Hill to Hill Bridge at 100

November 1, 2024 marked the hundredth anniversary of the opening of the Hill to Hill Bridge in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This vast concrete and steel structure is an important part of the community, carrying thousands of people a day across the Lehigh River. In addition to this practical aspect, the bridge is also a symbol of how several boroughs, each a distinct community, came together to form the unified City of Bethlehem. Learning about the events that led to its construction can shed light on the political, social, and industrial changes the region experienced in the early 20th century. As such, Moravian Archives and Lehigh University Special Collections are excited to present exhibits exploring this topic through a wide range of items from their holdings, as well as items loaned by other local historical institutions.

The Moravian Archives’ Bridging Bethlehem: 100 years of the Hill to Hill will present a comprehensive history of the river crossings of Bethlehem, offering a glimpse into the past through rare documents, photographs, and personal accounts. Chronicling the evolution of bridge-building in Bethlehem culminating in the construction of the Hill to Hill Bridge, highlighting the cultural and social impact these structures have had on the city and its residents. The exhibit will run from November 11, 2024 through December 2025. The Moravian Archives gallery is open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. 

Lehigh University Special Collections' Hill to Hill Bridge: Creative Genius of Lehigh Engineers will highlight the engineering, technological advancements, and Lehigh University alumni that made the Hill to Hill Bridge a marvel of its time. Featuring site plans, correspondence, engineering reports, photographs, postcards, and interactive displays, this  exhibit will provide an in-depth look at the innovative engineering education that made this bridge possible. Visitors will gain an appreciation for the challenges faced and overcome by the engineers and workers who brought the bridge to life.  The Lehigh University exhibit is located in the Bayer Galleria, Linderman Library, room 342, and is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.