Press Room

Rivers of Steel Launches New Tour on the Explorer Riverboat

The Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour Begins June 18

Homestead, PA (June 1, 2021)—On Friday, June 18, Rivers of Steel will launch a new tour on the Explorer riverboat—the Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour. The 90-minute excursion on Pittsburgh’s three rivers seeks to answer the question “What makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh?”

Traveling on the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers, this tour shares the big stories of our region’s past—along with many lesser-known tales—as it explores a sense of place. It encourages participants to sit back, enjoy the skyline, and see the sights as they discover how Pittsburgh’s unique history shaped the city we have today.

“For more than 25 years, Rivers of Steel has worked to tell the stories of southwestern Pennsylvania,” explains August R. Carlino, president and chief executive officer of Rivers of Steel. “With the Uniquely Pittsburgh tour, our region’s legacy will be amplified, enabling locals and tourists alike to connect the past with the present and gain a greater appreciation of Pittsburgh’s role in American history.”

“This new tour was written with locals in mind,” said Brianna Horan, Rivers of Steel’s manager of tourism and visitor experience. “As we emerge from the pandemic, many folks are exploring places and attractions closer to home, so we crafted this experience to ensure local audiences would be just as entertained and educated as those visiting from farther away.”

Tours will be offered at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday from June 18 through the end of August. Prices range from $12 to $23 with adult, senior, student, and child rates. Advance ticket purchases are required.

Proceeds from tours and charters on the Explorer riverboat help to underwrite Rivers of Steel’s STEM-based education programs onboard the vessel for students throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.

Visitors can listen to the narrated tour from the main and upper decks via a 30-speaker sound system. The interior, temperature-controlled cabins and open deck spaces can currently accommodate 50 people for a tour (a limit of 50% of the standard capacity). There are three restrooms, including one ADA-accessible restroom on the main deck.

The 94-foot Explorer is the world’s first vessel to have LEED standards applied to its entire engineering and construction process. Features of the riverboat are a nod to “green” in terms of durability, sustainability, and the environment.

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 through 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 Avenue, Homestead PA 15120
www.riversofsteel.com

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Alloy Pittsburgh 2021 artists tour the Carrie Blast Furnaces, April, 2021.

Rivers of Steel Announces Alloy Pittsburgh 2021 Artists

New this year: Community-based Artist Residencies

Homestead, PA (April 29, 2021)—Rivers of Steel is excited to announce the selection of artists for Alloy Pittsburgh 2021, a unique visual and performing arts initiative developed for the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark and administered by Rivers of Steel.

Through Alloy Pittsburgh, Rivers of Steel seeks to examine the history, current condition, and possible future of the Carrie Blast Furnaces without permanently transforming the site’s characteristics, while offering regional artists a unique exhibition opportunity and career-building experience.

In 2021, for its fourth iteration, Rivers of Steel and the Alloy Pittsburgh collaborators are excited to unveil a new programmatic structure. With the funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Alloy Pittsburgh 2021 will reach beyond the walls of the Carrie Blast Furnaces to place resident artists in five neighboring communities of Braddock, Hazelwood, Homestead, Rankin, and Swissvale, Pennsylvania.

The following artists will be paired with partner organizations in each municipality for a three-month residency period. During that time, artists can communicate, collaborate, and connect with Mon Valley residents to develop their final projects at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. Each institution worked collaboratively with the Alloy Pittsburgh team to select and pair artists with the venue most suitable to their work.

• Darnell Chambers—hosted by Dragon’s Den in Homestead
• Reba Harmon—hosted by Three Rivers Village School in Hazelwood
• Lori Hepner—hosted by Braddock Carnegie Library Association in Braddock
• Sandy Kessler-Kaminski—hosted by Rankin Christian Center in Rankin
• Jan Loney—hosted by Rivers of Steel at the Carrie Blast Furnaces (in Rankin & Swissvale)
• Bradford Mumpower—hosted by the Wilkins School Community Center in Swissvale

“Community-based art programs, like Alloy Pittsburgh, provide a vital pathway for residents across the Mon Valley to celebrate and share their industrial heritage. They also help re-imagine the changing role of places like the Carrie Blast Furnaces in the region’s future,” said Augie Carlino, president and CEO of Rivers of Steel. “Generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts, and all of our local partners helps ensure these meaningful connections thrive.”

The program launches on May 17 with a weeklong research residency for the artists. During that week, the artists will explore Carrie Blast Furnaces and learn about its history through various perspectives.  They will meet with former steelworkers, Rivers of Steel staff historians and talk to other local scholars.  The keynote speaker will be Edward K. Muller, an emeritus professor of history at the University of Pittsburgh and former board chair of Rivers of Steel. The artists will also have an opportunity to meet with former Alloy Pittsburgh resident artists to learn about their work, processes, and past experiences working in community-based residencies.

