial History will host a Half-Off Admission Day on Aug. 5, inviting visitors of all ages to experience the museum at a special anniversary rate. Film footage from the Museum’s Bethlehem Steel archival collection will stream throughout the day in the Barnette Education Center.

The celebration will continue throughout the year, with the Museum’s 10th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 7.

During the gala, NMIH will honor L. Charles Marcon for his extraordinary leadership and vision in helping establish the Museum and guiding its growth over the past decade. The evening will also recognize the remarkable contributions of Curtis “Hank” Barnette, Dennis Domchek, Laura Bennett Shelton and the many board members, donors, volunteers, staff, and community leaders whose dedication has made ten years of public engagement possible.

As the museum enters its second decade, its commitment remains unchanged: preserving America’s industrial heritage while inspiring tomorrow’s inventors, entrepreneurs, engineers, and makers through meaningful educational experiences and dynamic public programming.

“Ten years ago, we opened our doors with a belief that America’s industrial story deserved to be experienced, not just remembered,” Zaia said. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re building on that foundation with new exhibits, expanded programming, and new opportunities to inspire future innovators. The best chapters of the museum’s story are still ahead of us.”

For information about the museum’s anniversary events, the Next Level Capital Campaign, or the 10th Anniversary Gala, visit www.nmih.org.