The Maker Marketplace at the Festival of Combustion
Rivers of Steel is seeking vendors for its Maker Marketplace during the 2025 Festival of Combustion.
To apply, download, complete, and return the Marketplace Vendor Application and Participation Agreement by August 29, 2025, according to the information on the form.
Homestead, PA (May 30, 2025)—The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation (RSHC), in Homestead, Pennsylvania, a Challenge Infrastructure and Capacity Building grant (CHA-286629-24) for the restoration of the Carrie Blast Furnaces Stove Deck/Purification Deck and the Stock House/Trestle.
The proposed project will take place within the Rivers of Steel Museum site, home to the historic Carrie Blast Furnaces, located at 623 E 8th Ave, Homestead, PA 15120. The Carrie Blast Furnaces is a National Historic Landmark (NHL) site and one of the last vestiges of Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage and of early 20th century US industrial culture. The site is one of the last pre-World War II furnaces of their kind in the US.
The project will take place at the Carrie Blast Furnaces 6 and 7. All work will meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards of Preservation. Work involves:
Stock house raw material storage bins:
* Bin wall replacement shall be performed in kind where excessive section loss and holes exist. These plate walls shall be removed and replaced with weathering steel.
* Vertical buck staves that reinforce the bin walls shall be replaced only where section loss is greater than 30% of the original section area. The new material shall be ASTM A588 steel and be welded back with E8018 welding metal. Welds shall be ground flush and cleaned to appear as original.
* Horizontal supports “Whalers” shall be shored from below or hung form above while repairs to the bin walls and buck staves are being performed. Should these members have section loss section loss is greater than 30% of the original section area. The new material shall be ASTM A588 and be welded back with E8018 welding metal. Welds shall be ground flush and cleaned to appear as original.
Stock house steel lintel supporting masonry:
* Steel lintel replacement shall be performed as outlined within the plans. This lintel replacement shall also comply to the weathering steel requirements outlined above.
* Any masonry that must be removed to accommodate these repairs shall be cleaned and placed back utilizing the special mortar mix provided by Rivers of Steel.
Highline railing and walkway repairs:
* Inspection and repair/replacement in kind of all elevated walkways and railings. Corten steel will be used for all replacement materials.
Support steel for Skipp #6 that ties and enters the stock house:
* The steel support system that connects to the stock house and is the primary means of support for Skipp #6 is in failure. Temporary shoring has been installed to provide support for a short period of time until replacement can be performed.
* This replacement includes the columns, beam and bracing between the stock house and the blast furnace as well as the columns within the stock house. This structure is integral to the stock house and its major components.
* The replacement steel (Corten) shall be in kind with the material grade exception applying.
* Rivets will be used where both faces of the fasteners are visible. Weathering type tension control (rivet head) can be used where only the rivet head is visible.
On May 21, 2025, Barbara Frederick, Environmental Review Division Manager with the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) provided a determination of no adverse effect to historic properties.
After reviewing Section 106 documentation and SHPO finding, NEH issues a determination of no adverse effect to above ground historic properties.
Rivers of Steel is excited to announce that we are hiring!
Please review the full descriptions for specific application instructions. Application deadline – May 2, 2025
Rivers of Steel is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring, transferring, promoting, terminating, paying, training, benefits or any other actions affecting employees. Rivers of Steel does not make any personnel decisions based on an employee’s race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, veteran’s status, non-job related disability or handicap, or other prohibited criteria as these terms are used under applicable law. Rivers of Steel abides by applicable federal, state, and local laws that govern human rights in the employment process.
Photo credit: Alison Zapata. Alison (left) finished a cartonería sculpture with her mentor, Chucho Lopez (right), during her apprenticeship in Oaxaca, Mexico.”
Homestead, PA (March 18, 2025)—Rivers of Steel is excited to announce the official call for applications for the 2025 – 2026 Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grants through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
Open to folk and traditional artists from across the state of Pennsylvania, these grants provide funding over a one-year period to a partnership between a master artist and a qualified apprentice. The grants will enable them to work together for in-depth learning that encompasses the acquisition of techniques and artistry as well as the context of the culture. Apprenticeships are offered annually in both performing and craft traditions. Interested artists can read more about the grant guidelines and download an application here. All applications must be submitted to Dana Payne at danpayne@pa.gov by April 14, 2025.
