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At 2005's Reunion the Steelworkers' Archives, Inc. were invited to attend and answer questions to those who asked. We asked if they wanted us to put a page on our site. They consented, and we thought it is a news worthy organization that we want to hear about because they are trying to preserve our heritage as Bethlehem Steelworkers.
I would like to acknowledge that I am using and directly copying from their pamplet because it can't be written any better than Patricia Sonne and they wrote it.
After 122 wears of steelmaking and the employment of up to 165,000 people in 1957, the once number two US steelmaker, Bethlehem Steel, made its last cast in Bethlehem on November 18, 1995.
An overwhelming legacy remains
The Steelworkers' Archives was formed to ensure that the legacy of the Steelworkers is preserved.
"for 100 years, the lives of the people in the Lehigh Valley have been bound to the Bethlehem Steel Industry as it flourished and as it declined. Night and day , the pulse of the life of the people in the Lehigh Valley beat with the sounds of the steelmaking. Then there was silence and remembrance."
So begins Billee Nickel Smith, Producer/Videographer, in her script that grew out of the unsettling calm that followed Bethlehem Steel's close. In the spring of 2000, Smith went to bruce Ward, with her powerful vision -- The lives, the rich experiences, the culture, the dangers, the glory of Bethlehem Steel must be documented.
A Year later, after videotaping the personal histories of more than a dozen Steelworkers, Smith and Ward saw that much more needed to be done, and they reached out to the community. A small group of Steelworkers and community members who are interested in preserving the cultural history of Steelworkers soon formed the Steelworkers' Archives.
The goal of the Steelworkers' Archives is to create a permanent community center in Southside Bethlehem for the preservation of the history of Steelworkers -- their rich heritage and diverse cultures, their struggles and accomplishments. The Archives will collect and safeguard artifacts and memorabilla, documenting the extraordinary lives of the men and women who toiled to create steel. Visitors will be able to search genealogical records and learn about family members who worked at the steel. Video and audio recordings of Steelworkers are ongoing.
Contributions to the Steelworkers' Archives
Steelworkers are the legacy! The Achives will be most effective when every Steelworker is registered. Whether you have hours of stories or a few brief facts to share, the Archives invites you to please register with them. In addition to recording your story in text, video, and/or audio; photos, vidoes, letters, clothing, and artifacts are needed. All pieces, whether donated or on loan, will be documented, exhibited, and preserved according to Archives standards.
We are also in need of funds to support the collections and ultimate creation of a Steelworkers' Archives Community Center.
And we need volunteers to assist with Fundraising, Collections, Research, Planning and Developement, Marketing, and Public Relations.
We have a beautiful 4-color pin by Gail Hendricks on sale for $5.00. We also have a Steelmaking Kit - everything you need to make steel but a blast furnace for $5.00.
For registration information and all inquiries about interviews, collections, donations, and events, please contact us. We will be happy to arrange a video showing and/or an oral presentation for your local group, school, or organization. Our former Steelworkers are sure to captivate any audience!
Our goal is to create and preserve a lasting legacy for the whole community of Steelworkers, their families, and supporters. Contributions of any kind are vital to this community effort. Thank you for your interest and support.