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Holiday 2019 Holiday for details. for will be on view from Nov. 16, 2019 Nov. will be on view from will transport visitors back to back to will transport visitors
! Y Attention Members! Enjoy a Enjoy Members! Attention special prizes, and a visit from and a visit from special prizes, Santa Claus himself! special preview of A Very Merry Very of A special preview treats, with holiday Pittsburgh HOLIDAY MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT HOLIDAY Give the gift of history this holiday this holiday the gift of history Give 15% receive to now season! Purchase off all gift memberships. Plus, get a Visit time only. a limited scarf for festive heinzhistorycenter.org/join Kids of all ages can play with Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, Mr. with Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, Mr. Kids of all ages can play as part play toys of an interactive Head, and other retro Potato area. Kaufmann’s objects from The exhibit includes memorable and giant Mr. original chair, Santaland, including Santa’s thousands of where Mrs. Claus ornaments, and the mailbox the mailed their Christmas wish lists to children Pittsburgh himself inside the exhibit visit Santa to be sure North And Pole. on page 7 for on select dates (check the calendar of events details). more shopping in the History up their holiday can wrap Visitors quirky Heinz products, Center Museum Shop, featuring books, award-winning and apparel, T-shirts Pittsburgh-proud Gift Holiday Center's See page 6 for the History and more. Guide Merry Pittsburgh A Very Jan. 5, 2020. through A Very Merry Pittsburgh Merry Pittsburgh A Very with Pittsburgh season in Downtown the bustling holiday and artifacts like popular departmentdecorations from stores and Gimbels. Horne’s, Kaufmann’s/Macy’s, gifts that date and historic A special section with vintage toys of evolution will showcase the today the 1840s through from Pa. gift-giving in Western
. R A Very Merry Pittsburgh A Very Newsletter of the Heinz History Center • “The Smithsonian’s Home in Pittsburgh” Center • “The Smithsonian’s the Heinz History Newsletter of
A group of children at the Young Men’s and Women’s Hebrew Association on Bellefield Avenue in Oakland light the Chanukah Avenue Association on Bellefield Hebrew and Women’s Men’s at the Young of children A group hangs at the currently struggle, and redemption, scenes of war, featuring in the background, The mural (c. 1950s). menorah Center) Heinz History & Archives, Library Detre Hill. (Jewish Community Center Photographs, JCC in Squirrel
HISTO MAKING through the years. the years. through The festive exhibit begins with a special section featuring family keepsakes, family keepsakes, exhibit begins with a special section featuring The festive have artifacts,Pennsylvanians Western how film, and imagery that explore including Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa, major winter holidays, celebrated Relive cherished memories with your family this holiday season inside the family this holiday cherished memories with your Relive new exhibition, Center’s John Heinz History Senator
EXHIBITS LEARNING Women’s History Initiative Launches in 2020 The year 2020 marks 100 years since women won the right to vote with the passing of the 19th Amendment. To celebrate the centennial, the History Center is launching a new initiative to highlight women’s history in Pittsburgh and the work that remains to be done in the fight for gender equity. The History Center will spotlight some of the most recognizable women in Pittsburgh’s history, including environmentalist Rachel Carson and journalist Nellie Bly, alongside notable women whose stories often go untold, such as filmmaking pioneer Lois Weber. The initiative will feature engaging public programs, voter registration opportunities, digital storytelling, and more throughout 2020 and beyond. Stay tuned for more information at heinzhistorycenter.org.
