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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Take a step into our region’s past at the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) on Saturday, June 12th and Sunday, June 13th as they host 1876 World’s Fair Weekend and celebration of engineering, industry, and culture that pays tribute to the first World’s Fair hosted in the United States.
Visitors can watch as a 115-ton steam engine comes to life, see a working Bethlehem Steel locomotive, and hear the melodies of the Antebellum Marine Band. ‘President Grant’ played by a professional reenactor will recreate the historic speech opening the Centennial International Exhibition and engineers of all ages can try their hand at running an antique printing press.
145 years ago, in 1876, Philadelphia hosted the Centennial International Exposition, considered the country’s first World Fair. Visitors from 37 countries trekked to the site, located on a sprawling 450 acre campus, with nearly 10 million visitors taking in the sights, sounds, and smells across the span of six months.
The Exposition’s Machinery Hall, the second largest building on the grounds, plays an important role in the country’s industrial history and in the halls of NMIH. Everything from massive steam engines to intricate woodworking machinery were on display, fully introducing America’s industrial might on the world’s stage for the first time.
All activities are included in the museum’s regular admission. Guests are required to wear masks inside the museum. More information, including descriptions of events, schedules, presenter bios, and more can be found at nmih.org/1876-worlds-fair-
About the National Museum of Industrial History
A Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History is dedicated to preserving America’s rich industrial heritage. Housed in an 18,000-square-foot, 100-year-old former Bethlehem Steel facility on the largest private brownfield in America, the Museum is home to exciting exhibits, engaging programs, and amazing history. Learn more at nmih.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Glenn Koehler
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
National Museum of Industrial History
