Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor facts for kids
The Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor is a special museum in Youngstown, Ohio. It helps us remember the important history of the steel industry. Steelmaking was a huge part of life in Youngstown for most of the 1900s. This museum is owned by the Ohio History Connection and run by Youngstown State University. The building itself looks like a steel mill, with cool, tall smokestacks. A famous architect named Michael Graves designed it.
How the Museum Started
The idea for this museum began in 1977. An Ohio State Senator named Harry Meshel thought it was important to remember the steel industry as it was changing. The next year, an office opened in downtown Youngstown to plan the museum.
In 1983, the state approved $3 million to help build it. A special ceremony to start construction happened in 1986. Building work began in 1989, led by Michael Graves and his team. The center first opened its doors with temporary exhibits in 1990. The museum then created its main collection and was officially opened in 1992.
What You Can See Today
The museum's main exhibit is called "By the Sweat of Their Brow: Forging the Steel Valley." This exhibit explores Youngstown's past as a steel-making city. You can see videos, old photos, real tools, and recreated scenes from the past. It shows what life was like for the people who worked in the steel mills.
Even though the museum is about a big part of Youngstown's history, it has sometimes been quiet. Not many local people knew about it or visited. Some thought the museum's hours made it hard for working people to visit. However, the Ohio History Connection still supports the center. It has stayed open even with rumors of closing. In one year (2006–2007), over 8,000 people visited the museum. That was 800 more visitors than the year before!
