The products and experiences that define one of America's leading manufacturing markets will be preserved for future generations when the “Made in Lehigh Valley” Time Capsule debuts Aug. 5 at the National Museum of Industrial History, adding another attraction for the projected 1 million+ visitors attending Musikfest nearby. 
Created through a partnership between the museum and Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) as part of the nation's 250th birthday celebration, the time capsule captures a snapshot of the region in 2026 and memorializes what the Lehigh Valley has long been known for: making products and making places.
The capsule includes items representing 18 manufacturers, businesses, and organizations whose products, innovations, and experiences reflect Lehigh Valley’s economy, culture, and quality of life. From Crayola crayons and Peeps to a Broadcom semiconductor and Musikfest mug, the collection showcases the diversity of a region where manufacturing drives the economy while innovation shapes its future.
“These products show the range of what the Lehigh Valley makes and the impact our region has on the world today. The National Museum of Industrial History tells the story of American ingenuity across the centuries, and we’re proud the Lehigh Valley is part of this chapter,” said Nicole Radzievich Mertz, Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Research at LVEDC.
The time capsule will remain on display until being sealed later this year. It will be opened in 2076, when the nation celebrates its 300th birthday.
“This time capsule celebrates the ingenuity, creativity, and manufacturing excellence that continue to define Lehigh Valley,” said Andria Zaia, President & CEO of the National Museum of Industrial History. “We’re proud to partner with LVEDC to preserve this moment for the people who will open it in 2076.”
Contributors to the “Made in Lehigh Valley” Time Capsule are:
- Air Products
- ArtsQuest
- Broadcom
- County Seat Spirits
- Crayola
- Just Born Quality Confections
- Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
- Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Lehigh Valley Phantoms
- Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
- Mack Trucks
- National Museum of Industrial History
- Olympus Corporation of the Americas
- OraSure Technologies, Inc.
- Smooth-On, Inc.
- Soltech Solutions
- State Theatre Center for the Arts
- Victaulic
Lehigh Valley is among the Top 15% of manufacturing markets in the U.S., based on Gross Domestic Product. More than 700 companies produce an output of $9 billion, representing 16% of the regional economy. Nationally, manufacturing makes up 11% of the economy.
Employment in manufacturing has grown at three times the national rate since 2010.
Housed in the former Electric Repair Shop of the Bethlehem Steel plant site on the vibrant SteelStacks arts & culture campus, the National Museum of Industrial History, a Smithsonian affiliate, is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. On Aug. 5, the museum will celebrate its 10th anniversary with 50% off admission and screenings of historic film footage from its Bethlehem Steel Corporation archival collections.