PA Museums

The National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County

If you’re looking for information about visiting the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, you’re in the right place!

A plaque at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, designating the Lukens Historic District as a National Historic Landmark. The plaque, installed by the National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior in 1994, recognizes the district's national significance in commemorating the history of the iron and steel industry in the United States. The plaque is mounted on a stone surface.

The museum, located in the heart of Coatesville, is comprised of a collection of buildings, artifacts, and exhibits that illuminates the region’s vital role in the iron and steel industry in America.

The exterior of an old steel mill at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, showing a long brick building with large, broken windows. The building features rusted metal structures on the roof and water towers, with overgrown vegetation at the base. The scene depicts a historic industrial site in a state of disrepair, highlighting the legacy of steel manufacturing in the area.

By collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting this industrial heritage, the museum provides visitors with a comprehensive look into the area’s iron and steel-making past.

An exhibit at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, showcasing Lukens Steel Company's contributions to the Union Pacific Railroad. The display includes a vintage advertisement highlighting a boiler section rolled in Lukens' plate mill and a model steam locomotive labeled "New York Central 6343." The advertisement emphasizes the strength and durability of Lukens steel used in locomotive construction. The exhibit illustrates the historical significance of Lukens Steel in the development of railroad technology.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum is located at 50 S 1st Ave, Coatesville, PA 19320.

Guided tours are available Monday through Saturday at 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm.

The entrance sign for the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, displayed on a brick pedestal with information about museum tour times. The sign indicates that tours are available Monday through Saturday at 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. Lush greenery surrounds the sign, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

A tour of the Visitor Center, Lukens Executive Office Building, and the 120″ Mill Motor Room costs $15.

A view of the Lukens Steel Executive Office of the President at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The office features a large wooden desk with various items neatly arranged, surrounded by classic wooden furniture, including bookshelves and cabinets. The room is decorated with framed photographs, a portrait of a past executive, and a window with elegant drapes. The setting is well-lit with both natural light from the windows and lamps, creating a professional and historic ambiance. A rug adds warmth to the hardwood floor, and various memorabilia and decorations reflect the industrial heritage of Lukens Steel.

For an additional $10, you can also explore the historic Terracina and Graystone Mansions.

A view of Terracina, a historic home at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The house features a Gothic Revival architectural style with decorative woodwork, tall chimneys, and green shutters. The well-maintained lawn has a paved walkway leading to the front porch, and mature trees provide a picturesque backdrop. A brick-lined basement entrance is visible in the foreground, adding to the home's historic charm.

If you’re a fan of 19th century architecture, I highly recommend you do this part of the tour as well.

An ornate foyer inside the Graystone Mansion at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The space features rich wooden paneling, a grand staircase with intricately carved railings, and a beamed ceiling. The foyer opens into a bright room with large windows, a chandelier, and period furniture, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Decorative elements such as framed artwork, a detailed cabinet, and a vase with flowers enhance the historical elegance of the mansion.

Tickets for general admission and add-on excursions can be purchased at the door upon arrival, and there is plenty of free off-street parking behind the museum.

The dining room inside Graystone Mansion at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The room features an elegant long dining table covered with a blue and burgundy tablecloth, surrounded by ornate wooden chairs with red upholstery. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding a touch of sophistication to the room. The wooden paneled walls and a fireplace with a wooden mantle enhance the historic charm. Floral arrangements and decorative candlesticks adorn the table, and the room opens into other areas of the mansion, showcasing its rich architectural details.

What You’ll See at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum

Upon entering the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum, you are greeted by the impressive Lukens Executive Office Building.

A front view of the Lukens Executive Office Building at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The Georgian Revival style building features a symmetrical brick facade with white trim, large windows, and multiple chimneys. The entrance is framed by an elegant portico and iron gates, with well-manicured shrubs and trees enhancing the formal appearance. The overcast sky adds a dramatic backdrop to the stately historic structure.

This building stands as a testament to the administrative and managerial prowess that drove the steel industry forward.

An informational sign at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, detailing the history of the Lukens Executive Office Building. The sign features images of A.F. Huston and C.L. Huston, Sr., as well as historical and contemporary photos of the building and its main lobby staircase. The text explains the construction and architectural details of the office building, which was designed in the elegant Georgian Revival style and completed in 1903. The building has been in continuous use since its construction and is now known as the Lukens Executive Office Building.

One of the highlights of the office building tour is this majestic grand staircase, a carved-oak masterpiece.

A grand staircase inside the Lukens Executive Office Building at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The staircase features rich wooden balustrades and a green carpeted runner. The woodwork is intricately detailed, showcasing fine craftsmanship. At the top of the stairs, a landing is adorned with framed artwork, adding to the elegant and historical atmosphere of the building.

The Visitor Center

The Visitor Center, your next stop, offers an in-depth look at the steel-making process.

As you delve deeper into the exhibits, you’ll uncover the fascinating history of the American steel industry.

