A marching protest of Pueblo steelworkers and supporters. They carry signs reading "Don't Bank with Northwest. Don't Bank on Oregon Steel."

Current Exhibition

Steel City: 1980-2004

Steel City: 1980-2004 is an exhibit first and foremost about Pueblo, and its community. The Bessemer Steel Mill has over the last 140 years touched the lives of almost every Puebloan, and the economic hardships and labor conflicts that began in the 1980s struck their community hard. Steel City shows how Puebloans banded together to support each other through these difficult times, showing perseverance and solidarity through bankruptcy, labor disputes, and a historic seven year strike. 

Featured in this exhibit are oral histories from steelworkers, their families, and their neighbors, as well as photographs, videos, and artifacts from the period. Through all of these items, visitors can explore the courage and commitment of Pueblo and its steelworkers.

The Steel City Exhibit has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom and further support from the Southern Colorado Labor Council, United Steelworkers District 12, Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation, Colorado WINS, and the City of Pueblo.

Tickets

Location

A birds-eye view of a protest in front of the Steel Mill. The mill's stacks are visible behind.
A male and female steel worker wearing coveralls and hard hats in the steel mill, 1980s.
Two protestors raise their fist. The woman in front is holding a microphone and wearing a beret. Their shirts read "Walk for Justice" and "Steelworkers."
A group of marching protestors in Pueblo. They hold sides reading "Don't Bank with Northwest. Don't Bank on Oregon Steel."
A protestor speaks angrily to an irate police officer. The protestor is holding a sign which reads "Strong as Steel."
A group of protestors marching out in front of the Pueblo County Courthouse.