Patty Biffen helped James Ziegler distribute the bright brochures that Ziegler shared at a recent Rotary meeting. The brochures provide information about the Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Coatesville, which chronicles the colorful local history of the iron and steel industry.
Ziegler, the executive director of the museum, was introduced by Patty, wife of Rotarian David Biffen. They are longtime friends and natives of Coatesville. Ziegler said the museum was established in 1985, its mission to let the nation know about the history of iron and steel. He told the history of Lukens Steel, which is well-known to most residents in this area. The plant, which now operates as ArcelorMittal, is the longest operating iron and steel operation in the country, making boilers and steel plates for ships. Steel from the Coatesville plant was used in several well-known structures, such as the World Trade Center Towers. The museum is part of a larger historical area in Coatesville called The Graystone Society, which houses other historical buildings, several undergoing renovation