A detailed model of a blast furnace process on display at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The exhibit includes miniature representations of the blast furnace, rail cars, and surrounding industrial structures. Informational panels explain the blast furnace process, describing how molten iron is produced. A monitor above the display shows related video footage, and additional diagrams provide context about steel production. The exhibit offers an educational and visual representation of the steel-making process.

You’ll also see examples of different industrial uses for Lukens steel, like in the production of steamboats.

A display at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, featuring detailed scale models of historical steamboats, including the "River Queen" and "Robert E. Lee." The models are showcased in a glass case, highlighting the intricate design and craftsmanship of these iconic vessels. The exhibit likely emphasizes the role of Lukens Steel in the construction of steamboat boilers, illustrating the company's impact on river transportation.

The Motor House

The 120″ Mill Motor House is a highlight, revealing the powerhouse behind the 120″ rolling mill complex.

An exterior view of a historic Lukens Steel Mill building at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The large industrial structure features a combination of brick and metal siding, with numerous tall windows that allow natural light to enter. The building has an aged, weathered appearance, with some wooden doors and overgrown vegetation in the surrounding area. The clear blue sky with scattered clouds provides a striking contrast to the industrial scene.

This massive motor room exemplifies the sheer scale and power required to produce steel.

An interior view of the 120" Mill Motor House at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The large industrial motor, with its intricate and robust design, is surrounded by a metal railing and accessed by a set of stairs. The setting includes brick walls, exposed metal beams, and a stairway leading to an upper level. The area exhibits signs of wear and industrial use, reflecting the historical significance of the machinery and its role in steel production.

One of the more unique exhibits in the Motor House is the Guppy submersible, a two-person electric-powered submarine built with Lukens steel.

The Guppy submarine on display at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The white, spherical submersible, labeled "GUPPY-1," is exhibited in an indoor setting with informational signage in front. The submarine, built by Sun Shipbuilding, features a distinctive design with a rear propeller and viewing ports. The display is accompanied by other related maritime models and artifacts, highlighting the innovative engineering and historical significance of the submersible.

This exhibit highlights the innovative uses of Lukens steel in various fields, including underwater exploration.

An exhibit at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, featuring detailed information about the Guppy submersible. The display includes diagrams and photographs explaining the construction and use of the Guppy, built by Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company with steel provided by Lukens Steel Company. It highlights the submersible's specifications, including its weight, dimensions, and the cost to build. Additional panels provide insights into the steel finishing processes like galvanizing and electroplating.

The Motor House is also where your find a 1965 GMC American LaFrance Fire Engine and a 1965 International Travelall Ambulance on display.

These exhibits showcase the level of self-sufficiency the Lukens steel mills had by providing their own first responders.

The Mansions

For those interested in historic architecture, the museum offers guided tours of two historic ironmasters’ homes: Terracina, built in 1850, and Graystone Mansion, constructed in 1889.

A side view of Terracina, a historic Gothic Revival mansion at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The mansion features intricate woodwork, tall chimneys, and green shutters. The central bay window adds a distinctive architectural element, and the lush greenery surrounding the house enhances its picturesque charm. The sky is overcast, adding a dramatic backdrop to the elegant historic home.

These homes provide a glimpse into the lives of the individuals who were instrumental in the iron and steel industry’s development.

The parlor inside Graystone Mansion at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The room features rich wood paneling and large windows with wooden shutters, allowing ample natural light. A beautifully carved wooden fireplace with a decorative mantle serves as the focal point. The parlor is furnished with a set of antique wooden chairs and a sofa, all upholstered in deep red velvet. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding elegance to the space. A large rug covers the hardwood floor, and floral arrangements adorn the room, enhancing its historic charm.

The elegance and craftsmanship of these mansions are a stark contrast to the industrial appearance of the steel mills.

Graystone Mansion at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, is a grand stone building with intricate architectural details. The mansion features multiple chimneys and large windows that enhance its historic charm. A curved pathway leads to the entrance, which is framed by a covered porch. The well-maintained lawn and lush green bushes add to the scenic beauty of the property. The stone facade and pointed rooflines give the mansion a stately appearance, showcasing its historical significance and architectural elegance.

Exterior Exhibits

The exterior exhibits at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum are equally impressive, like this Sonarsphere, built at Lukens Steel in 1984.

A large, rusted sonarsphere displayed on a flatbed trailer at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The spherical structure features numerous holes and is set against a backdrop of trees and a partly cloudy sky. A banner next to the display provides information about the sonarsphere and its construction by the Lukens Steel Company. The surrounding greenery adds to the industrial artifact's striking presence.

A sonarsphere is a mammoth, dimpled steel ball weighing 27 tons that contains 1245 hydrophones (underwater microphones), the heart of the advanced sonar suite on a nuclear attack submarine.

An informational display at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, explaining the function of a sonarsphere used in submarines. The display includes a photograph of a large steel ball with numerous holes, representing the sonarsphere. The text describes how the 27-ton sonarsphere, located in the bow of the submarine, contains 1,245 hydrophones (underwater microphones) that detect sounds in the ocean, providing vital information to the submarine crew about their surroundings.

