CURRENT EXHIBITS:
The Steel that Built the West exhibition examines the rich sesquicentennial (150) history of the company’s presence in Southern Colorado from its predecessor to its current operations. The exhibit features many “never before seen” artifacts and photos exploring the various mills and changes in technology in our main exhibit–from Bessemer Converters and open hearth furnaces in the late 1800s to the super sophisticated use of solar power that will be soon be in use at the Pueblo plant. Other exhibits explore the company’s adopted social engineering program which included development of company stores, schools, housing and recreational benefits for the employees and their families.
Water is Life:
Our relationship with water is both deep and enduring. We are attracted to water as a source of peace and contemplation, a place for recreation and making memories. Water is necessary in heavy industry for cooling purposes. Water helps shape and sculpt the landscape. Humans and animals rely on water for health, hydration, food supplies, and hygiene. Water is a shared resource. Water connects everyone and water is life.
H2O Today:
H2O Today invites visitors to explore the beauty and essential nature of water, our planet’s lifeblood. Through immersive content, interactives, and digital media, the exhibition explores the diversity and challenges of our global water sources and promotes conversation, creativity, and innovation across disciplines.
Exhibit underwritten by:
Bob and Doris Johnston Foundation
Kathrine Thomson
PAST EXHIBITS
“Not Just a Man’s World: The Women of CF&I”
Heavy industry is typically a male dominated profession, however, women were associated with CF&I in various capacities starting in the earliest days of the company. Serving in traditional female roles such as nurses in the company hospital or teachers in the company schools, a shift occurred around WWI when women began working more in the offices in various capacities. By World War II, their presence was seen throughout company operations including working in mill production areas.
YMCA
After the company implemented the Employee Representation Plan in 1915, CF&I formed a partnership with the Y.M.C.A. and offered a variety of recreational activities to employees and their families. Activities included a variety of sports teams, swimming pool, bowling alley, various classes for learning hobbies and new skills and library. The Steelworks YMCA, with smaller branches in the mining communities, entertained employees and their families until the mid 1960s.
Minnequa University Club
Steelworks Museum will be exhibiting the stories and history of the Minnequa University Club with an opening in May. Do you have items from the Minnequa Club? Photos and papers can be donated, scanned or copied and memorabilia donated or loaned. Contact our Museum Curator, Victoria Miller at 719-564-9086, ext. 108 or victoria.miller@steelworks.us.
Lest We Forget: Pueblo Remembers the Great War
Lest We Forget: Pueblo Remembers the Great War, is an exhibit happening now through April exploring the history of World War I and the Puebloans who served. The traveling exhibit from the Pueblo City-County Library District features artifacts courtesy of Clyde Cremer and a poster courtesy of Bob and Laurel Campbell.
EVERYTHING FOR EVERYBODY: The Colorado Supply Company Store
For more than 50 years, the Colorado Supply Company operated in Pueblo just a few blocks west of the CF&I steelworks and managed branch outlets in the company mining districts. Offering items for sale including clothing, pharmacy, hardware, groceries, baked goods, and a newsstand, the store served as a “one stop shop” for employees and their families. The exhibit highlights the history of the store using collections from the Pueblo County Historical Society, Steelworks Center, and private collectors, and features dozens of 3-dimensional 1920s and 1930s period pieces similar to those sold in the store.