About

Jeffrey Parks, an attorney and social entrepreneur from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was shocked by the effects of de-industrialisation on his community after the closure of the famous Bethlehem Steel works. He found a solution on a trip to Germany’s Ruhr Valley, an area that had suffered similar problems after the closure of its coal mines and steel plants. He discovered that many of the abandoned industrial sites such as Zeche Zollverein in Essen had since been turned into thriving cultural centers and, in some cases, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Germans were celebrating the old industrial heritage while using the spaces for museums, concerts and other events – a discovery that changed his life forever. The idea for SteelStacks, a vibrant cultural centre, was born. Host Shelby Stanger talks to Jeffrey Parks about the importance of arts and culture for community life. Includes travel tips for the Ruhr Valley and a guide on which food and drink to try in Germany. Lufthansa’s LifeChangingPlaces podcast has a new episode out every week so don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.