HISTORYCENTER

SIGNS OF VITALITY

hese days the History Center is much more visible - literally. The glowing icon on our building's rooftop is helping communicate to the whole city that this is the place where history comes alive. A drive down Grant Street, a stroll along the North Shore, or a visit to the Strip District are only some of the vistas from which the word "HISTORY," topped by our symbol, can be seen lighting up the Pittsburgh skyline. The neon artwork - hoisted to the rooftop in time to usher in our upcoming expansion - has historic roots. Pittsburgh's foremost preservation architect, Rob Pfaffmann, helped us study classic signs in other cities like Boston and San Francisco. We even did a historical retrospective of neon itself, an often used element on older buildings. There are historic precedents right here in Pittsburgh; our icon "deconstructs" then "reconstructs" itself, just as the famous Westinghouse sign did for decades. The icon evokes images of industry, time, and the convergence of Pittsburgh's three rivers. And the word "History" boldly telegraphs that Pittsburgh and the History Center are places where history lives on in dynamic ways today. In some ways, the new neon cap is a metaphor for everything that's happening at the History Center. The vitality it communicates is reinforced in our Smithsonian affiliation, the plans for our expansion, and our leadership in community initiatives such as Lewis and Clark, the French and Indian War, and the 250th anniversary of Pittsburgh in 2008. Moreover, the sign strengthens our identity just in time for another milestone - the 125th anniversary of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh's oldest cultural institution. Since 1879, the Historical Society has preserved regional history and offered a wide array of programs

ad p kUULdLoUU, u gLIUU, Us m, started as a scholarly journal dedicated especially to the French and Indian War. After a century and a quarter of chronicling Western Pennsylvania history, our new Smithson- ian wing with its neon crown helps ensure that we are still making an indelible mark on our region. Thank you, as members and as readers, for your part in making this progress possible.

Andrew E. Masich, President and Chief Executive Officer Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania

-U

The History Center's new animated rooftop sign.

2 WESTERNPENNSYLVANIA HISTORY I SUMMER2004 0SENATORJOHNHEINZ pITTSBUJRGH E0iONAL HISORY CENTER INASSOCIATION WITHTHE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

H'ST0RNB;TI0N

1212 SMALLMANSTREET in the Strip District S)4ER 2004 (412) 454-6000 www.pghhistory.org AT THE HISTORY CENTER PARKINGFOR HISTORY CENTER VISITORS 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. $3, after 1 p.m. no charge

REDISCOVERING LEWIS & CLARK HOURS A JOURNEY WITH THE ROONEY FAMILY Museum and Shop: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Library & Archives: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., THROUGH JANUARY 2005 Thursday through Saturday. Center closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, THE YEAR IN PICTURES and New Year's Day.

IMAGES FROM THE ADMISSION PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE Members: Free Adults $6; Students/Seniors $4.50; Ages 6-18 $3; THROUGH DECEMBER 2004 Ages 5 and under Free.

Wheelchair accessible. Caf, on site. ONGOING EXHIBITS Discovery Place and Kidsburgh for children.

KIDSBURGH GROUPSALES Discounted rates, advance booking required. POINTS IN TIME Call (412) 454-6304. BUILDING A LIFE IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA, 1750- TODAY MUSEUMSHOP History-related gifts and souvenirs. DISCOVERY PLACE Members enjoy a 10% discount.

PRINE COLLECTION OF WOODWORKING PLANES FACILITYRENTAL Your special event or wedding is a historic occasion. GLASS: SHATTERING NOTIONS A timeless and distinctive setting, with superb dining provided by Common Plea Catering, the History Center is HEINZ 57 the perfect place to host your next banquet, party, reception, seminar, or meeting. Call (412) 454-6435 for information and reservations. WROUGHT METAL TREASURES FROM THE BLUM COLLECTION 00% Meadowcroft

Museum of Rural Life

Meadowcroft Museum of Rural Life O Smithsonian (less than an hour west of Pittsburgh near the Institution West Virginia border) is a museum of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. It contains a Just like the History Center's logo has become a rooftop sign, 19th century village and internationally-known the Smithsonian explores ways that symbols and words on archaeological dig at its Rockshelter site.

logos are used to communicate: Words on Things HOURS http-J/americanhistory.si.edu/onthemoveAhemes/story_27 1.html Memorial Day - Labor Day: Wed.- Sat., What is an emblem? Noon - 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 - 5 p.m. May, September, October: http.J/americanhistory.si.edu/onthemoveAhemes/story841 .html Sat., Noon - 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 - 5 p.m.

The Smithsonian has information about women entertainers ADMISSION $6.50 adult, $3.50 age 6 - 16 for each in its exhibit Women of Our lime: Twentieth-Century the Village and Rockshelter, Photographs from the National Portrait Gallery which or $10 adult, $5 children to visit both. features images of numerous American women and their stories. www.npg.si.edu/cexh/woot (Flash player required,

free download) HISTORY CENTER 3