- Categories:
- Special Interest
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- AmericanAwarenessTechnology
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May
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- ⚙️
Steelmark Month celebrates the enduring strength of America’s steel industry and its dedicated workforce throughout May. Explore the crucial role steel plays in our daily lives, from infrastructure to everyday products. Join us in recognizing this foundational material and the people who produce it.
Want to sponsor Steelmark Month? Learn how
Expected Steelmark Month Deals
Steelmark Month, as a recognition observance, focuses less on retail deals and more on educational initiatives and industry support. Look for special events hosted by organizations like the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), highlighting steel’s innovations and economic contributions. Manufacturers like Nucor and U.S. Steel may showcase their commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement. Educational institutions and trade schools might host open houses or career fairs to attract new talent to the industry. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as May approaches.
Platform Guide for Steelmark Month
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SteelmarkMonth. Share profiles of industry leaders or innovative steel projects.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #SteelmarkMonth. Share news, facts, and insights about the steel industry’s impact.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SteelmarkMonth. Post stories about local steelworkers or community projects using steel.
Steelmark Month Hero
Andrew Carnegie
History of Steelmark Month
Steel has been used for more than 1,000 years. Researchers put the age of the earliest steel product as 4,000 years old at the beginning of the Iron Age. Steel has survived and thrived throughout many centuries. By a joint resolution approved on November 2, 1966, the U.S. Congress established the month of May of each year as Steelmark Month. Congress also requested the President to issue a proclamation for the observance of this month. On April 8, 1967, Lyndon B. Johnson, the president of the United States of America at the time, called upon all the people of the country to observe the month of May every year as Steelmark Month with suitable proceedings and ceremonies.
This holiday falls under federal observances (periods designated by the United States Congress for the commemoration or observance of different activities, events, or topics). Aside from the federal observance, The Men and Women of Steel Awards recognize individuals for their innovative uses and applications of steel at work and in the community. The awards demonstrate how steel is a technologically advanced material used in various applications and new vehicle designs, working to enhance occupant protection. The Men and Women of Steel Awards are presented annually during the North American International Auto Show.
Seeing how steel is a valuable material, take some time to learn how far the steel in different appliances traveled to get to you. And congratulate yourself for supporting an industry that helps the world economy to keep going.
Steelmark Month timeline
Henry Bessemer develops a way to use oxygen to reduce the carbon content in iron.
The first skyscraper (Home Insurance Building) in the U.S. is built using steel as one of the materials.
The first steel automobile is made.
By 1920, 60 million tons of American steel is going around the world yearly.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Steelmark Month
Local businesses can honor Steelmark Month by highlighting the steel components in their products or infrastructure, emphasizing durability and American manufacturing. Construction companies can showcase projects built with domestic steel, while hardware stores can feature steel tools and materials. Manufacturers using steel can host factory tours or educational events to raise awareness about the industry’s impact and career opportunities. Consider partnering with local trade schools to support future steelworkers.
Steelmark Month FAQs
When is Steelmark Month?
In 2027, Steelmark Month will also be observed for the entire month of May, beginning on Saturday, May 1, and concluding on Monday, May 31. It’s a consistent annual recognition.
How many people work in the U.S. steel industry?
While direct employment figures remain around 140,000, the broader economic impact of the U.S. steel industry extends to over one million jobs across various supply chains and manufacturing sectors. Its reach is extensive.
What is the economic impact of the U.S. steel industry?
Annually, the American steel industry’s substantial economic output of over $520 billion underscores its role as a foundational pillar of the nation’s industrial strength, driving innovation and growth.
What is the Steelmark symbol?
Designed to boost public awareness of steel’s importance, the Steelmark symbol visually communicates the strength and versatility of the metal. Its enduring design has made it an iconic representation of quality steel products.
Steelmark Month Activities
Read about steel
Steel is a very interesting material. A lot goes into its making and transformation into different forms for various applications.
Post on social media
This is one of the lesser-known holidays. Posting about it on social media will help to spread the word to more people.
Attend a steel fair
If there are any steel exhibitions in your location, pop in at one for a few hours. It’s a fun way to learn about steel from the experts.
5 Interesting Facts About Steel
It’s highly elastic
Steel is more elastic than rubber because it’s able to revert to its original shape faster.
It’s a long-lasting material
Steel roofs can last for more than a half-century, compared to wood shingle roofs, which typically last about 15 to 20 years.
It creates employment
It’s estimated that over two million people work in the steel industry worldwide.
It’s good for the planet
Most steel products and objects are made of recycled steel — steel has a global recycling rate of roughly 60%.
A material-intensive bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge used 83,000 tons of steel in its construction.
Why We Love Steelmark Month
We learn cool stuff
Steelmark Month is the time to learn all about steel. We can’t get enough of all the cool facts about this metal.
It celebrates industrial workers
Numerous people work in the steel industry, turning this metal into valuable forms. This month honors their efforts.
We dive into its history
Steel has a long history dating back thousands of years. In Steelmark Month, we learn about the origins of this metal and its uses over the years.
Social Media Tips for Steelmark Month
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