Recently I asked for some research assistance from members here, regarding Charles Schropp from Bethlehem Pennsylvania, and any leads to his possible service during the ACW, for the Bethlehem Museums and Sites "Schropp Dry Goods Store", which is an original mid 19c business recreated in its original building, as a tourist center/gift shop for the Bethlehem Museums organization. As part of its historic side, the Beth. Museums wanted to include some insight to the Schropps children, as I had informed them of the Schropps boys service in the Union Army. So here's the update for those interested
The information I acquired, and the Golden parachute of info I received from the amazing members of this site, put together quite a "story" of the young men's lives, and the more information you have, the more new leads developed. The City of Bethlehem Moravian settlement has just been declared a World Heritage Site, and with that, comes a big opportunity to expand tourism through events and museums. Bethlehem was also home to Bethlehem Steel Corp, which was previously the Bethlehem Iron Works, and initially the Saucona Iron works. Bethlehem iron works broke ground in 1860, and construction was paused due to the Civil War, until 1863. But what we found interesting, was Charles brother, Abraham Schropp, Co A 1st PA Volunteers, became the Beth Iron works first executive secretary for its first president, John Fritz,,for 40 years. Abraham was very instrumental in the development of the young company. More research showed Abraham Schropps Aunt, had married William Henry, of the nearby Henry gun works, and Henry Gun Works had actually produced the very first bar Iron in 1790, and within a few years, the first pig Iron in Northampton County. Abraham leaned heavily on his family ties to the Henry gun works foundry, for his role at the newly formed Bethlehem Iron Works in 1863. Both the Schropp and Henry families were deeply rooted in the Moravian community in Bethlehem, with Bethlehem Steel being the newcomer, so it basically has its own separate historical identity, and not much crossover history between them was really known. After learning of Schropps and Henrys marriage connection, and the Schropps connection to Beth Steel, that opened the door to different paths of digging that revealed more info that the museum is beyond thrilled about to connect the Schropp Dry Goods Store history, to the Henry Gun works, and to Bethlehem Steel,,with the Schropps being the common denomination. It's information that has been in plain sight, just never organized in a way that tied the entire city together
Loooong story short,,,Bethlehems interest in its ties to the local soldiers of the Civil War, has sparked a resurgence of interest in leaning more into the acw as it pertains to Bethlehems history and its citizenry of the past. As they connect the dots of history, they want the connections to the war to be more prominent and part of the curriculum, as opposed to barely acknowledged, as it's been in the past. They have asked me to put together a brief program and present it at the workshops they hold for the museum employees and walking tour guides, and a future more expansive exhibit.
Thank you all again for your help
The information I acquired, and the Golden parachute of info I received from the amazing members of this site, put together quite a "story" of the young men's lives, and the more information you have, the more new leads developed. The City of Bethlehem Moravian settlement has just been declared a World Heritage Site, and with that, comes a big opportunity to expand tourism through events and museums. Bethlehem was also home to Bethlehem Steel Corp, which was previously the Bethlehem Iron Works, and initially the Saucona Iron works. Bethlehem iron works broke ground in 1860, and construction was paused due to the Civil War, until 1863. But what we found interesting, was Charles brother, Abraham Schropp, Co A 1st PA Volunteers, became the Beth Iron works first executive secretary for its first president, John Fritz,,for 40 years. Abraham was very instrumental in the development of the young company. More research showed Abraham Schropps Aunt, had married William Henry, of the nearby Henry gun works, and Henry Gun Works had actually produced the very first bar Iron in 1790, and within a few years, the first pig Iron in Northampton County. Abraham leaned heavily on his family ties to the Henry gun works foundry, for his role at the newly formed Bethlehem Iron Works in 1863. Both the Schropp and Henry families were deeply rooted in the Moravian community in Bethlehem, with Bethlehem Steel being the newcomer, so it basically has its own separate historical identity, and not much crossover history between them was really known. After learning of Schropps and Henrys marriage connection, and the Schropps connection to Beth Steel, that opened the door to different paths of digging that revealed more info that the museum is beyond thrilled about to connect the Schropp Dry Goods Store history, to the Henry Gun works, and to Bethlehem Steel,,with the Schropps being the common denomination. It's information that has been in plain sight, just never organized in a way that tied the entire city together
Loooong story short,,,Bethlehems interest in its ties to the local soldiers of the Civil War, has sparked a resurgence of interest in leaning more into the acw as it pertains to Bethlehems history and its citizenry of the past. As they connect the dots of history, they want the connections to the war to be more prominent and part of the curriculum, as opposed to barely acknowledged, as it's been in the past. They have asked me to put together a brief program and present it at the workshops they hold for the museum employees and walking tour guides, and a future more expansive exhibit.
Thank you all again for your help
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