Treasures in the Archives

Treasures in the Archives is an opportunity to see highlights from one of the largest collections of historic materials in Western Pennsylvania. 

The archivists who work with these items every day will share the rarely heard stories behind some of their favorite collections. Collections featured in past Treasures in the Archives have included building movers, boxers, coroners, pandemics, beloved neighborhood figures, old saloons, famous families, overlooked community stories, and the lost history of a notorious home for ex-offenders.

This year, we’re excited to explore several fascinating stories, including:

• The life of Rita Gould, from the college newsroom to entertainment journalism pioneer
• The disabled innovators who forged nationally significant advances in accessible transportation
• The rich lives of Morris and Ella (Truman) Gaddie, who were residents of Belmar Gardens, one of the first African American-owned housing cooperatives in the nation built with a federally insured mortgage
• The history of the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society and its efforts to care for household pets, livestock, children, and the elderly since 1874

Each archivist will choose a special selection of materials that will be on display for one-day only.

This signature event on the Detre Library & Archives calendar is a chance to learn about the lives of Western Pennsylvanians through one-of-a-kind photographs and documents.

Admission

Treasures in the Archives is free to attend. Please register online. The program will be held in-person at the Detre Library & Archives at the 6th floor of the Heinz History Center, but a virtual option is also available for those unable to attend at the museum.

Live captioning will be provided for virtual attendees.

American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for virtual attendees.

For more information or to request additional accommodations, please contact Sierra Green at sgreen@heinzhistorycenter.org.