Born in Pittsburgh, Martha Graham is considered the mother of modern dance in America, developing a style that is still taught worldwide today. (credit: National Portrait Gallery) Local Students Honor Smithsonian Spotlight: Constitution Day
Portraits of Pittsburgh On Sept. 17, more than 400 local students in third through fifth grade visited the History Center to Curator Emily Ruby prepares a handmade sweater, owned by Fred Rogers, to be placed on exhibit in the museum’s Grace M. Compton Nearly 60 works of art from the Smithsonian’s National Conservation Lab. celebrate Constitution Day. The holiday commemorates Portrait Gallery are coming to Pittsburgh as part of a the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on dynamic new exhibition opening this spring at the History Sept. 17, 1787. Inside Mister Rogers’ Closet Center. Students participated in hands-on activities throughout Just in time for the release of the highly anticipated Tom Hanks film, “A Beautiful Day The Smithsonian’s Portraits of Pittsburgh: Works from the the museum — including a Bill of Rights scavenger hunt in the Neighborhood,” the History Center is adding more than 20 items of clothing National Portrait Gallery exhibition, which opens on March and Constitution Jenga — to learn about the important worn by Fred Rogers to the museum’s “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” exhibit within 21, 2020, will feature original paintings, sketches, and documents that shaped our nation. the fourth-floorSpecial Collections Gallery. The clothing was recently donated to the prints that showcase more than 100 people with Pittsburgh History Center by Rogers’ wife, Joanne Rogers. connections who exemplify the innovations, challenges, In addition, students learned about the legislative and motivations that have shaped this region and our process during special presentations by local Clothing played an important role on the beloved children’s television show. nation. representatives from the Association of Former Rogers took great care in changing from a suit jacket and dress shoes into a more Members of Congress and the Pennsylvania Bar comfortable cardigan and sneakers to the tune of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” at More than just paintings on a wall, the Portraits of Association. the start of each episode in order to better relate to his young viewers. Pittsburgh exhibition will examine how portraiture identifies and questions changing beliefs about who is Constitution Day activities are part of the History Visitors can see clothing that Rogers wore both personally and professionally, important in American culture and will explore how such Center’s America 101 initiative, which engages and including one of his favorite jumpsuits worn around the house; a black button- individuals shaped the world in which we live today. inspires the public to learn American history through up shirt he wore behind-the-scenes while doing puppetry for “Mister Rogers’ Pittsburgh native Lois Weber on the set of “Angel of Broadway.” Pioneers like Weber will be highlighted as part of the History public programs, educational outreach, and special Neighborhood” episodes; a brown cardigan sweater made by his mother, Nancy Check heinzhistorycenter.org/portraits for more Center’s women’s history initiative in 2020 and beyond. (Milestone Films) exhibitions. The History Center’s America 101 initiative McFeely Rogers; assorted ties and bowties; and more. The exhibit also features information and updates. is made possible with the generous support of the Jack a costume worn by Officer Clemmons on the show, portrayed by actor François Buncher Foundation and UPMC. Clemmons.
The clothing will be on view through spring 2020. Museum Updates Improve Accessibility The History Center is working to become more accessible to all audiences. As part of this initiative, the museum now offers sensory bags for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Sensory Sensitivities. The bags include sound-reducing headphones, sunglasses, a variety of fidgets, a sand Quilt, “Steel Town: Dues Paid” by artist Patricia Kennedy Zafred, 2015. (Original images courtesy Library of Congress) timer, a book, and more to help create an accepting and sensory inclusive museum experience. In Registrar Nicole Lauletta (center) works with sound engineers from addition, Tour-Mate assistive listening devices are “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” to record sound on the set Master Visual Artists: Preserving pieces from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood." the Legacy now available for members of the hard of hearing community. After successful testing this summer, 75 of these easy-to-use devices are now on-site for Beginning Dec. 14, the History Center will open a use during guided tours and public programs to help Behind the Scenes: Filmmakers captivating new art exhibition entitled Master Visual create the best auditory experience possible. Both Artists: Preserving the Legacy in partnership with the sensory bags and assistive listening devices can be Visit “Mister Rogers” Sets Master Visual Artists Project — a local group dedicated checked out in the Museum Shop during a museum to recognizing the lifelong achievements of influential visit. The History Center’s accessibility initiative The History Center played an important role in the making of “A Beautiful Day artists in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Through artwork is generously supported by the Edith L. Trees in the Neighborhood” starring Tom Hanks. The film’s art director, set designers, ranging from paintings and drawings to sculptures and Charitable Trust. costume designers, and sound engineers made frequent trips to the museum to fiber art, the exhibit will weave together artists’ work with a examine the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” set pieces and costumes. With help multimedia display exploring their life stories. The featured Students play Constitution Jenga during Constitution Day on Sept. 17, 2019. from History Center staff, they measured artifacts, analyzed the construction artists’ stories will be documented and preserved for of set pieces, matched paint colors and fabrics, recorded sound, and more to future generations in the History Center’s Detre Library & ensure the re-created sets for the film were as realistic as possible. Archives.
2 | The Newsletter of the Senator John Heinz History Center heinzhistorycenter.org | 412-454-6000 Holiday 2019 | 3 FORT PITT SPORTS MUSEUM
Sports Museum Honors Hoops Star Chuck Cooper The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum recently unveiled a new display case dedicated to the career of Chuck Cooper, days after the Pittsburgh basketball legend was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The display features Cooper’s uniform from the 1950 All-American game and photos from his career. In 1950, Cooper became the first African American drafted by the National Basketball Association after being taken in the second round by the Boston Celtics. Following a six- year career in the NBA, Cooper returned home, served on the Pittsburgh Public School Board, and became the city's first African American department head as director of Parks and Recreation.
