an illustration of the rehabbed buildings

Carrie On!

A Campaign to Establish the Carrie Blast Furnaces as the Centerpiece of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area

Rivers of Steel is embarking on an ambitious $42 million campaign to leverage the site’s significant cultural and heritage capital, both at the Carrie Blast Furnaces site and throughout the eight-county Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, to create the nation’s premier venue for exploring industrial history, cultural heritage, and the arts.

Working in agreement with the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, Rivers of Steel has crafted a bold vision for the future of the site and its role as the center of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. That vision is defined by three pillars of investment—preservation, enhancements, and site activation.

Donate Today!

Rivers of Steel seeks to invest $33 million in capital improvements to:

  • Stabilize, preserve and transform the site’s two primary buildings—the AC Power House and Blowing Engine House—into an events center, visitors center, exhibitions, and museum spaces.
  • Invest in new infrastructure through the construction of an Arts, Education and Operations building that will feature large metalworking facilities, instructional space for workforce, and demonstration areas.
  • Further develop the thirty acre park-like site with river and trail access, pedestrian infrastructure and monument lighting.
  • An additional $7 million in endowment funds will sustain and maintain these large, historic structures, the site, and our expanded programs into the future, while $2 million in reserve funds will take advantage of new programs and partnership opportunities to maximize the potential of the expanded campus and safeguard our fiscal health.
An illustration of the completed events center
A digital rendering of the 48-inch Mill in a restored historic building.

Overview

Currently only operable during the warmer months of the year, upgraded facilities and additional square footage will dramatically increase annual attendance and expand the scope and scale of programs; boost Rivers of Steel’s capacity to support community partners and mission-based activities; and create new earned revenue opportunities that directly support future preservation.

Phase one of the Carrie On campaign is focused on the preservation and stabilization of the landmark’s historic structures. Phase two will shift to overall site development and interior renovation of existing structures to house a new event center and visitors center, followed by a final phase dedicated to new construction and completion of an arts, education and operations building.

GET INVOLVED

Become part of this historic effort to shape the region’s future through industrial heritage and innovation. Your contribution will help transform the iron-producing heart of the illustrious Homestead Works into a world-class destination where visitors from all walks of life are inspired, educated, and entertained.

Email Chris McGinnis at cmcginnis@riversofsteel.com

BOOKLET

There are lots of ways to support the Carrie On! campaign!
Download this resource guide to learn more.

A photograph of the Carrie Blast Furnaces at sunset with the words Carrie On and a tagline and logo.
Download the Carrie On! Booklet (PDF)

CAMPAIGN KIT

Learn how we’re transforming the Carrie Blast Furnaces into a world-class destination for industrial heritage, culture and the arts.

Download the Campaign Kit (PDF)

LOCATION

The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley.

The address for the National Historic Landmark is:

801 Carrie Furnace Blvd.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15218.