As the Folk and Traditional Arts Partner Organization representing PA Region 14, Rivers of Steel is happy to work with artists residing in Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, or Washington counties who are interested in submitting an application for this program. If you are interested in receiving Rivers of Steel’s help with your application, please contact Jon Engel, Heritage Arts Coordinator at jengel@riversofsteel.com by March 28, 2025. Artists living in counties outside of this region can find their representing organization here.
Rivers of Steel has been a PA Folk Arts partner for two decades, helping to celebrate and conserve this region’s diverse cultural heritage. This system of local and regional organizations convened under the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts forms a mutually supportive network specializing in folk and traditional arts. Current partnership organizations, including Rivers of Steel, collectively serve 40 counties by promoting the creation and documentation of folk art; engaging the public in understanding the quality, breadth, and diversity of folk and traditional arts across the state; conducting critical discovery fieldwork in under-represented communities; and providing technical assistance for folk and traditional artists through workshops and
gatherings.
About Rivers of Steel
Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.
Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of our region’s industrial and cultural heritage through its historical and 21st-century attractions―offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more. Behind the scenes, Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization—working at the grassroots level to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations.
Contact Jon Engel, Heritage Arts Coordinator by emailing jengel@riversofsteel.com
Rivers of Steel | The Bost Building, 623 East Eighth Ave, Homestead PA 15120
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Homestead, PA (January 24, 2025)—Rivers of Steel’s board of directors is excited to announce the selection of Mary W. Murrin as the next president and chief executive officer of the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation, effective March 1. Murrin, a Pittsburgh native, succeeds August R. Carlino, who, as previously announced, is set to retire from his founding role at the end of March.
“On behalf of the board of Rivers of Steel, I am delighted to announce Mary Murrin as our new president and chief executive officer,” said Dick Wallace, board chair for Rivers of Steel. “Mary brings a wealth of experience in corporate affairs, strategic planning, and fostering impactful public-private partnerships, making her an outstanding choice to lead Rivers of Steel into its next chapter. Her proven success in leveraging social investments and her passion for connecting communities to their heritage align perfectly with our mission.”
Ms. Murrin, a corporate affairs and social impact leader, will return to the region to oversee Rivers of Steel’s community development efforts, including the management of its four historic attractions and programs supporting the eight-county Rivers of Steel National and State Heritage Area. For the last 11 years, Ms. Murrin has supported the efforts of Chevron U.S.A. in a series of lead roles in social investment, corporate affairs, and digital strategy communications, most recently from Houston, Texas.
“I have been looking for the right opportunity to return home to Pittsburgh, and I’m incredibly honored to continue Augie Carlino’s 35-year vision and legacy for Rivers of Steel,” Murrin stated. “We share a commitment to preserving and celebrating our industrial heritage. And we understand the power of leveraging our natural resources and cultural experiences to grow our economy and inspire a creative quality of life.”
Ms. Murrin’s career has been shaped by economic shifts and industry trends, allowing her to develop expertise in the planning and implementation of programs addressing social and environmental challenges and change. After an early stint with Westinghouse Electric, Ms. Murrin spent nearly two decades with emerging technology ventures evolved from Carnegie Mellon University, primarily in communications and business development roles. In the early 2000s, she was active in former Allegheny County Executive Jim Roddey’s New Idea Factory, which was central in preparing Allegheny County to shift to a technology hub. Immediately prior to joining Chevron in 2014, Ms. Murrin served as vice president for corporate communications and grant programs with Carnegie Learning / Apollo Education Group.
“My career path and my love of the arts have been shaped by Western Pennsylvania’s natural resources; our proud, resilient economy; and our spirit of artistry and innovation,” Ms. Murrin shared.
