Community Interest
History and empowerment in SouthSide Bethlehem
This fall, SouthSide Arts District showcases two of SouthSide Bethlehem's local gems.
Just steps from Bethlehem’s iconic blast furnaces, the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) packs a powerful punch of history, horsepower, and hands-on fun. Housed in a former Bethlehem Steel building, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum invites visitors to crank, press, and explore their way through America’s Industrial Revolution.
Their permanent collection of more than 200 artifacts from the booming American industries of iron, steel, textiles, and more invites visitors to witness two centuries of innovation. Much of the machinery on display is in working order thanks to the tireless efforts of the museum’s historic conservators and machinists.
Popular attractions include occasional live demonstrations of “The Big Green Machine,” a massive 1895 Corliss steam engine that rumbles to life, and the Steel Locomotive Experience, where guests can step inside a fully restored 1941 Whitcomb narrow-gauge diesel-electric locomotive—Locomotive No. 7, affectionately known as “Tug”—and even learn how to operate the original controls.
NMIH just released their latest Halloween-themed title, belonging to an ongoing series of children’s books featuring Tug the tow tractor. “Tug’s Trick-or-Treat” was created by museum professionals Emily Marchello and Katie Rymon, and follows the lovable orange tow tractor on an adventure when he sneaks out of the steel plant on Halloween night to go trick-or-treating.
Families can meet the real Tug in person on October 11 and 12 during the museum’s annual Steel Weekend celebration, which highlights America’s steel legacy and features free admission, family-friendly activities, as well as live demonstrations including blacksmithing and even a molten iron pour.
Curious minds of all kinds are invited to fire up their imaginations and visit the Museum year-round, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10AM–5PM.
Tiffany Sondergaard founded ToastiQueen on the belief that every woman has a story worth sharing and celebrating. With over two decades of experience as a top strategic brand publicist and as founder and CEO of her own company, –ts Brand Elevation, Tiffany has done it all—from helping small businesses grow into sustainable brands to securing national exposure for major clients like Reebok International, Bath & Body Works, and Bioré. Her work has earned placements in Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, and USA Today. But Tiffany’s greatest passion lies in empowering women to define success on their own terms.
With that mission at the forefront, she launched the first ToastiQueen workshop in September 2023. Far from just another networking opportunity, a ToastiQueen event is a welcoming, inclusive space where women can feel at ease sharing their personal and professional journeys along with the challenges that accompany them.
ToastiQueen gatherings celebrate and amplify the voices of inspiring women, including authors, small business owners, corporations, and charity partners across the Lehigh Valley. Each event features one or more female guest speakers focusing on a unique or timely theme, and includes lunch at a top-tier local venue.
For those looking to move beyond the surface-level sparkle of name tags and business cards, ToastiQueen offers a space for genuine conversation, shared growth, and lasting camaraderie. Find tickets for the next event at tsbrandelevation.com.
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