Bethlehem, December 6, 2021 – State Senators Lisa Boscola and Pat Browne today announced $1,000,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding to the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) for its Second Floor Expansion project.
“America was built and our freedom protected in large part through the industrial efforts of the men and women of the Lehigh Valley and preserving that history here is a tremendous asset to our community and our Commonwealth,” Boscola stated. “This state investment will allow The National Museum of Industrial History to provide more opportunities to learn about our industrial past, providing the keys to future innovations through opening minds and inspiring the visionaries of tomorrow. I’d like to thank Senator Browne for working together on making this important investment possible.”
“The Lehigh Valley is home to a rich industrial history that has impacted our world, whose ripple effects can be felt to this day,” Senator Browne said. “This vibrant past is in large part curated by the National Museum of Industrial History, allowing for our children and future generations to better understand the importance of our industrial heritage and the influence it has had on our region and country. I am proud to work with Sen. Boscola to secure these funds to help the Museum accomplish this vital mission.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of NMIH, we are so grateful to the Commonwealth of PA, Senator Lisa Boscola, and Senator Pat Browne for supporting the Museum in its endeavors to raise industrial history to new heights with our second-floor expansion project,” said Kara Mohsinger, President & CEO of the National Museum of Industrial History. “These enhancements will help NMIH tell a more diverse and inclusive story of the transformative role of our industrial past, present and future through dynamic exhibits, engaging programs and robust educational offerings.”
The National Museum of Industrial History’s mission, in affiliation with the Smithsonian Institute, is “to forge a connection between America’s industrial past and the innovations of today by educating the public and inspiring the visionaries of tomorrow.” In furthering its mission NMIH will be expanding the second floor of its museum. The main objective in maximizing the existing space is to create a larger exhibit area. This will enable NMIH to display more of its over artifacts and archives that are currently inaccessible to the public. It will also secure its sustainability by attracting a larger and recurring audience to the museum. Additionally, it will also allow NMIH to address issues with the storage of its artifacts.
The RACP (Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program) is used for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. Qualifying projects have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, help create or maintain jobs, and generate economic activity.
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