There’s also a 1911 HK Porter 0-4-0-T narrow gauge steam locomotive parked near the museum’s entrance, which would have been used to transport raw materials and finished steel plates around the steel mill property.

A historic steam locomotive labeled "Lukens" displayed at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The black locomotive, numbered 10, is coupled with a series of rusty industrial rail cars. The train is set on a track surrounded by lush green trees and open grassy areas, with a partly cloudy sky adding to the scenic backdrop.

One of the most moving outdoor exhibits at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum is a steel “tree” from the North Tower at the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in a terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

A large steel trident, known as the World Trade Center "Tree," prominently displayed in front of an industrial building at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The structure is surrounded by a small fenced area with benches and a commemorative plaque, with lush green trees framing the scene and a clear blue sky overhead.

These steel trees, produced at the Lukens Steel Mill in Coatesville, were used to frame the first nine floors of the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center, the world’s tallest buildings when they were built in 1969.

A close-up view of the World Trade Center steel trident made by Lukens Steel, showcasing the detailed and robust steel structure with its distinctive three-pronged design, exhibited at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA.

In 2010, a number of the steel trees which survived the towers’ collapse were returned to Coatesville and are now on display at the museum.

A plaque at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, detailing the history of the World Trade Center "Tree," a base column structure from the North Tower. The plaque explains that these columns, known as "trees" or "forks," were part of the lower stories' backbone and were among the only structures left standing after the towers collapsed on September 11, 2001. The steel for these trees was produced at the Coatesville steel mill by Lukens Steel, transported to New York for welding, and set into the buildings. The tree was donated by the New York Port Authority to the Graystone Society as part of the memorial.

Final Thoughts

The National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum offers a journey through time, highlighting the importance of Coatesville in the broader context of American industrial history.

An exterior view of an old steel mill at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The large industrial building features rusted metal siding, tall chimneys, and expansive windows. A chain-link fence with green vines and banners runs along the front of the building. The sky is partly cloudy, adding depth and texture to the scene, highlighting the historical and industrial significance of the site.

From the towering mill equipment to the intricately designed ironmasters’ homes, each artifact and exhibit provides insight into a bygone era of industrial prowess and community life.

An elegant parlor inside Terracina at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA, featuring a red upholstered settee and matching chairs, a grand chandelier, and tall windows with gold drapes. The room is adorned with period artwork, including a large portrait of two children, and a decorative fireplace with floral arrangements. A grand piano and additional antique furniture complete the sophisticated and historical ambiance of the space.

The guided tours are informative and engaging, bringing the story of iron and steel to life for visitors of all ages.

Models of steel production methods at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County PA.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about the region’s heritage, a visit to the museum will help you gain a deeper appreciation for one of the industries that helped shape America.

A lobby area inside the Graystone Mansion at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Chester County, PA. The room features rich wooden paneling and a portrait of a distinguished gentleman hanging above an ornate wooden bench with blue upholstery. The space is elegantly decorated with floral arrangements and period furniture, leading into a warmly lit adjoining room with a dining table and chandelier visible in the background. The wooden ceiling beams add to the historical and refined atmosphere of the mansion.

The Scranton Iron Furnaces stand as a monumental emblem of the city’s industrial past, dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, when Scranton was a thriving center of iron production.

A collage of images from the Scranton Iron Furnaces in Scranton, PA. The upper left image shows the exterior of the stone furnaces with arches and a modern observation deck. The upper right image features a closer view of an interior arch with a protective gate. The lower left image is a view looking down into the depths of a furnace, revealing its brick lining. The lower right image displays the site's welcoming sign, indicating it is managed by the Anthracite Heritage Museum and designated as a state historic site by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

The Carrie Blast Furnaces near Pittsburgh were in operation from 1884 until 1982, turning iron ore into purified, molten iron which was then used as an ingredient in the steel-making process.

Scenes from touring the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Allegheny County near Pittsburgh.

Curtin Village in Centre County is a beautifully-preserved and restored 19th century iron plantation, composed of the iron master’s mansion, the iron furnace, and the workers village.

Exploring Curtin Village in Centre County Pennsylvania.

Nearby Attractions

Longwood Gardens in Chester County is a horticultural paradise that happens to be one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world.

A collage of four photos from Longwood Gardens: The top left image shows the Main Fountain Garden with an elegant staircase and manicured hedges. The top right image captures the Italian Water Garden with symmetrical pools and a tall central fountain. The bottom left image features the lush conservatory with hanging plants and vibrant flowers. The bottom right image depicts a colorful flower-lined brick walkway in the Lakes District.

Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County preserves and interprets the story of the Battle of Brandywine, the largest and longest single day land battle of the American Revolution.

A collage of four photos from Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, showcases the historical significance of the site. The top left image features a historical marker detailing the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on September 11, 1777, where American forces attempted to halt the British advance. The top right image shows a cannon positioned in a field, representing the battlefield. The bottom left image depicts Washington's Headquarters, a stone house with a commemorative plaque. The bottom right image displays a museum exhibit with American military equipment, including firearms and a mannequin dressed in period attire. These images collectively highlight key aspects of the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

Find even more great spots to explore in Chester County and all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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