Making History Blog
Nellie Bly: A Race Against Time
This post is an edited excerpt of “Nellie Bly: Pioneer Journalist Extraordinaire,” which appeared in the summer 2017 issue of Western Pennsylvania History Magazine. Learn more about Western Pennsylvania native…
Consider the Can: Beer Can Appreciation Day
January 24 is National Beer Can Appreciation Day Looking for something to celebrate? How about singing the praises of National Beer Can Appreciation Day? Today is not just another generic…
Jacob Evanson: Song Catcher
The following post originally appeared in the summer 2015 issue of Western Pennsylvania History Magazine. In the late 1930s, when Jacob A. Evanson joined the staff of the Pittsburgh…
Pittsburgh’s Santa, George Heid
Kids tuned in to Paul Shannon’s “Adventure Time” each December to see their letters sent by rocket to Santa, played here by Heid. Photo courtesy of Jim Heid. Did…
A Pivotal Moment – December 23, 1972: The Immaculate Reception
There are certain moments in sports that define a team, an era, or an individual. The Immaculate Reception is one of those defining moments – separating the same old Steelers from the Super Bowl Steelers.
The Mystery of the McKeesport Menorah
A seven-branched electric menorah donated by the Iszauk family of White Oak, Pa. Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives at the Heinz History Center. The Rauh Jewish History Program…
Christmas at Buhl Planetarium and its Miniature Railroad
Cars fill up at the first Gulf station. Behind is this season’s new addition, Primanti Bros. restaurant, serving its sandwiches in the Strip District since 1933. Photo by Brian…
Never a Dill Moment at the History Center
Do you relish the idea of seeing many pickle artifacts in one place? Look no further than the Heinz History Center, home to 160-year-old pickles and the best place…
Top 5 Instagram-Worthy Spots at the History Center
Don’t forget to tag your social media photos with #heinzhistorycenter so that we can see what your favorite photo spots at the History Center are! The History Center’s Heinz…
Five Spooky Artifacts Perfect for Halloween
It’s Halloween, and there is no better day to share some of the History Center’s spookiest artifacts. Gaines Funeral Home hearse, Cadillac, 1941. Partial gift of Barbara and Frank…