By George, Washington's Back
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Volume 18 | No. 2 | Winter 2010 makingHISTORYThe Newsletter of the Senator John Heinz History Center By George, Washington's Back. For the first time in nearly 250 years, George • Decorative arts from the Washington family, in- Washington is returning to Pittsburgh. cluding china and wine glasses along with a set of History Center By The Numbers From Feb. 19 through July 18, the Senator John pewter plates. Heinz History Center will serve as the premier ven- • Surveying equipment, including a compass used ue on a nine-city national tour of Discover the Real by Washington, along with 18th century firearms George Washington: New Views from Mount Ver- such as a 1720s cannon from Fort Ticonderoga. non, which is made possible by the generous support • Five rare books from Washington’s personal library, of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. complete with his signature of ownership, that cover 1Stanley Cup Trophy that will visit the History This groundbreaking exhibition features highlights such topics as farming, botanical plants, and grist- Center this spring. from Mount Vernon’s world-class collection and pro- mills, along with the Washington Family Bible. Story, page 2. vides a new and refreshing perspective on Washing- • Original pieces of Martha Washington’s jewelry. ton, his achievements and legacies, his family and times, and most importantly, his intellectual pursuits The exhibition also features several interactive activities and entrepreneurial ventures. that will allow visitors to: “Although Washington is one of the most recog- • Sit in a full-size replica of the Washington family nized of all historic figures, many visitors are less fa- pew from Pohick Church. WPIAL student-athletes that 523participated in the first miliar with the true personality and character of ‘The See Washington, page 7. annual Summit on Sportsmanship. Father of Our Country,’” said Andy Masich, presi- Story, page 2. dent and CEO of the History Center. The exhibition reveals the personal side Welcome Washington with These Events of Washington through a rich assortment George Washington Exhibition Premiere Party - Feb. 18 of nearly 100 objects. Highlights include: Join the History Center for a VIP preview of the new • An original set of Washington’s den- blockbuster exhibition, Discover the Real George 12Anniversary years of History Uncorked, tures, made of ivory, human teeth, and Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon. Pittsburgh's premiere young professionals event. animal teeth. History Center members will receive a special invitation in the mail. • Several original works of art, including Gilbert Story, page 3. Stuart’s classic Washington portrait. Colonial Faire - April 17, 2010 • Three full-size, life-like figures of Washing- Experience everyday life in the 18th century with artisans and craft ton based on the latest forensic research demonstrations, music, and food at the Heinz History Center. showing him: º As a teenaged, red-haired surveyor from Talk with Martha Washington - Spring 2010 Virginia just prior to the French & In- Ask Mrs. Washington about her life, her family, and of course her famous husband as part of this interactive family program. Years of the Pittsburgh100 Courier honored dian War; during a new exhibition. º As a Revolutionary War hero Slavery from Washington to the Civil War - June 2010 Story, page 4. atop his horse named Blueskin in Explore the history of slavery from George Washington to the Civil a snow-covered forest at Valley War as part of this provocative public program. Learn about slavery’s Forge; and beginnings and the effect on our region and nation during one of º During his official Presi- America’s most uncertain times. dential inauguration cer- emony at Federal Hall in To learn more about these upcoming George Washington events, New York City. visit www.heinzhistorycenter.org and click on “Events." SPORTS page Lord Stanley to Visit the Sports Museum By: Anne Madarasz, Co-Director of the Penguins fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to get up Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum close and personal with the Stanley Cup as part of a special dis- play this spring. Thanks to the generosity of the Penguins organization any Penguins fans are familiar with the team slogan, and the NHL, the Stanley Cup will be on display at the “It’s a Great Day For Hockey,” used throughout last History Center and Sports Museum from April 1-4. Mseason’s Stanley Cup Playoff run. Interestingly, the As part of the display, fans will also get a chance to saying originates from the coach of the team’s first championship, take their photo with 10 individual trophies earned by Bob Johnson. the Penguins throughout the years, including the Hart A native of Minnesota, “Badger Bob” climbed the coaching Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy, and the Prince of Wales ranks, first starting in local high schools and eventually earning the Trophy. head coaching position at the University of Wisconsin. Stay