Saturday, January 13, 2024

The historic Pump House was the location of the Battle of Homestead in 1892.

The Pump House, which today is located on Waterfront Drive in Munhall, dates back to 1892 when it was built by the Carnegie Steel Company. That same year, it was the site of the Battle of Homestead, a defining moment in the nation’s labor history.

As the owner and steward of the Pump House and surrounding grounds, River of Steel helps share the lasting impact of this event through historic interpretation, while also allowing for the building's adaptive reuse as a place for contemplation, a trailhead, an event space, an art gallery, and more.

We're excited to share with you a few opportunities to learn more about this important story.

In collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, with support from a National Endowment for the Humanities grant, Rivers of Steel will once again be offering an opportunity for educators to participate in a weeklong exploration of the Homestead Steel Strike to unpack its impact from multiple points of view.

For the non-educators among us who are looking to know more about the tumultuous events of 1892, scroll down to read more or watch a short video created by WQED that highlights both the history of the Pump House and the ways in which it is used today. If you are interested in learning more about the region's labor history, check out the Battle of Homestead Foundation and their annual meeting on January 22.

In non-Pump House news, Rivers of Steel is excited to be extending our workshop season into the winter months. You can sign up now for your choice of blacksmithing sessions this February in the Power House at the Carrie Blast Furnaces.

We're also highlighting a couple local events that are happening next week; be sure to check out the Things to Do in the National Heritage Area section below.

Thanks! We hope your new year is off to a good start!

NEWS

Educator Opportunity: Exploring the Homestead Strike

Through a partnership with the Archives & Special Collections Department at the University of Pittsburgh, Rivers of Steel is offering an NEH-funded Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshop entitled The Homestead Strike & the Growth of America as an Industrial Power.

Educators from across the country can apply to attend one of two occurrences of this workshop in July of 2024. Selected recipients will receive a travel stipend and will be treated to a host of scholarly discussions from authors and experts on the topic. 

FEATURED STORY

The Battle of Homestead: A Defining Moment in American Labor History

Precipitated by a lockout and strike, the Battle of Homestead in 1892 proved the lengths that workers would go to in order to defend their livelihood—and the lengths to which owners would go to retain absolute control of their company.

During and after the conflict, the participants involved would find themselves thrust into the national spotlight. Their actions during this crucial period would ripple across the American labor movement for decades to come.

FEATURED VIDEO

The Great Ride: Pump House

Produced by WQED as part of the programming related to their film The Great Ride, this video shares the history and current roles of the Pump House in Munhall, and features an interview with our own Ron Baraff, Rivers of Steel's director of historic resources and facilities.

METAL ARTS WORKSHOPS

Blacksmithing Basics and Bladesmithing 1

Sunday, February 11 and February 20 – 22, 2024, The Carrie Blast Furnaces

Forget what you think you might know about blacksmithing—as a practice, it is easy and fun for anyone to get started. You don't need a Forged in Fire pedigree or a Popeye-sized bicep. You don't even need your own protective gear; our greens jackets got you covered!

Sign up for the one-day Blacksmithing Basics: Hooks & Hairpins workshop or forge ahead and go for the three-day Bladesmithing 1 course.

THINGS TO DO IN THE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

Support Rivers of Steel's work in communities throughout the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. Your tax-deductible contribution will help champion community collaborations and 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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