Saturday, March 25, 2023
The Carrie Blast Furnaces as viewed from the Explorer riverboat during the Hardest Working River Tour.
What's Happening

It's officially spring. Around here that means our season of program offerings is blooming!

But before we get to those exciting details, we'd like to thank you all for your interest in our discovery of the Carrie Furnaces' namesake, Miss Carrie Clark. We've had so many questions from folks looking to learn more! So Kirsten Paine has set out to share more details about Carrie Clark Arkell's brief life as we are able to research more and share context to the time in which she lived. In today's story, Dr. Paine dives into what Carrie's education would have been like.

If you're looking to get some education about the legacy of the Monongahela River, now's the time to register for the Hardest Working River Tour on the Explorer riverboat. This three-hour excursion will have you traveling upriver from the Point of Pittsburgh to Braddock to take in the sights while learning about the river's commercial and industrial history—and of course more about the people who were part of that story! The tour will be offered only three times this spring, so don't wait too long to sign up.

We're also excited to share that we'll be co-hosting a Birdwatching Cruise with the National Aviary in June. Cruise the rivers with the National Aviary’s ornithologist Robert Mulvihill to spot local and migratory birds!

Also, our first Doodle Bowl Experience workshop is next week. While that particular session only has a few spaces left, there are lots more opportunities to sign up to try this popular make-and-take session this season.

Aside from our public tours and workshops, Rivers of Steel's attractions are just as appealing to folks celebrating weddings, milestone birthdays, and anniversaries, as well as to organizations hosting private events. If you'd like to help facilitate these special occasions, apply to be an event coordinator for our historic attractions or on the Explorer riverboat! We are also looking to hire a paid intern for the Machine Shop this summer.

That's it for today—thanks for reading!
Collegiate women from the 1880s—Pennsylvania Female College, Class of 1888, Chatham University Chronological Photograph Files, Historic Pittsburgh Archives.
FEATURED STORY
Who Was Carrie Clark?—The Education of a 19th-Century Factory Owner’s Daughter
This story is the second in a series of articles about Carrie Clark Arkell, the woman who was the namesake of the Carrie Blast Furnaces. In this piece, Dr. Kirsten Paine examines the education of the young Miss Clark and gives context to what may have been expected from her, both from her family and from society.
The Explorer riverboat approaches the Monongahela River.
SEASONAL HERITAGE TOUR
Hardest Working River Tour
April 22, 23 & 30, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Explorer Riverboat
Join Rivers of Steel for a journey up the Monongahela River on the Explorer riverboat. Once known as the “Hardest Working River in the World,” the Mon, as it’s known to locals, was responsible for much of Pittsburgh’s early commercial and industrial success, even centuries before it earned that moniker.

Hop onboard for a three-hour tour that begins at the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, then travels to destinations upriver, in view of the Carrie Blast Furnaces and Edgar Thompson Works, and back again. Along the way, you’ll not only hear the stories of our region’s commercial and industrial heritage, but you’ll also have an opportunity to leisurely enjoy incredible views of the Mon River Valley as spring blossoms.
FEATURED PROGRAM
Birdwatching Cruise with the National Aviary
Join the National Aviary and Rivers of Steel for a birding experience like no other!

As Rivers of Steel’s Captain Ryan O’Rourke steers the Explorer riverboat along the banks of the rivers, the National Aviary’s ornithologist Robert Mulvihill will help spot river birds such as cormorants, eagles, herons, mergansers, and songbirds during this three-hour birdwatching excursion.
METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
The Doodle Bowl Experience
March 30, 2023 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
Invite your friends for a night of fun and creativity at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. 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!
NEWS
Rivers of Steel is Hiring Event Coordinators and
Seeking a Summer Intern for the Machine Shop
Help to make a special experience more memorable—join Rivers of Steel's team as an event coordinator! We're looking to hire several people to support client needs during special events at Rivers of Steel's historic attractions in the Mon Valley and onboard riverboat charters in Pittsburgh.

We're also looking for a summer intern who is interested in an opportunity to gain experience in historic preservation, traditional crafts and trades, historic machinery, and historic site interpretation to apply for a summer internship.
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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