tuned to www.heinzhistorycenter.org for Johnson led the Badgers to seven NCAA tournament appearances complete details about the Stanley Cup’s visit to the and three National Championships during his 11-year career at History Center. Wisconsin. Following a five-year stint as head coach for the NHL’s Calgary Flames, Johnson arrived in Pittsburgh, where he found immediate success, guiding the Penguins to their first Stanley Cup victory in 1991. Shortly after that magical season ended, Johnson discovered he had brain cancer. He WPIAL Tackles Sportsmanship During battled the disease, even preparing the USA Hockey Star-Studded Summit team for the Canada Cup from his hospital bed, but passed away in November 1991. Bob Johnson’s legacy en- dures in the optimism he brought to Pittsburgh and in the team’s inaugural Stan- ley Cup victory. Using Johnson’s now fa- mous saying, the Penguins won their third Stanley Cup Championship on June 12, A practice jacket worn by former Penguins’ coach Bob Johnson is 2009, exactly 19 years to on display at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, along with the day of “Badger Bob’s” Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris speaks to high school student-athletes at the dozens of other items celebrating Penguins history. hiring in Pittsburgh. History Center about the role that good sportsmanship plays in athletics. The Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) partnered with the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum Members Only: Black & Gold Exclusives to host the first annual Summit on Sportsmanship this fall. During the three-hour session – themed “Respect the Game” – his fall, History Center and Sports Museum mem- more than 500 student athletes and athletic administrators from bers were treated to behind-the-scenes tours and more than 100 WPIAL schools learned about the importance of given access to the best of Pittsburgh sports, in- sportsmanship in athletics. cludingT everything from the inside scoop on recent sports Following a tour of the Sports Museum and workshops with lo- artifacts to tours of local TV sports studios. cal collegiate athletes, attendees enjoyed a star-studded lineup of Anne Madarasz, co-director of the Western Pennsyl- guest speakers that included: vania Sports Museum, led members on tours of the two- •NFL official Jerry Bergman; floor museum, highlighting the newest additions to the mu- •WPIAL and WNBA star, Olympic Gold Medalist and seum’s collection. current women’s basketball coach at Duquesne University, As part of an ongoing partnership with FSN Pittsburgh, select Sports Museum members Suzie McConnell-Serio; and were randomly chosen to tour FSN’s North Shore studios. Members learned what it takes to •Steelers Hall of Famer, Franco Harris. produce a television show from conception to completion, and were invited to be part of a live Following the success of the program, the WPIAL and Sports TV audience for Stan Savran’s Penguins pre-game show. Museum plan to make the Summit on Sportsmanship an annual Please contact Megan Kuniansky at 412-454-6436 or [email protected] for informa- event. tion on other member’s-only events at the Sports Museum. 2 | The Newsletter of the Senator John Heinz History Center History Uncorked Celebrates the City of Champions History Center Announces 2010 History Maker Awardees The Eighteenth Annual History Makers Award Dinner is scheduled for Friday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Westin Convention Center Hotel. Presented by BNY Mellon and Citizens Bank, the History Makers Award Dinner honors outstanding men and women who have made a lasting impression on Western Pennsylvania and the world. The annual black-tie event, chaired by Robert P. Kelly, chairman & CEO, BNY Mellon, and Ralph J. Papa, president & CEO, Citizens Bank, provides vital funding for the His- oin nearly 2,000 of Pittsburgh’s finest young professionals at the 12th annual History tory Center's educational programs, exhibits, and collections, Uncorked, slated for Friday, Feb. 26, from 6:30–10:30 p.m. all of which connect visitors to the important history of our This year’s “party at the museum,” themed Black & Gold Celebration, will showcase community. JPittsburgh’s rich sports history and recent championships while commemorating the fifth The honorees of the Eighteenth Annual History Makers anniversary of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. Award Dinner are: History Uncorked tickets are available at www.heinzhistorycenter.org for $40 prior to the event, or can be purchased for $50 at the door. For $75, party-goers can purchase a VIP Arts & Letters ticket which includes admission to History Uncorked, a VIP reception with local sports ce- Patricia Prattis Jennings, retired principal lebrities, and a one year membership to the History Center and Sports Museum. keyboardist, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Admission includes three drink tickets, unlimited soft drinks, appetizers and desserts by local vendors, live entertainment, and access to all History Center exhibits, including the Sports Museum.