Throughout her career, Mary Murrin has been a strong advocate for nonprofits. While in Pittsburgh, she was Board President of Quantum Theatre, where she currently serves on the emeritus board. She is also on the board of the National Girls Collaborative Project based in Seattle. Prior board roles include the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Remake Learning, and The Mentoring Partnership of SWPA, as well as several Houston, Texas-based nonprofits.
Ms. Murrin credits early arts and cultural experiences growing up in Pittsburgh with inspiring artistic curiosity, including grade-school attendance at the Tam O’Shanter art classes at Carnegie Music Hall and the All City Choir at Schenley High School. At Taylor Allderdice High School, she served as the editor-in-chief of the Allderdice Foreword newspaper, which launched her storytelling career. She is a graduate of Brown University.
“Mary follows in the footsteps of August R. Carlino, whose visionary leadership transformed Rivers of Steel into a cornerstone of cultural preservation and economic development both nationally and internationally,” Dick Wallace continued. “We are grateful for Augie’s remarkable contributions and are excited for Mary to continue building on this legacy while charting new paths forward. The board and I are confident that her dynamic leadership will inspire innovative programs and deepen Rivers of Steel’s impact across southwestern Pennsylvania.”
August R. Carlino’s tenure allows for overlap with Ms. Murrin’s start date to provide for a smooth transition. In 1990, Carlino was hired to lead the coalition that would later become Rivers of Steel, a Homestead-based nonprofit whose transformative work can be seen throughout communities in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Rivers of Steel has been a pioneer in industrial preservation and heritage tourism, altering perspectives on how postindustrial communities can revitalize and thrive with creative approaches to economic revitalization. By blending historic preservation and cultural conservation efforts with economic development initiatives, Rivers of Steel champions collaboration throughout the eight-county Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. It stewards four historic attractions—including three National Historic Landmarks—and works with communities by leveraging its assets to support heritage tourism, creative placemaking, outdoor recreation, and partnerships.
Rivers of Steel’s efforts have contributed to many projects in the revitalization of Pittsburgh, now a city frequently lauded for its “most livable” status, nationally recognized trails, riverfront revitalization, and ability to adapt while still embracing its steel legacy. Rivers of Steel’s efforts focus on all of southwestern Pennsylvania, including the smaller steel and coal communities that were integral to the larger steel operations in and just outside of Pittsburgh. While many communities in the Monongahela River Valley and beyond still struggle to rebound after the collapse of Big Steel, Rivers of Steel is committed to supporting these places.
Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.
Through its attractions, programs, and partnerships, Rivers of Steel champions the region’s industrial and cultural heritage to support economic revitalization throughout the eight counties of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area by working to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations.
Contact August Carlino at 412.999.3678 or arcarlino@riversofsteel.com.
Rivers of Steel | The Bost Building, 623 East Eighth Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120
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Created in Partnership with Rivers of Steel and the Mon Valley Academy for the Arts
Homestead, PA (October 31, 2024)—Rivers of Steel is excited to announce the installation of a new mural in the community of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, created by Ohio-based artist Atalie Gagnet with support from local residents and developed in partnership with the Mon Valley Academy of the Arts (MVAA) and Brownsville Borough.
A celebration to recognize this new mural will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the mural’s location at 113 Brownsville Avenue, Brownsville, PA, 15417.
The mural commemorates numerous natives of Brownsville who achieved success as renowned musicians on a national and global scale.
The celebration will include performances by the MVAA Regimental Fife and Drum Unit and VoiceZ on Fire show choir, and will include remarks from MVAA CEO and President Annette Buffer and Rivers of Steel’s Creative Leadership Program Coordinator Ashley Kyber.
The mural concept was conceived by and implemented with local community members participating in Rivers of Steel’s Creative Leadership Program, a three-year program that works with select Heritage Partner communities on a range of creative projects, professional development, best practices, consulting, and administrative and financial support to help kick-start creative placemaking and heritage tourism in their communities.
Working directly with Rivers of Steel staff members Ashley Kyber and Jon Engel, participants worked together throughout 2024 on a range of events and public art concepts proposed for the downtown area of Brownsville.
