For Immediate Release

Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax

BETHLEHEM, Pa., October 23, 1997 - Bethlehem Steel Corporation has signed Letters of Intent with the Discovery Center of Science and Technology and the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) that will lead to the leasing of the electrical repair shop for an IMAX film theater and a museum Preview Center as an integral part of the Bethlehem Works project. This action could bring Smithsonian artifacts to Bethlehem several years before the formal opening of the museum.

"With the sale of BethForge and CENTEC, the electrical repair shop, which is located along E. Third Street adjacent to the Discovery Center, will become available in December," said Curtis H. Barnette, chairman and chief executive officer, Bethlehem Steel. "That timing allowed Bethlehem to respond to the Discovery Center's long-expressed interest in the facility and to coordinate with NMIH for the early exhibition of Smithsonian artifacts. We are delighted to take these next steps to facilitate the development of a museum and entertainment showcase on our South Side property."

Both the Discovery Center and NMIH have begun feasibility studies, which are expected to be completed by the end of this year, to determine the necessary guidelines and standards for the projects to proceed, including making improvements to the building's lighting, heating, fire safety, security and handicap access. Bethlehem Steel has completed a preliminary analysis to determine that the building's space can accommodate both proposed uses.

The IMAX Film Theater

The IMAX film theater will be a state-of-the-art large-format film theater that will feature the latest in film productions. The 15/70 projection system provides a powerful and involving film experience. Utilizing the largest film frame ever, a giant five-story-high screen and six-channel digital sound, the experience in the IMAX film theater will put viewers in the action as they travel into outerspace, explore the depths of the ocean, ski in an Olympic race and ride the rapids through the Grand Canyon. IMAX film theaters are typically located in major cities or at major tourist destinations such as the Smithsonian Institution, Lincoln Center, Walt Disney World and the Grand Canyon.

"We are thrilled with the prospect of bringing this format to Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley," said William C. Hittinger, co-chairman of the Discovery Center's fundraising committee. "As a Bethlehem native and Interim President of Lehigh University, I am very excited to see the Discovery Center taking such a creative approach as part of its programming."

H. A. Wagner, chairman and chief executive officer, Air Products & Chemicals Inc., and co-chairman of the Discovery Center capital campaign, added, "The timing of this opportunity will give our campaign, which has received a $1 million pledge from Warren V. "Pete" Musser toward The Musser Theater, the momentum we need for success." Mr. Musser, a 1949 Lehigh graduate, is chairman and chief executive officer of Safeguard Scientifics, Wayne, Pa.

The Discovery Center of Science and Technology promotes learning in science, math and technology for all ages to apply science and technology in their daily lives. First located on the Lehigh University campus in 1989, the Center relocated in 1995 to 715 E. Third Street, Bethlehem. Its current location at 501 E. Third Street was purchased in 1996 from Bethlehem Steel Corporation as the Center's permanent site, which opened in April 1997 featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions for an estimated 75,000 visitors annually.

The Preview Center

The Preview Center is being planned by the NMIH, which earlier this month expanded upon the original Memorandum of Understanding with the Smithsonian Institution to include development of the Preview Center and extended plans for the larger, permanent museum. "The Preview Center, which could open by the end of 1998, will allow the NMIH to exhibit Smithsonian artifacts, to include the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, far earlier than if we had to wait for the museum to open," said Stephen G. Donches, president and chief executive officer, NMIH. An assessment is being conducted to determine the appropriate objects for display at the Preview Center under a long-term agreement with the support of The Smithsonian.

J. Dennis O'Connor, provost of the Smithsonian Institution, said the "coordinated programming among Lehigh University, Bethlehem Steel and the National Museum of Industrial History is exactly what we at the Smithsonian had envisioned from the start. Our affiliation with this industrial leader's historic site and with a leading academic institution with its own engineering history creates the right conditions for outreach to people who want to learn about the industrial development of our country."

The Preview Center would display industrial artifacts similar to what will be displayed in the NMIH. Changing exhibit galleries could also include collections from other sources that could be used to gauge public interest in future museum programming.

Educational Marketing Concepts

The NMIH has retained Educational Marketing Concepts of Wayne, Pa., to provide project management and administrative services, develop a fundraising and sponsorship plan, work with the Smithsonian Institution to plan programming for the Preview Center and permanent museum, and coordinate business planning. EMC conducted the feasibility study that led to the creation of the Discovery Center of Science and Technology.

Joseph D. Moore, chairman of EMC, will lead EMC's efforts on behalf of the NMIH Preview Center. Previously, Mr. Moore worked for The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia as executive vice president for programs and marketing and as acting president and chief executive officer. During his tenure at The Franklin Institute, he oversaw many aspects of the development of the Institute's $72 million Futures Center, which includes an Omnimax theater, and the securing of $10.5 million in federal funding for the Center for Advanced Technologies Training.

Clients of EMC include The Philadelphia Museum of Art, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center and Nauticus: The National Maritime Center.