Following the kick-off week, the artists will begin working out of their community spaces. At that time, they will determine the nature of their engagement with their communities. Alloy Pittsburgh 2021 opens to the public on Saturday, August 28 and runs through Saturday, September 25, 2021. Opening reception and tour schedule to follow.

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

Additional support for Alloy Pittsburgh 2021 has been provided by the Fine Foundation and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

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.

About Rivers of Steel Arts
Rivers of Steel Arts celebrates creative inquiry by crafting opportunities to interpret the region’s past, reimagine its future, and explore a sense of place. Through exhibitions, festivals, workshops, tours, and happenings, Rivers of Steel Arts helps individuals connect with their communities in meaningful ways.

Contact Carly McCoy at 412.464.4020, ext. 243 or by emailing cmccoy@riversofsteel.com.
Rivers of Steel | The Bost Building, 623 East Eighth Avenue, Homestead PA 15120
www.riversofsteel.com

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Rivers of Steel Reopens Mon Valley Attractions

Expanded hours for the Carrie Blast Furnaces, plus new hours and admission for the Bost Building

Homestead, PA (April 13, 2021)—Rivers of Steel is excited to announce the opening of its 2021 season at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, located in Rankin and Swissvale, along with the reopening of the Bost Building museum and visitors center in Homestead, and the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry in Machine Shop in Rices Landing.

Saturday, May 1 marks the opening of the tour season at Carrie Blast Furnaces. Industrial Tours of this National Historic Landmark, which highlight the site’s iron-making technology, its workers, and their culture, will initially be offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in May, and will resume to a full Wednesday through Sunday schedule in June. The tour season ends on October 31.

Guided tours of the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop will resume on May 2, 2021 and will be offered most Sundays, May through October. The Machine Shop is a National Historic Landmark located along the Monongahela River in Rices Landing, Greene County.

On June 2, the Bost Building will reopen to the public for the first time since March of 2020 to small groups via timed ticketing. Admission to the museum galleries will be free to all for the remainder of 2021.  The safety of our guests and staff is paramount, so capacity will remain limited indefinitely and ticket pre-registration will be required. Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

“It is our hope that by removing the admission fee for visitors to the Bost Building, that it will make this storied landmark more accessible and welcoming to all,” said Augie Carlino, president and CEO of Rivers of Steel. “The new hours echo the public tour schedule at the Carrie Blast Furnaces as well, so that visitors and locals alike may extend their experience by exploring the exhibitions on display or by discovering more things to do in the Rivers of Steel Heritage Area via our visitors’ center.”

The From the Vault: Staff Picks from the Rivers of Steel Archives exhibition is currently on display in the main gallery of the Bost Building. An exhibition of works by Mon Valley artist Kathleen Ferri will open on October 1, 2021 and remain on display through February 27, 2022. The artworks will be juxtaposed with items from the Rivers of Steel Archives.

Parking for the Great Allegheny Passage trailhead at the Pump House in Munhall is currently open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to make use of this outdoor space, by enjoying the public art, walking the labyrinth onsite, reading the text panels about its historic legacy, or simply picnicking by the river. It is once again available for rental events.

Rivers of Steel also hosts the Carrie Carpool Cinema and a number of arts workshops at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. Workshop offerings include a range of metal casting workshops, for the novice to the professional, along with photography and graffiti / style-writing experiences.  For the creative and the curious, Rivers of Steel’s workshops are designed to foster new perspectives while providing opportunities to build skills, network with peers, and connect with southwestern Pennsylvania’s cultural and industrial heritage. Workshop registration is open now.

Capacity restrictions, mask requirements, and social distancing will remain in place for all Rivers of Steel attractions, and will be updated as the situation evolves. Additional details regarding Rivers of Steel’s COVID-19 policy can be found 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.

About the Carrie Blast Furnaces

Once part of legendary U.S. Steel Homestead Steel Works, the Carrie Blast Furnaces are a vestige of Pittsburgh’s 20th-century domination of the steel industry. In 2006, Blast Furnaces #6 & #7 were declared a National Historic Landmark. Today, visitors to the site can connect with the region’s industrial and cultural past through a myriad of public tours and programs offered by Rivers of Steel.

Contact Carly McCoy at 412.464.4020, ext. 243 or by emailing cmccoy@riversofsteel.com.
Rivers of Steel | The Bost Building, 623 East Eighth Avenue, Homestead PA 15120
riversofsteel.com

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Rivers of Steel Announces the 2021 Schedule of Movie Screenings at the Carrie Blast Furnaces

Homestead, PA (March 25, 2021)—Rivers of Steel is excited to announce the return of the Carrie Carpool Cinema at the Carrie Blast Furnaces. This drive-in movie-style experience offers curated films, along with coordinated programmatic activities, mini-tours of the National Historic Landmark site, and concessions for purchase.

The series, which will run one weekend a month April through October, offers themed feature films paired with complementary program activities or preview shorts.