Atalie Gagnet was selected to create the mural and worked with local youth, artists, and residents interested in learning the process of designing and installing a large-scale mural. Her work brings vibrant public art to life through custom murals that transform and connect communities, drawing from her fine arts training and hands-on painting expertise. For this project, she collaborated closely with residents to create an accessible mural that reflects and enriches Brownsville’s unique heritage.
The mural honors musicians—past and present—whose talents have contributed to Brownsville’s legacy. Depicted in the mural are: Samuel “Sammy” J. Bill Jr., Vincent “Vinnie” Peter Colaiuta, Jeff Lashway, Danny Leoni, Jerry Leoni, John Gresh, Cheryl E. Hardwick (aka Quack Moore), Van Ross Redding, and Mark A. Smith. Read more about each musician here.
Atalie Gagnet was assisted by local artists, including Ashley Kyber, Ben Nicholson, Joe Phillips, Paula Romanishin, Shawn Rouzio, Angela Schnupp, Cadence Schnupp, Dakota Schnupp, Mike “Sharkey” Schutte, Jaime Ursic, Hope Yeardle, and community members who shared their thoughts and time throughout the process.
The Creative Leadership Program is part of a regional initiative called Partners for Creative Economy, which has received support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ Creative Communities Initiative, and the National Park Foundation.
About Partners for Creative Economy
Partners for Creative Economy is a long-term vision for the future of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, stretching across eight counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. The vision unites Rivers of Steel’s cross-sectoral approach to placemaking with an integrated strategy that incentivizes partnership. Its goal is to build up local leaders and invest in the future success of the region’s cultural and heritage assets through a range of promotional and professional development strategies, workforce development, technical assistance, and funding. Through this work, Rivers of Steel invests in the capacity of each heritage partner organization and municipality to help accomplish local goals and reach their specific growth potential, ultimately yielding the type of collective economic and community growth the region requires.
About Rivers of Steel
Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.
Through its attractions, programs, and partnerships, Rivers of Steel champions the region’s industrial and cultural heritage to support economic revitalization throughout the eight counties of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area by working to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations.
About the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area
This eight-county region is one of 62 designated National Heritage Areas designated by the U.S. Congress and one of 12 Pennsylvania State Heritage Areas. A National Heritage Area is a place of national significance to America. For Rivers of Steel, Congress recognized the industrial and cultural heritage of southwestern Pennsylvania. Through a public-private partnership with the National Park Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Rivers of Steel supports heritage conservation, heritage tourism, and outdoor recreation as a means to foster economic redevelopment and enhance cultural engagement.
Rivers of Steel | The Bost Building, 623 East Eighth Avenue, Homestead PA 15120
riversofsteel.com
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Homestead, PA (October 1, 2024)—Rivers of Steel is now accepting applications for its Mini-Grant Program, which assists heritage-related sites and organizations, as well as municipalities, within the borders of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. The Mini-Grants may be used to develop new and innovative programs, partnerships, exhibits, tours, and other initiatives that are consistent with the mission and vision outlined in Rivers of Steel’s Management Action Plan. The Mini-Grant program is funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, via DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program and the Heritage Areas Program Fund.
Proposals that increase heritage tourism, enhance preservation efforts, involve the stewardship of natural resources, encourage outdoor recreation and/or include collaborative partnerships are strongly encouraged.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EDT
Grant Awards Announced: January 2025, anticipated.
Rivers of Steel works to conserve the industrial and cultural heritage that defines southwestern Pennsylvania. Through its Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area program, Rivers of Steel champions the region’s natural, cultural, educational, recreational, and industrial resources as key components for preserving the region’s heritage, focusing on developing a sense of place, as well as contributing to the economic vibrancy of the region’s citizens and communities.
Applications are ranked using the following criteria: 1) a detailed and complete project narrative, 2) budget, 3) alignment for heritage tourism development, 4) and project outcomes.
In previous mini-grant cycles, special consideration has been given to organizations that are black- and/or minority-led organizations or organizations that primarily serve BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) audiences and communities. Rivers of Steel reiterates our long-held belief in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion and strengthens our commitment to fighting systemic racism and discrimination against people of color amidst the nationwide call for ending racism.
Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status, local governments and educational institutions are all eligible for the Mini-Grant Program. All projects must be within or across Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Washington, or Westmoreland Counties and have a significant connection to the mission of Rivers of Steel. Grant requests for a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000 will be considered. Applicants must match (at a 1:1 ratio) these grant funds with additional funding and/or pre-approved eligible non-cash (in-kind / volunteer) services.
More information and the application can be downloaded here (Word document). Applicants will also need to download the budget worksheet here (Excel document).
Questions? Join a discussion via Zoom on October 10 at 11:00 a.m. Use this link to join.
About Rivers of Steel
Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.
Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of our region’s industrial and cultural heritage by offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more. Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization throughout the eight counties of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area by working to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations.
About the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area
This eight-county region is one of 62 designated National Heritage Areas designated by the U.S. Congress and one of 12 Pennsylvania State Heritage Areas. A National Heritage Area is a place of national significance to America. For Rivers of Steel, Congress recognized the industrial and cultural heritage of southwestern Pennsylvania. Through a public-private partnership with the National Park Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Rivers of Steel supports heritage conservation, heritage tourism, and outdoor recreation as a means to foster economic redevelopment and enhance cultural engagement.
Contact Ryan Henderson by emailing rhenderson@riversofsteel.com.
Rivers of Steel | The Bost Building, 623 East Eighth Avenue, Homestead PA 15120
riversofsteel.com
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Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation is seeking a dynamic and visionary President & Chief Executive Officer who will continue to grow the organization strategically and programmatically while enthusiastically serving the mission.
As the chief administrative officer, the President & CEO will lead the management entity of the Rivers of Steel National and State Heritage Area, as designated by the United States Congress and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Accountable to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will oversee all aspects of Rivers of Steel’s operations, facilities, office, and staff. The President & CEO will play a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission and strategic plans, focusing on conservation, preservation, education, tourism, and economic development.
A highly visible leader, the incoming executive will also be charged with cultivating and maintaining the many relationships (community, political, philanthropic) that are critical to the continuing success of the organization. As Rivers of Steel continues their successful Carrie On! Capital Campaign to fully purchase and reinvigorate the Carrie Blast Furnaces site, it is critical that the new President & CEO be an accomplished and savvy fundraiser, able to raise support for the organization’s programs and projects while diversifying funding streams.
See the full job description here.
Rivers of Steel has retained Nonprofit Talent to assist with this important organizational change process. Specific questions related to the position may be emailed to Michelle Pagano Heck, President, at Michelle@NonprofitTalent.com. Please direct all inquiries related to this position to Nonprofit Talent, and do not contact Rivers of Steel.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 5PM ON OCTOBER 30, 2024
Rivers of Steel is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring, transferring, promoting, terminating, paying, training, benefits or any other actions affecting employees. Rivers of Steel does not make any personnel decisions based on an employee’s race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, ancestry, marital status, veteran’s status, non-job related disability or handicap, or other prohibited criteria as these terms are used under applicable law. Rivers of Steel abides by applicable federal, state, and local laws that govern human rights in the employment process.
Homestead, PA (September 4, 2024)—Rivers of Steel’s signature event, the Festival of Combustion, presented by United States Steel, returns to the Carrie Blast Furnaces on October 5, from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. with new activities, performances, and collaborators.
This one-of-a-kind extravaganza attracts thousands of visitors of all ages who join in this celebration of industrial arts and American crafts through hands-on activities, trade demonstrations, tours, live music, fireworks, and more!
The spirit of the festival takes its inspiration from the iron-making legacy of this National Historic Landmark—embodied by a deftly orchestrated iron pour featuring Rivers of Steel’s metal arts crew working with visiting artists from across the country, who cast artworks molded in the days preceding the event. A secondary aluminum pour casts scratch molds carved by festival participants!
Additional demonstrations include glassblowing with the Pittsburgh Glass Center, welding with Patrick Camut Fabrication, blacksmithing with Rivers of Steel, power hammer forging with the Center for Metal Arts, and a performative wood-fired ceramic reveal at twilight with Talon Smith.
