BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) announced today that it received a $100,000 grant from the Air Products Foundation to educate future generations of entrepreneurs and inventors, highlight the importance of industrial safety in our past, present and future and introduce a new outdoor venue to the Lehigh Valley.

Safety has played a significant role in the history of American industry and continues to be of ever-increasing importance in modern manufacturing. As the museum’s official Safety Sponsor, Air Products will support new and enhanced features that highlight the ever-evolving story of safety in industry throughout the museum’s galleries, digital spaces, public programs and new outdoor park. A world-leading industrial gases company with over 80 years of prioritizing safety and sustainability, Air Products is a key community partner in bringing the past, present and future of the safety story to museum visitors of all ages.

“At Air Products, our commitment to safety for employees, customers and the communities in which we operate is unwavering. Every day we are dedicated to improving our safety performance around the world, preventing and eliminating injuries, and improving the performance of our facilities,” said Raymond R. Bailey, Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety and Quality at Air Products. “We are excited to collaborate with the National Museum of Industrial History to educate and engage the community.”

The grant will also support a new community space, the Air Products Pavilion, located in the museum’s upcoming Foundry Park. The 17,000-square foot park, which will nearly double the organization’s exhibit space, is set to open this summer. Designed by Alloy5 of Bethlehem, the 15’ x 30’ covered multi-use Air Products Pavilion will serve as a space for industrial demonstrations, youth educational programs, live performances and community gatherings. Construction is currently underway with a dedication ceremony planned for later in the year.

“On behalf of the board of directors, staff and volunteers at NMIH, I want to thank the Air Products Foundation for this gracious gift to the community after a very trying year for everyone,” said Kara Mohsinger, President and CEO of NMIH. “Instilling an understanding of safety’s importance in future workers and teaching about the sometimes harsh conditions in factories during the Industrial Revolution is an important part of what we do. This grant not only allows us to better highlight those ideas but also gives us a beautiful new place to come together as a community.”

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
 

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