History Center President and CEO Andy Masich, Sports Museum The new Pittsburgh, Virginia exhibition at the Fort Pitt Museum features 18th-century artifacts such as this carved powder horn bearing an extremely rare firsthand depiction of Fort Duquesne. Director Anne Madarasz, Chuck Cooper III, and Director of the African American Program Samuel W Black. Fort Pitt Museum’s Pittsburgh, Virginia Exhibit Now Open Yinz would be y’all. Virginians would bleed black and gold. Virginian speculators like George Washington), colonial rivalries, and the quest to A Great Day for Hockey Pittsburgh would be for lovers, too. preserve sovereignty by all parties involved. Every day is a great day for hockey at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum! The museum’s new A Great Day for Hockey exhibit is a must- The Fort Pitt Museum’s newest exhibition, Pittsburgh, A key artifact in the exhibit is a carved powder horn (used by soldiers to safely carry see for Pittsburgh Penguins fans of all ages. Relive all five of the team’s Virginia, explores how Pittsburgh nearly became a gunpowder) bearing an extremely rare firsthand depiction of Fort Duquesne as it Stanley Cup Championship seasons through fascinating artifacts permanent part of Virginia. appeared when General John Forbes and his British army captured the Point and and engaging multimedia displays. This cutting-edge exhibit features named it Pittsburgh in November 1758. It is believed to be one of the earliest objects game-worn equipment from Pittsburgh hockey legends including Mario The exhibit focuses on the turbulent events of 1774, when made in Pittsburgh. To learn more about the story behind this important artifact, visit Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Marc-Andre Fleury. While Pennsylvania and Virginia fought for control of Pittsburgh, heinzhistorycenter.org/blog. exploring the Steel City’s storied hockey history, make sure to snap a selfie with a life-sized figure of Lemiuex hoisting an exact replica of the while Lord Dunmore’s War put the fate of the Ohio Country Stanley Cup, then put your skills to the test in a high-stakes game of and all of its inhabitants at stake. Using 18th-century Pittsburgh, Virginia will be on view through fall 2020. The Pittsburgh, Virginia exhibition bubble hockey. artifacts and period imagery, the exhibit tells a fascinating is generously supported by the Laurel Foundation and Brian and Mary Roman. story about the lust for Indian lands (led by ambitious MEADOWCROFT LIBRARY & ARCHIVES
Searching for DNA at Smithsonian Intern Explores Meadowcroft Rockshelter African American Collections
Cutting-edge archaeological research continues at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter, As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Heinz History Center the oldest site of human habitation in North America. partners with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and its prestigious Robert Frederick Smith A National Historic Landmark, the Rockshelter first underwent archaeological Internship and Fellowship Program each summer. The program allows excavations in the 1970s that provided evidence of human habitation at the site as student interns to work with the NMAAHC through the top museums in the early as 19,000 years ago. Since then, excavations and studies have continued at nation. Most recently, Iris Afantchao, a senior studying government and the site to learn more about the peopling of North America. archival studies at Smith College, spent the summer conducting research in the African American Collection housed within the Detre Library & Archaeologist Devlin Gandy, a Ph.D. candidate at St. John’s College, University of Archives. Working primarily with Samuel W Black, director of the History Cambridge, recently visited the Rockshelter to collect sediment samples to be Center’s African American Program, and Matthew Strauss, chief archivist, tested for environmental DNA (eDNA). Iris focused on processing and digitizing collections, including material from the Aurora Reading Club, the oldest African American women’s club Gandy worked with James M. Adovasio, Ph.D., the History Center’s Director of in Western Pennsylvania, and 19th-century photographs and newspaper Archaeology, to collect samples from the deepest, and therefore oldest, part of the clippings from the Writt-Richards collection. Her efforts culminated in site. The samples are being tested for traces of ancient plant, animal, and even August with a presentation at the annual Association of African American human DNA in the coming weeks. Museums Conference in Jackson, Miss. Iris Afantchao worked in