national museum of industrial history

Sunday it was gloomy like it was going to rain, but I walked anyway. There was a festival at Steel Stacks with an outdoor theme. I decided to check it out. Since I was walking that far I did the south Bethlehem volkssport walk as well.

The festival was okay. I really didn't spend too much time there. They did have a competition for dogs to jump in the water. Most said no thank you and ran back to their owners.

It started to rain. Of course, I had laundry hanging out, but I would never get home in time to take it down. If it did more than drizzle, it would get a rainwater rinse.

I honestly didn't know what to expect. I think I might have expected a lot of steel information because it's on Steel property. I was pleasantly surprised. Of course one area is iron and steel. That's a given. Propane was another (Air products influence? But they aren't listed as a corporate sponsor.)  Machinery is another large portion. And finally silk. Yes. This is not a museum dedicated to male laborers. I was impressed.

And I have to tell you the typography on the machines was exquisite.

My largest concern is everything was so clean. Like it was taken out and cleaned up an repainted. It was all huge.

When you pay (it's $12.95 for an adult. Is that high in 2017?) they give you a "time card" as your ticket and you have to "punch-in". I'm old enough to have punched in for work, but for people who never did, I bet it's fun.

The front gallery is a changing one and because it's summer the exhibit is all about baseball. Who knew the Bethlehem Steel had a team in 1919.  There were displays on making bats and a deconstructed glove and ball so you could see how they were built.

There was also a timeline to show baseball in the LV, ending with the Pigs.

I think this museum, coupled with the trestle, would be a great family outing if the kids were over about 7. Maybe I'll take Eryn's boys. Though Kool J might be too cool, and too old, at 15.

Miles/Steps: 5 3/4.
Bathrooms:   none used
Wildlife:        none, really
Weather:       Upper 60s and drizzle.
$ Found:        Zip
Extras:           When I reached the 5-points the rain began in earnest. Maybe I shouldn't have stopped at the market. When I arrived home the wash was wet.