Create Change FREE to BE National Museum of Industrial History, Bethlehem In the 20th century, the Great Migration brought thousands of Black families north from the Jim Crow South. They settled in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg, providing manpower to steel mills, railroads, and factories. But their contributions weren’t only economic — they sparked cultural renaissances. Pittsburgh’s Hill District and Philadelphia’s South Street corridor became cradles of Black creativity, music, culture, and resistance. Immigrants from Europe, too, helped power Pennsylvania’s rise as an industrial 42 visitpa.com GLENN KOEHLER/NMIH giant. From coal miners in Anthracite Country to steelworkers in Bethlehem, they labored tirelessly to forge modern America. Explore these stories at Bethlehem’s Hoover-Mason Trestle at SteelStacks , a historic steel plant transformed into a modern arts and culture campus. The plant’s former electric repair shop now houses the National Museum of Industrial History , which has a vast collection of machinery on display. About 85 miles southwest in Coatesville, the 20-acre National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum has an impressive collection of large-scale steel artifacts, including a narrow-gauge locomotive and submarine sonarsphere, highlighting the capabilities of the material. Or step into the shoes of a coal miner at the Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton, which shines the spotlight on the brave souls who endured harsh working conditions underground. Next, head to Ashland to explore a real anthracite coal mine at Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train . Ride an open mine car 1,800 feet into the side of Mahanoy Mountain, then walk through the dimly lit tunnel as your
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Travel Guide 2026: Page 42
