Rivers of Steel is seeking part-time apprentices for its new Historical Preservation Workforce Training Program. This six-month training program will focus, in part, on the reassembly of the historic 48-inch universal plate mill, seen in the above photo.
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Reframing the Past
May is National Historic Preservation Month, and we certainly have a lot to celebrate!
Historic preservation is not just about saving a building, but it's also the ability to interpret a landmark's story. For Rivers of Steel, interpretation is an ongoing process. How we understand the past is continually reframed by how we, as a society, see things today and where we are looking to go in the future.
Rivers of Steel's approach to celebrating our region's industrial and cultural heritage is unique. It's hands-on, inquiry-based, and broad in scope. It makes for an engaging atmosphere—and we welcome you to be part of it!
Plus, scroll to the bottom to learn about a few happenings in the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. As always, thanks for reading, and we hope to see you soon!
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A detail of Jeannie McGuire's Investigation, one of the artworks included in her exhibition of new works at the Pump House.
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EXHIBITION OPENING
People in Industry—The Art of Jeannie McGuire
Saturday, May 6, 2023, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., The Pump House in Munhall
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As an artist, Jeannie McGuire desires to bring situations close to the viewer for a personal connection—to portray the sound in a crowded bar, the suspense of an investigation— energy and movement that create a sense of a time and place. Using watercolor pigments and graphite on paper, this exhibition depicts people in the context of southwestern Pennsylvania industry. |
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FEATURED TOUR
Sustainability Tour of the Carrie Furnaces with the GBA
May 25, 2023, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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Join the Green Building Alliance and Rivers of Steel for a sustainability-focused tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces! This special tour goes behind the scenes at Carrie to share the stories of how we manage historic preservation and sustainability onsite. We'll also share some of our future plans for the landmark site, along with updates on the nearby development. |
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Mini Greens 2, an art installation comprised of 1,500 tiny steelworker jackets, will be opening at the Carrie Blast Furnaces on May 21, 2023, at noon.
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EXHIBITION OPENING
Mini Greens 2
Sunday, May 21, 2023, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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Join Rivers of Steel at the Carrie Furnaces for the opening reception of Mini Greens 2, a new art installation by Bradford Mumpower and Latika Sewell. Drop in for a free public reception from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. and chat with the artists.
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A view of the Furnaces from the Green Room of the Iron Garden. |
SPECIALTY TOUR
Arts & Grounds Tour
May 21, 2023, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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Get a sneak preview of the Mini Greens 2 installation in the Iron Garden when you take an Arts & Grounds Tour on the morning of the opening reception. You'll get to see the new artwork first and in the context of other artworks onsite. Then stick around afterwards to meet the artists!
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GALLERY TALK
Maxo Vanka in Context with Dr. Sylvia Rhor Samaniego
Wednesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m., Bost Building
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In this gallery talk, Dr. Sylvia Rhor Samaniego, lead curator of the Vanka Murals Collections, will reflect on Gledaj! The Gaze of Maxo Vanka, using the exhibition to explore the many of the themes, portraits, and scenes in the murals across his creative life.
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RIVERBOAT TOUR
Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour
Tours begin today!
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Join Rivers of Steel on board the Explorer riverboat for the Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour. Traveling on the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers, this tour shares the big stories of our region’s past—along with many lesser-known tales—as it explores a sense of place and seeks to answer the question “What makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh?”
