View Unique Pieces from The Smithonian Institute's 1876 Centennial Exhibition Collection

Kutztown Folk Festival previews Bethlehem's National Museum of Industrial History artifacts

KUTZTOWN, PA (May 12, 2015)—The Kutztown Folk Festival, the oldest folklife festival in America, is celebrating its 66th year by partnering with Bethlehem's National Museum of Industrial History, currently slated for a 2016 opening.

Offering a sneak peek to the museum, the newly added vendor will have working machinery pieces related to the industrial revolution on display, including artifacts from the Smithsonian Institute's 1876 Centennial Exhibition Collection.

Items on display will include:

• Coal-fired forges, anvils, and other tools dating to the first decades of the twentieth century. Visitors will be guided through the hands-on process of forging an S-hook that they can take home with them.

• A Kerrihard Power Hammer. This belt-driven machine was built in Red Oak, Iowa between 1900 and 1930. It stands about five feet tall and weighs around 700 pounds. Experienced blacksmiths use it to forge heavier items for demonstration.

Located in a 102-year-old former Bethlehem Steel facility, the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) is dedicated to preserving America's rich industrial heritage. NMIH will tell the story of America's industrial achievements and the accomplishments of workers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and managers. The museum will preserve and share the story of industry's development from the 1800's up to today.

This year's Kutztown Folk Festival will run from June 27-July 5, 2015 with varying hours:

• Evening hours on select nights (June 27 and 28, July 3 and 4) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• June 29 and 30, July 1, 2, and 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission

Adult: $14.00
Senior (55 & older): $13.00
Junior (13-17): $5.00
Children (12 & Under): FREE
All-Week Pass: $24.00