HistoryHunter.org is a free online industrial history map. Our mission is to facilitate industrial heritage tourism and education by identifying and highlighting sites, in particular those which can be toured, in a friendly online interactive map and listing. Sites include actual locations where historical industrial activity occurred and museums dedicated to the historic industries of an area. It is hoped that increased awareness of such sites will build support for preservation of artifacts and locations.
Sites of interest are broadly defined because industrial development was synergistic with developments in transportation, communication, distribution, retail, military, architecture, and science.
HistoryHunter.org is an outgrowth of the Society for Industrial Archaeology (SIA)and reflects the types of sites of interest to SIA members. The initial focus was on sites in the manufacture and processing of iron and steel in support of the mission of Tony Meadows, leader of the Iron and Steel Special Interest Group of the SIA.
The site has been programmed and populated by Randolph Beck, John Mandell, and Eileen Beck and other volunteers from the SIA.
Volunteers are wanted. Click on "Add/Edit Sites" for info.
| Organization | Link | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Society for Industrial Archaeology | sia-web.org | The mission of the Society for Industrial Archeology (SIA) is to encourage the study, interpretation, and preservation of historically significant industrial sites, structures, artifacts, and technology. |
| American Business History Center | americanbusinesshistory.org | The purpose of the American Business History Center, is to create a nexus or hub for the study, popularization, and celebration of business and entrepreneurial history. |
| Industrial History New England | industrialhistorynewengland.org | A resource for anyone interested in the critical impact of New England industry upon the history and shaping of the United States. |
| Which Museum USA | whichmuseum.com | Discover all museums in United States and find out about the things to see and to do, exhibitions, opening hours, prices and discounts in the list of all museums in United States, or apply filters and navigate through the map. |
| National Register of Historic Places | nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister | The National Register of Historic Places is a treasure trove for professional historians, scholars, and anyone curious about American history. Our Research and Database page has more information. The more than 99,000 properties listed (as of the end of 2024) in the National Register represent 1.8 million contributing resources - buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects |
| Florida Heritage Sites | floridabackroadstravel.com | We have identified several hundred Florida heritage sites spread out over 67 counties. They are organized by theme of the site as well as the county it is located in. |
| Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM) | spoom.org | The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills is an international organization which is dedicated by its constitution to promote interest in old mills and other Americana now quickly passing from the present scene. |
| Title | Author | ISBN | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Visible Hand | Alfred Dupont Chandler Jr. | 978-0674940529 | This book traces the development of industry in the U.S. from the 1820's to 1920's delineating the synergies between the factory system, transportation, communications and media, distribution and retailing. |
| City of Steel | Kenneth Korbus | 978-1538181720 | City of Steel showcases how through ingenuity and determination Pittsburgh’s steel-makers transformed western Pennsylvania and forever changed the face of American industry and business. Focusing on the Carnegie Steel Company’s success as leader of the region’s steel-makers, Kobus goes inside the science of steel-making to investigate the technological advancements that fueled the industry’s success. |