THE NATIONAL IRON & STEEL HERITAGE MUSEUM

The National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum in Coatesville was established by the Graystone Society (a public charity). The museum serves to educate the public on the important role of the iron & steel industries within the region and the nation as a whole. Featured on the museum grounds in addition to the old 120 foot mill: GRAYSTONE MANSION: Designed by Philadelphia architects Cope and Stewardson in 1889, this home is a fine example of the Collegiate Gothic style of architecture. It was home to Abram Francis Huston, grandson of Rebecca Lukens and Lukens Steel Company's second President. The building was Coatesville City Hall from 1939 to 1992. TERRACINA: A wedding gift from Rebecca Lukens to her daughter Isabella and son-in-law Dr. Charles Huston, Terracina was built in 1850. The home is an example of the Country Gothic style of architecture: notice the roof peaks and the lattice woodwork. Dr. Huston became proprietor of the iron works in 1849 and was elected Lukens Steel Company's first president in REBECCA LUKENS: Born in 1794 to Isaac Pennock, founder of Brandywine Iron Works & Nail Factory, Rebecca married Dr. Charles Lukens, who became proprietor of the works. After Dr. Lukens died in 1825, Rebecca operated the works and all of the site's supporting businesses, becoming America's first female industrialist. She turned a small local mill into a national one, and established a reputation for quality iron. She died in 1854 and in 1890, the works became Lukens Iron & Steel Company, named after Rebecca Lukens. STEELWORKERS MEMORIAL: This memorial honors those that lost their lives at the Coatesville steel site {names are on marble piece). The centerpiece is a World Trade Center steel trident. Made in Coatesville, these steel tridents were the last pieces still standing after the Twin Towers collapsed on September 11th, 2001. NISHM has 500 tons of WTC steel, with plans for future display. LUKENS EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING: Built in 1902 (and back addition in 1916) the LEOB served as Lukens Steel Company's corporate headquarters until 1998. It was home to the company administration. Today, it is home to local businesses and NISHM's exhibits.