The National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum has announced the acquisition of two historic mill buildings, as a gift from ArcelorMittal.

The two buildings, known as the 120″ rolling mill and the motor house, will expand the museum area, and will be key factors in the revitalization of Coatesville, as the former steel production buildings will be flipped into a museum centered on the story and science of iron and steel manufacturing.

The combined space of more than four acres in both buildings will add immense exhibit and programmatic space to the education-based museum. The new space will focus on visitor displays, large-scale exhibits, and artifacts of iron and steel processes, products, and people.

While ArcelorMittal and its predecessor companies have been continuously producing iron and steel in Coatesville since 1810, these two buildings, built as part of the World War II effort, were where steel for battleships, aircraft carriers, submarines, as well as destroyers, landing craft, and tank parts were manufactured.

Production was halted at these sites in 1982 when the actual rolling mill was moved to another plant in Conshohocken. The acquisition of these buildings began more than 20 years ago, when then-Lukens Steel and the Graystone Society had the idea to reuse an industrial building on the plant grounds for community purposes.

Due to numerous ownership changes at the steel mill, the plan was often put aside as new owners were brought up to speed on the request.

But the vision was to become reality with the help of current plant management, Ed Frey, General Manager of ArcelorMittal’s eastern plate division, and his team.

“ArcelorMittal Coatesville is pleased to transform a 20-year vision into a reality through the donation of the 120″ rolling mill and motor house to the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum,” said Frey. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support from our leadership at both the USA and corporate levels.

“As the oldest continuously operating steel mill in the U.S., we have a long history here in Coatesville. Yes, we produce steel that is critical to our modern life, but we also strive to be an active and welcomed member of this community. We are excited to share our industry’s history and advancements in innovation with our neighbors, children, and visitors alike.”

The museum will appeal to visitors of all ages. Educational exhibits will take the visitor through the world of how steel is made, with a special focus on science and engineering. Visitors will enjoy the multitude of structures, from bridges, public buildings, to military vehicles that contain steel.

The site will need work before it is visitor-ready.

For the phased opening, a portion of the motor house is planned to open to visitors first, with the entire facility opening in the coming years. With its full opening, Chester County will witness a unique venue, offering over 89,000 square feet of enclosed space.

“This is an event we have anticipated for a very long time here at the museum,” said Scott Huston, NISHM president and a direct descendant of Rebecca Lukens. “To finally be able to show visitors the lifecycle of steel in its entirety and view the World Trade Center tridents as they once stood is a great honor.

“But most importantly, to ignite passion in young minds to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math is critical to our collective future.”