the Detre Library & Archives this summer as a part of the If discovered, human DNA from the Rockshelter would enable researchers to Robert Frederick Smith Internship and Fellowship Program in partnership with the look for genetic similarities with DNA samples found during other comparable Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. archaeological excavations; help identify the origin of the humans who used the site thousands of years ago to better understand how North America was populated; and identify any similarities between the DNA and that of modern-day American Indians. PROUDLY ROOTED IN PITTSBURGH James M. Adovasio, Ph.D., and archaeologist Devlin Gandy recently collected sediment UPMC Health Plan and the Senator John Heinz History Center— samples from the Meadowcroft Rockshelter to be tested for environmental DNA. learning from the past to care for the future. www.upmchealthplan.com
4 | The Newsletter of the Senator John Heinz History Center heinzhistorycenter.org | 412-454-6000 Holiday 2019 | 5 HAPPENINGS CALENDAR OF Welcome Home, Franco and George EVENTS November December January Jan. 17 Nov. 17 Dec. 5 MEMBER Friday Night Fun: Celebrate Heinz FREE EVENT Treasures in the Archives Un Natale Italiano Kids in third through eighth grades can enjoy a This annual event presented by the Detre The History Center’s Italian American fun night of art, cooking, and salesmanship inspired Library & Archives offers an opportunity Program will welcome Vito DiSalvo, Marco by the H.J. Heinz Company’s 150-year history. to see highlights from one of the largest Fiorante, Daniela Pasquini, and accompanying TOP 5 MUSEUM SHOP GIFTS collections of historic materials about Western musicians for a holiday concert in the true Jan. 25 Pennsylvania. (Italian) holiday tradition. MEMBER NFL PLAY 60 Training Camp DISCOUNTED The History Center Museum Shop is your one-stop shop this holiday season. One week before fans watch pro football’s EVENT From the H.J. Heinz Company to “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” there’s a biggest game, the Western Pennsylvania uniquely Pittsburgh gift for even the hardest-to-shop-for person on your list. Sports Museum at the Heinz History Center is NFL Hall of Famer Franco Harris joined Allegheny County challenging kids to get up and get active at the Shop online at shop.heinzhistorycenter.org or visit us in-store daily from Executive Rich Fitzgerald, History Center President and eighth annual NFL PLAY 60 Training Camp. As 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum Shop is open to the public with no admission fee. CEO Andy Masich, and Pittsburgh International Airport CEO part of the event, admission to the museum is FREE for kids ages 17 and under, made YOUTH AND Don’t forget! History Center members save 15% on all purchases. Christina Cassotis to welcome back the new-and-improved FAMILY EVENT possible by DICK’s Sporting Goods. lifelike figures of Franco and George Washington. The iconic figures recently received a makeover and are once again ready to welcome millions of travelers at the airport! Nov. 20 Dec. 11 Hop into History: Home for the Holidays History Explorers: Shattering Notions FORT PITT EVENT "57 SERVINGS FROM Dec. 17 Nov. 21 Feast of Seven Fishes Film Screening THE HEINZ TABLE" BOOK Behind the Scenes of A Very Merry NEW from Heinz History Center Pittsburgh Dec. 30 Publications and curator Emily Ruby: “57 The History Center’s exhibitions team will Servings From the Heinz Table” is a colorful present a panel discussion on the making of School Break Workshop: DETRE retelling of early Heinz company history. LIBRARY & the museum’s A Very Merry Pittsburgh exhibit. Game Design Basics ARCHIVES $16.95 Kids ages 8-12 can explore the A Very EVENT Merry Pittsburgh exhibit, learn about holiday traditions and the history of gift-giving, and design their own game to give as a gift. February Dec. 30 FEATURED A VERY MERRY MISTER ROGERS’ T-SHIRT Pittsburgh Portraits with Andy Masich Feb. 21 PITTSBURGH Show your love for Pittsburgh’s Join History Center President and CEO Andy 22nd Annual History Uncorked EXHIBIT EVENT
favorite neighbor with a Masich for an afternoon of storytelling as he History Uncorked, Pittsburgh’s premier “Be Kind” shirt available in youth party for young professionals, will be an reveals little-known details of the lives and History Uncorked 2020 times of fascinating Pittsburgh people, both ’80s-inspired night of live music, dancing, and adult sizes. $16.95 famous and almost forgotten. and delicious food and drinks from local hot
Grab your legwarmers and put on your favorite mixtape – the spots. Learn more on page 6.
