Making History Blog
From Pickles to Planes: Women Lead Glider Production for Heinz During WWII
They came from all walks of life. Margaret Evans was an artist’s model from Greentree. Mrs. Grace Winters was a widow with three small children. Mrs. Louise Hamilton came from…
The McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores: Remembering a Connection Between Mother and Daughters
Local businesses become part of the fabric of a community, especially those related to food and groceries. Customers sample new products, exchange recipes, and pick up ingredients needed for cherished…
The “Little” Penn Theater
Perhaps the only photo of the theater shows author Paul (age 12) with his uncle Ben Siegal in 1944. Courtesy of Carol Horowitz. by Paul Roth The principal business…
Rev. LeRoy Patrick: Advocate for Equality
After arriving in Pittsburgh in 1951, Rev. LeRoy Patrick dove headfirst into the fight to integrate the city’s public swimming pools. Though Blacks were not prevented by law from using…
Wait For It: Hamilton in Pittsburgh
Alexander Hamilton. Courtesy of the Library of Congress. The last time Hamilton came to Pittsburgh, he wasn’t quite as popular. In fact, he was arguably one of the most…
The History and Legacy of the Freedom House
Freedom House Ambulance Service first day, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, c. June 16, 1968. Gift of Virginia “Ginny” Caligiuri. A white paper report in 1966, “Accidental Death and Disability:…
Book Review: “The Mount Washington Transit Tunnel Disaster”
The Mount Washington Transit Tunnel Disaster By Mary Jane Kuffner Hirt The History Press, 2021 192 pages, 60 photos and maps Paperback, $21.99 Reviewed by Mark Holan, Pittsburgh native…
Book Review: “An Alternative History of Pittsburgh”
An Alternative History of Pittsburgh By Ed Simon Belt Publishing, 2021 176 pages Paperback, $16.95 Reviewed by Leslie Przybylek, Senior Curator, Heinz History Center In literary tradition, an “alternative…
Book Review: “Andy, Can You Hear Us? Communing with Andy Warhol at His Gravesite – Vol. 1 (Winter)”
Andy, Can You Hear Us? Communing with Andy Warhol at His Gravesite – Vol. 1 (Winter) By Madelyn Roehrig Andy’s Figments, 2020 80 pages, color photos Softcover, $39.99 Reviewed…
Book Review: “A Gift of Belief: Philanthropy and the Forging of Pittsburgh”
A Gift of Belief: Philanthropy and the Forging of Pittsburgh Edited by Kathleen W. Buechel University of Pittsburgh Press, 2021 384 pages Hardcover, $40 Reviewed by Betty Arenth, former…