At this time last year, the National Museum of Industrial History was on life support. Despite the infusion of $17-19 million in both public and private funds, the museum was no closer to opening than it had been 17 years before, when it was first formed. A Northampton County Investigating Grand Jury had cast a glaring spotlight on a pattern of mismanagement, conflicts of interest and excessive salaries at the Steel Museum on Bethlehem's south side.

But after a year that saw the departure of CEO Stephen Donches (no relation to Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez), construction is finally under way at the museum, located at Bethlehem Steel's former electrical repair shop on East Second Street. On May 5, standing in front of a 115-ton steam engine that once pumped 8 million gallons of water daily for the citizens of York, Museum Chair L. Charles Marcon announced that the Museum finally has an executive director.

Amy Hollander was selected out of a field of 34 initial applicants because of her strong museum background, commitment to education and understanding of nonprofit organizations.

She'll be paid $90,000 a year, said Marcon. She will also get a benefits package that is "adequate, but not generous." This pales in comparison to the $203,000 salary and benefits paid to Donches in 2011.

Hollander has 20 years of experience in the museum and nonprofit sector. This includes AJC New Jersey, The Red Hill Museum Village and Readington Museum. She resides in Finesville, N.J., about a 25-minute commute. She is a Vassar graduate with a MA in Historical Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania.

She wasted no time describing the 1914 Corliss steam engine behind her, explaining that this massive lifeline to York was so large it arrived in nine different pieces.

"My vision for the museum is to develop a premier educational experience that tells the story of America's industrial achievements and the accomplishments of the workers, innovators and entrepreneurs who built our great nation," she said. "This is a story that needs to be told here, amidst the artifacts and architecture of Bethlehem Steel, to connect future generations to America's and the Lehigh Valley's industrial roots."

The museum, with a staff of 10 part-time and full-time workers, will have an annual budget of $1,050,000. Its board hopes to raise about $300,000 per year with $10-$12 tickets for 50,000 visitors a year. Sponsors and members will be sought, and Hollander hopes to employ a development director within the next three months.

According to Marcon, the museum has enough capital to finish construction ($6.5 million) and install exhibits ($1.5 million).

Part of the funding for this project comes from a $3.1 million state grant. The museum will also use finding from the city's TIF to pay for improvements outside.

The museum will be open for business by the middle of next year, according to Marcon.