22nd annual History Uncorked, presented by BNY Mellon,
is all about the ’80s! Co-chaired by Abby Krizner and Cathy
Schodde, Pittsburgh’s premier party for young professionals Nov. 23
returns on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. Partygoers can dress in Fort Pitt for the Holidays their ’80s best and enjoy a totally awesome night of live Enjoy free admission at the Fort Pitt Museum during Santa Spectacular in Point State Park. music, dancing, and tubular activities. Tickets will go on Family-friendly activities will be provided by HISTORY CENTER sale in January 2020. Follow us on social media or check both the Fort Pitt Museum and Point State STICKER PACK heinzhistorycenter.org/events for the latest! Park. Featuring the Pittsburgh trolley, Rosie the Riveter, and more, these History Center To become a sponsor or for more information about History stickers designed by local artist Emily McGaughey are the perfect stocking Uncorked, please contact Angela Gaitaniella, Development stuffer.$4.00 Manager, at [email protected] or 412-454-6405.
Senator John Heinz History Center** BOARD OF TRUSTEES Santa at the History Center Diane P. Holder, Chair, Board of Trustees HEINZ BEANIE Christine Bryant, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees This youth/infant Heinz beanie Beverlynn Elliott, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees will thrill even the tiniest Robert Krizner, Treasurer, Board of Trustees Visit Santa inside the History Center’s new
ketchup fans! Paul O’Neill, Jr., Secretary, Board of Trustees $9.95 Andrew E. Masich, President & CEO, Senator John Heinz History Center A Very Merry Pittsburgh exhibition from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Arthur L. Baldwin Judy Linaburg Emeritus Trustees & Honorary on select dates this holiday season. David E. Barensfeld Catherine Loevner Trustees Latasha Wilson Batch James C. Martin, Esq. (All are voting ex-officio) Charles W. Bitzer John Mascaro, Sr. Cynthia Bognar Tom McMillan Robert Barensfeld Nov. 16-17 • Nov. 23-24 • Nov. 29 Charles R. "Chip" Burke, Jr. Albert Neupaver John F. Bitzer, Jr. Robert Cindrich Daniel Onorato Joseph Calihan Dec. 1 • Dec. 7-8 • Dec. 14-15 • Dec. 21-24 Steven H. Cohen The Honorable Jason Ortitay John P. Davis, Jr. COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS Verna Corey, ScD Stefani Pashman Sigo Falk From footballs and hockey pucks to The Honorable Jay Costa, Jr. The Honorable William Franco Harris personalized time capsules, Commemorative Jeffrey Davies Peduto Teresa Heinz* The Honorable Frank Dermody Robert N. Peirce, Jr., Esq. Torrence Hunt Gifts offer the chance to truly become a part Joseph Dougherty Jack B. Piatt Maxwell King of “the Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh.” to The Honorable Rich Fitzgerald Robert P. Randall William C. King heinzhistorycenter.org/contribute Daniel Fitzpatrick Brian Roman Robert B. Knutson* Visit Freddie Fu, MD Art Rooney II The Honorable Frank J. learn more. Floyd "Chip" Ganassi, Jr. Scott Roy Lucchino For more information about History Center events and to Stan Geier Izzy Rudolph Sandy Mellon Laurence Glasco, Ph.D. Joe Trotter Jr., PhD David McCullough James M. Gockley H. Woodruff Turner, Esq. Martin G. McGuinn purchase tickets, please visit heinzhistorycenter.org/events. Ken Gormley The Honorable Kim Ward Chuck Hammel Dennis A. Watson * Honorary Trustee . Howard W. Hanna, III Bruce Wiegand ** HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF HEINZHISTORYCENTER.ORG/BLOG Donald J. Heberle Bruce Wolf WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA FIND MORE GIFT IDEAS ON OUR BLOG AT Robert Hill Anne Zacharias William M. Lambert
6 | The Newsletter of the Senator John Heinz History Center heinzhistorycenter.org | 412-454-6000 Holiday 2019 | 7 1212 Smallman Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222
A liate In this issue…
• A Very Merry Pittsburgh Exhibit Explores Holiday Traditions • New Mister Rogers Artifacts Now on View • Holiday Gift Guide: Pittsburgh Gifts for Everyone on Your List • Sports Museum Honors Duquesne Basketball Star Chuck Cooper
412-454-6000 | www.heinzhistorycenter.org
Did You Know?
Boyce Park, an Allegheny County Park, covers about 1,096 acres and is located in Plum Borough and Monroeville. The park is the only location in Allegheny County for downhill skiing, with ski lifts and a large ski lodge called "Four Seasons."
Photo from the Allegheny Conference on Community Development Photographs, Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center.