There have been two major developments concerning the site of Bethlehem Steel in Bethlehem, PA. An agreement of sale for the site intended for Beth Works (of which the National Museum of Industrial History would be a component) has been signed. The buyer is a local lawyer and political leader. He was selected from several potential buyers by the current landowner, ISG (International Steel Group). Since the previous developer dropped out, ISG has been searching for a single developer who will redevelop the site in accordance to the original Beth Works plan. More information is available at:
http://www.pennlive.com/news/expresstim ... 886550.xml
Since that article was written, the agreement of sale has been confirmed. This fact, and more news, including comments from BethlehemÂ’s mayor, is in a Morning Call article at:
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethleh ... hlehem-hed
Finally, there was also an announcement this week that tours of the site will be available June 11-13. They will be 25 minute bus tours leaving from the Historic and Cultural Festival that will be held under the Hill-to-Hill Bridge. Riders will not be permitted to leave the bus, but the trips will take visitors near the Ore Bridge, Blast Furnaces, the Number Two machine shop (slated to be the future home of the National Museum of Industrial History) and some of the empty structures intended for retail development. Driving through the plant, the Hoover-Mason trestle will be visible as will the ore trolleys above it. A Philadelphia, Bethlehem, and New England Railroad diesel locomotive and a few slugs coupled to it should also be within sight. More information is available at:
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethleh ... hlehem-hed
Details will also be posted in the future at:
http://www.steelworkersarchives.com
piersa@ptd.net