Immersing in Our Industrial History – A New VR Experience in the Lehigh Valley

The industrial history of the Lehigh River watershed is woven into the very fabric of our community. From the bustling days of canal boats to the roar of railroads and the steady hum of industrial factories such as the Thomas Ironworks, Bethlehem Steel, Atlas Cement Company, Bethlehem Steel, and the Zinc smelting plant in Palmerton, the Lehigh River corridor has shaped the economy, culture, and identity of the Lehigh Valley area for generations. And now, thanks to an innovative new project, Watershed Explorers: Industrial History, we have a fresh way to understand and appreciate this rich legacy. Developed in partnership with Lehigh University’s College of Education and Creative Inquiry, the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor National Canal Museum, Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, and the Nurture Nature Center, Watershed Explorers brings this history to life using cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) technology. This immersive experience enables users to journey through the Lehigh River watershed, learning about our industrial past and learning how the landscape has transformed over time.

With a VR headset, participants are transported along the Lehigh River in a virtual kayak journey, encountering key historical sites that defined our region’s industrial rise. This interactive journey provides a unique perspective on the waterways, railroads, and industries that powered the Lehigh Valley through the canal and coal period, the railroad era, and the Industrial Revolution. Along the way, users learn about critical resources like coal, the development of canals and railroads, and the rise of the cement and steel industries—all of which are important to our region’s rich industrial heritage.

Watershed Explorers emphasizes the role of historical and cultural assets. By using authentic media—archival photos and videos, integrated into the present-day 360-degree VR environment—the experience bridges the past and present in a way that is both engaging and educational. It allows users to see history unfold and offers a vivid reminder of the industries that laid the foundation for our region’s growth. And it doesn’t stop at history: at the end of the VR journey, users are encouraged to propose their own ideas for promoting tourism along the Lehigh River, adding a future-focused twist that invites participants to think about how they might contribute to the region’s heritage and economy.

Watershed Explorers also plays an essential role in supporting historic preservation. By weaving historical content into an immersive environment, it offers an accessible way for residents and visitors alike to appreciate our heritage.

This fall, with support from Northampton County and Lehigh’s College of Education, the Watershed Explorers: Industrial History VR experience will be available at various locations across the region including:

• Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center – October 19 & November 16
• National Museum of Industrial History – October 20 & November 17
• ArtsQuest SteelStacks Visitor Center – October 26 & November 9
• Lehigh Gap Nature Center – December 7

I encourage everyone to take part in this unique experience. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a newcomer, Watershed Explorers offers a meaningful way to connect with our shared past and understand the forces that shaped our community.