Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Update: The LSTHS announced Feb. 17 that the talk scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 20 has been postponed to Thursday, Feb. 27.

The Lower Saucon Township Historical Society has announced an upcoming talk that is open to the public. Industrial archeologist and historian Mark Connar will present “The Great President Pumping Engine at Friedensville Zinc Mines” to society members and other guests on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at 7 p.m. at Seidersville Hall, 3700 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem.

Connar’s research includes the zinc mining activities that took place in the Saucon Valley/Center Valley area in the 19th century. Opened in 1872, the President Pumping Engine was one of the most powerful engines in the world at the time, with the capability to pump more than 24 million gallons of water a day.

A historic marker was unveiled near the site of the former Friedensville mine and the pump last fall.

Admission to the talk is free, and light refreshments will be available.