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PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
Photo Safari
Sunday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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The interplay of light and seasonality at the Carrie Furnaces offers endless perspectives of this industrial muse. Take inspiration from the wide vistas or the delicate details at this National Historic Landmark site. Choose your own adventure on this photo safari! |
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METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
Aluminum Casting Session
Monday, May 15, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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Create a unique work of art from aluminum! Using everyday materials, you’ll create a one-sided design in resin-bonded sand. While your mold sets, you'll get a brief tour of the Carrie Furnaces before returning to watch as Rivers of Steel’s foundry crew casts your artwork from molten metal! |
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WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
Figurative Design in Industry—Jeannie McGuire Workshop
May 22 – 26, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., The Pump House in Munhall
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Don’t miss this unique opportunity to work with figurative artist Jeannie McGuire. This five-day figurative painting workshop is an immersive experience into the region's industrial heritage. Students will work with McGuire to hone their creative vision, drawing inspiration from Jeannie’s artworks and the raw industrial spaces around them. |
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METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
The Doodle Bowl Experience
Thursday, May 18, 2023 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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Not your typical “sip and paint” party, this workshop has quickly become one of Rivers of Steel’s most in-demand programs. With guidance from Rivers of Steel’s metal arts team, you’ll design and carve a bowl that is cast in solid aluminum. Take home your new, functional work of art at the end of the night. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity, a friend, and your own beverage. |
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ARCHIVAL WORKSHOP
Preserving Your History: DIY Archival Skills for the At-Home Historian
Monday, May 15, 2023 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Carnegie Library of Homestead
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Come discover archival best practices to preserve your special belongings. Rivers of Steel archivists and educators will be visiting the Carnegie Library of Homestead to show you how to protect items that tell the stories of your family and community. Sign up today! |
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METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
Scratch Mold Sessions at the Machine Shop
Sunday, May 14, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop
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Try something new—explore the metal casting process at the Machine Shop in Greene County. Rivers of Steel’s experienced metal-casting team will help you create your own design. Then watch as the team pours molten aluminum into your mold. Take your casting home at the end of the workshop. |
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HERITAGE TOUR
Industrial Tours of the Carrie Furnaces
Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays in May
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Connect with Pittsburgh’s steel industry heritage on this guided tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Tours highlight the site’s iron-making technology, its workers, and their culture. |
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METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
Blacksmithing Basics
Sunday, May 21, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
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Learn to hammer hot metal at the Carrie Blast Furnaces! This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel hook or hairpin to take home. |
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The program will focus, in part, on the reassembly of the historic 48-inch universal plate mill, which operated in the U.S. Steel Homestead Works. |
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RIVERS OF STEEL IS HIRING
Historical Preservation Apprenticeships
Apply Today!
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Rivers of Steel is seeking part-time apprentices for its new Historical Preservation Workforce Training Program. This six-month training program will provide knowledge of historic preservation principles and hands-on skills training in the historic trades. Trainees will receive specialized training and earn a competitive hourly wage while helping preserve some of our region’s most iconic historical structures like the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark. |
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THINGS TO DO IN THE RIVERS OF STEEL NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
Butler County's History Day
Saturday, May 13, 2023, 10:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m., Attractions in Butler County
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Butler County History Day returns for its second year! Butler County’s history is showcased through ten different attractions throughout the county, including the Butler County, Evans City, Harmony, Mars, and Zelienople Historical Societies, along with The Butler Old Stone House Region AACA, the Maridon Museum, and Washington’s Trail 1753. Pick up a History Day Passport at one of the participating attractions and have it stamped at at least three stops to receive a small gift. |
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THINGS TO DO IN THE RIVERS OF STEEL NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
The Otets Paissii Performing Folk Ensemble
Saturday, May 13, 2023, 5:00 p.m., West Mifflin Area Middle School
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Join the Bulgarian Macedonian National Educational and Cultural Center in celebrating their 93rd anniversary with a featured performance from the Otets Paissii Performing Folk Ensemble! Under Artistic Director, Bilyana Stoyanova Stafura, and Managing Director, Beth A. Stafura, the ensemble of 40+ artists will present a dazzling two-hour journey through the music, song, dance, and traditions of the Bulgarian and Macedonian culture.
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Help preserve our region’s industrial and cultural heritage! Your tax-deductible contribution will help ensure that Rivers of Steel can continue to offer vital, engaging, community-based arts, education, and heritage programs for the residents of southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond.
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