Northwest Indiana Steel Heritage Project, Inc. has formed a
new organization to preserve the region's steel heritage that helped win two
world wars, provided jobs for generations of local steelworkers and formed
the base of the area's business development.
According to Northwest Indiana Steel Heritage Project Inc, "Steel was first
poured on the shores of Lake Michigan at the Indiana Harbor plant of Inland
Steel Co in 1902. Since then, Northwest Indiana has been home to some of the
largest steel plants in the country."
Mr. Bob Meyer, a fourth generation Northwest Indiana steelworker, is
president and one of steel project's founders. He and representatives of
labor, business and education comprise the organization's board of
directors. The board has adopted bylaws, filed the project's articles of
incorporation with the state and applied for status as a nonprofit
organization with the Internal Revenue Service.
The project's focus is to establish several satellite sites in Lake and
Porter counties to display and interpret both large and small steel related
artifacts, including personal effects such as service pins, identification
badges, photographs and other related items from former steelworkers and
their families.
The group also hopes to have a mobile, temporary display that can be set up
at local historical and educational functions. Its efforts already have won
pledges of support from the United Steelworkers union, US Representative Mr.
Pete Visclosky and ArcelorMittal USA. The group expects to work with
ArcelorMittal, U.S. Steel Corp., local tourism agencies and municipalities
to achieve its goals.
Mr. Tom Hargrove president of Local 1010, who is one of the project's board
members, said that anyone wanting to donate time and or materials to the
project is encouraged to attend.
Our President will post updates here from time to time..
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