“The Festival of Combustion has grown so much over the years, and we are particularly excited to welcome more than 50 collaborators in 2024,” said Chris McGinnis, senior director of programs & regional partnerships for Rivers of Steel. “So much of what makes this event special comes from the many friends and partners who bring their unique and creative work to Carrie Blast Furnaces each year. We are thrilled to have the LIGHT Educational Initiative back during the workshop period and welcome newcomers like Manchester Craftsmen Guild into our Festival of Combustion community. Center for Metal Arts will be joining us for the first time all the way from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and I can’t think of a better partner in the metal arts to help showcase the power of industrial arts!”
Beyond the metal pours and demonstrations, there are even more performances to see. On the music stage, Ames Harding and the Mirage, Tom Breiding and Union Railroad, and The Polkamaniacs will keep festival-goers entertained. Pop-up performances by Lovely Lady Lydia Artistry offer up flame performances and circus arts throughout the evening.
While there is plenty to see at the Festival of Combustion, there is even more to do!
Now in its third year, the Heritage Craft Tent is presented by West Overton Village, who will offer educational rye whiskey tastings for adults and interactive activities for kids! Touchstone Center for Crafts, the Bradford House Historical Association, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, and the Society for the Preservation of the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka will be joining West Overton in offering hands-on cultural heritage engagements.
For those really looking to get crafty, there are a half dozen more activities, including mosaics with The Ruins Project, jewelry-making with the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media, raku-fired ceramics with Ton Pottery, STEAM crafts with Assemble PGH, a “Punk Rock Corner” with LIGHT Education Initiative, and Guild on the Go with Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. MCG and LIGHT are new to the festival this year!
To accommodate more tour-goers than in prior years, Rivers of Steel is offering self-paced tours of the landmark furnaces with tour guides stationed throughout, paired with an “Ask a Tour Guide” information tent near the hub of the activities. This year Rivers of Steel is also celebrating the tenth anniversary of Casting the Iron Garden—an event that created iron plaques describing the flora of the nature-reclaimed space on the eastern edge of the grounds. Originally developed in 2014 by artists Addy Smith-Reiman and Josh Reiman, the project was completed with the help of the Penn State Master Gardeners who will attend the Festival to help share the story of this exciting project!
For the adventurous in the crowd, Xpogo will provide instruction and free-to-use pogo sticks for all skill levels and ages, and KSD Studios are offering affordable tattoos.
Craft beer and cocktails, food trucks, and a maker marketplace with more than a dozen regional artisans will add to the festival atmosphere. To cap off the night, Rivers of Steel will light up the Mon Valley with a fireworks display above the Carrie Blast Furnaces.
To keep the event affordable for families, tickets for adults are only $20.00 in advance, and admission is free for those under age 18. Live demos, performances, marketplace admission, and workshop activities are all included in the event price. Free parking is available on the grounds. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
The Festival of Combustion is presented by United States Steel. Additional sponsorship has been provided by West Overton Village and Jackson Welding Supply Co., Inc., with media sponsorship from NEXTpittsburgh. Stop by to visit our sponsors at their information tents!
Tickets can be purchased at here.
About Rivers of Steel
Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.
Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of our region’s industrial and cultural heritage through its historical and 21st-century attractions―offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more. Behind the scenes, Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization—working at the grassroots level to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations.
Contact Carly McCoy at 412.464.4020, ext. 243, or by emailing cmccoy@riversofsteel.com.
Rivers of Steel | The Bost Building, 623 East Eighth Ave, Homestead PA 15120
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Homestead, PA (June 26, 2024)—The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has offered the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation (RSHC), in Homestead, Pennsylvania, a Challenge Infrastructure and Capacity Building grant (CHA-286629) to restore the Carrie Blast Furnaces, a National Historic Landmark.
Rivers of Steel
The Bost Building
623 E. Eighth Avenue
Homestead, PA 15120
Tel: 412.464.4020
Fax: 412.464.4417
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