Propane Exhibit at National Museum of Industrial History Becomes Reality

(Bethlehem, PA) Aug. 2, 2016 – After several decades of hard work, research, artifact collection and countless hours of volunteer time, a permanent museum exhibit, Propane: A Century of Challenges and Opportunities, has officially opened that tells the story of propane and showcases the history and contributions of the propane industry. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Aug. 2, 2016, celebrating the Grand Opening of the new National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH), in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Museum is home to exciting exhibits, engaging programs and amazing history that chronicles the many contributions that paved the way for our nation’s industrial revolution. The celebration continues its Grand Opening this weekend, August 5-7, 2016. A schedule of special programs includes: insider tours, a live, on-site broadcast with WLEV, youth activities, and more.

Propane industry members are encouraged to attend an exclusive propane industry event, September 10, 2016. The evening will feature guest speakers, guided tours of the exhibit, networking, food, cocktails, wine and beer. Sponsorships and on-going support opportunities are available. For information please contact The Young Gassers at

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The mission of the National Museum of Industrial History, in affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, 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. The National Museum of Industrial History celebrates the accomplishments of inventors, industrialists, and workers, while preserving a record of industry’s advancements from the mid-1800s to the present. The museum dubbed, “the Museum about Building America,” recognizes propane as one of the key pillars in the foundation of American industry, along with steel and textiles. It comprises a 1,200 sq. ft. education center with more than 200 historically-significant artifacts and interactive displays throughout. Over 50,000 visitors are expected annually. Opening day hosted more than 200 visitors, as well as museum founders, special guests and dignitaries.

“This Museum is a culmination of the vision, hard work and collaboration of so many individuals, as well as government and community partners,” remarked L. Charles Marcon, Chairman of the NMIH Board of Directors, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We are excited to be the newest institution on the vibrant SteelStacks campus.”

Amy Hollander, NMIH President & CEO addressed the crowd stating, ”We look forward to inspiring tomorrow’s inventors and achievers, educating audiences about the transformation of America from an agrarian society to an industrial giant, and working with public, private, and non-profit partners to attract visitors to explore local and national industrial roots.”

The propane portion of the museum includes interactive exhibits chronicling the history of propane in America, as well as a mock hot air balloon and aerial footage of the propane supply chain from production to customer — exhibits also showcase propane’s many applications and uses. Industry artifacts include digital images of the original stock certificates and demonstration equipment from Gasol, the company started by Walter O. Snelling, the father of propane; to equipment, ad campaigns, and many historical images. The facility also offers permanent storage for many of the industry archives collected over the last several decades. The Young Gassers organization, which took the reins of the project when the Ancient Gassers merged into their group, has also been archiving a digital collection of nearly 2,000 historical images which continues to grow. These will eventually be available online for use, with permission, by propane industry members. The museum gift shop features Propane In America: The First 100 Years, 1912-2012, the iconic book published by BPN that chronicles the unique history of the propane industry and includes historical photos and documents.

The building donated to this effort is a 40,000-square-foot, 100-year old former Bethlehem Steel facility on the largest private brownfield in America. Bethlehem Steel was incorporated in December 1904, when it was acquired by Charles Schwab, who built it into the second largest steel company in the country. Additionally, Bethlehem, also known as Christmas City, USA, has a number of highly popular tourist events including art, music, Celtic, and Christmas festivals that are known throughout the region attracting a steady flow of visitors.

From Aug. 5 to Aug. 14, 2016 the Museum will be open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Regular hours will be Wednesdays through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $12 for adults; $11 for seniors, students, and veterans with valid identification; and $9 for children ages 7-17. Children 6 and under are free. More information can be found at

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