On April 16 and 17, the series starts with films shot in and around Pittsburgh. Friday’s feature is Fences. The Dark Knight Rises will be the main event on Saturday. Short films by Braddock filmmaker Tony Buba will be screened as a preview to both features.

May 21 and 22 offer up a pair of samurai movies with Jim Jarmusch’s Ghost Dog: the Way of the Samurai on Friday and the film Shogun Assassin on Saturday. Building off the intersectionality of cultures in Ghost Dog, the pre-film activities embrace the culture of street art with live graffiti painting and a DJ set on both nights, while mini-tours also highlight the murals and graffiti artworks at the Carrie Blast Furnaces.

Highlights of coordinated programmatic activities include a Hot Metal Happening in July and a post-film ghost tour in October.

Feature film tiles for the full series are listed at https://riversofsteel.com/carrie-carpool-cinema. Tickets are available now.

Pricing is $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 4 through 17; $3 from each ticket purchased directly supports the conservation of this National Historic Landmark.

For opening weekend, the site will open at 7:00 p.m. with the first film to follow at 8:30 p.m. Mini-tours of the site are available for purchase at $10 / person. The 45-minute tours will begin at 7:30 p.m. Times will be adjusted for sunset throughout the season.  Sweet & savory concessions by the Fudge Farm food truck will also be available for purchase this season.

Outside of the vehicles, social distancing protocols will be in place for the safety of guests and staff, following the most recent recommendations by the CDC and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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.

About the Carrie Blast Furnaces

Once part of legendary U.S. Steel Homestead Steel Works, the Carrie Blast Furnaces are a vestige of Pittsburgh’s 20th-century domination of the steel industry. In 2006, Blast Furnaces #6 & #7 were declared a National Historic Landmark. Today, visitors to the site can connect with the region’s industrial and cultural past through a myriad of public tours and programs offered by Rivers of Steel.

Contact Carly McCoy at 412.464.4020, ext. 243 or by emailing cmccoy@riversofsteel.com.
Rivers of Steel | The Bost Building, 623 East Eighth Avenue, Homestead PA 15120
riversofsteel.com

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Rivers of Steel Announces Folk Arts Grant Opportunity

Call for applications for the 2021-2022 Master Artist and Apprenticeship grants through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Homestead, PA (March 19, 2021)—Rivers of Steel is excited to announce the official call for applications for the 2021-2022 Master Artist and 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, enabling 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 grants and download an application here. All applications must be submitted to Dana Payne at danpayne@pa.gov by April 19, 2021.

At noon on March 26th, Rivers of Steel will be hosting a video seminar to walk applicants through the paperwork and give advice on writing a great proposal. Attendance is not necessary to apply but may help artists present their best work and create a compelling curriculum. Register for the webinar here.

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.  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 nearly 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 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

riversofsteel.com

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Rivers of Steel Supports Rep. Cartwright and Sen. Casey’s Lead on Bipartisan PA Delegation on Bill to Reauthorize PA National Heritage Areas and Uplift Local Economies

Homestead, PA (February 25, 2021)—Rivers of Steel commends U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08) and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) for their efforts earlier this week leading a group of Congressional Democrats and Republicans representing Pennsylvania in introducing the Pennsylvania National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act.

This bill would reauthorize for 15 years five National Heritage Areas (NHAs) in the Commonwealth: Lackawanna Valley, Delaware & Lehigh, Schuylkill River Valley, Oil Region and Rivers of Steel.

Rivers of Steel is grateful to Congressman Cartwright and Senator Casey for their leadership on the statewide NHA legislation.  August Carlino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rivers of Steel said, “We are fortunate to have the support on this legislation of so many others in our Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation.  Pennsylvania has seen incredible economic success across the Commonwealth with our National Heritage Areas, and our state continues to lead the nation and set a national benchmark for how these public-private partnerships benefit the communities in which we work.  We look forward to continuing our work in southwestern Pennsylvania.”

NHAs are partnerships among the National Park Service (NPS), states, and local communities, in which the NPS supports state and local conservation and economic development through federal recognition, seed money and technical assistance. They remain in state, local, or private ownership or a combination thereof, and are supported by grants from the federal government and other sources, which can support job-creating projects and businesses.

“Our national heritage areas bring federal money directly to Pennsylvania to benefit small businesses and conservation efforts in our communities,” said Rep. Cartwright. “By reauthorizing Pennsylvania’s national heritage areas, we invest in our economy and the protection of Pennsylvania’s beautiful natural resources for years to come.”

“This legislation recognizes the value of our natural and cultural resources and will protect Pennsylvania’s National Heritage Areas, supporting local conservation and stimulating local economies,” said Senator Casey. “We must continue to fund the vital conservation and economic development work of our NHAs.”

The bill would also remove the funding caps and increase their authorization so Congress can continue funding the heritage areas. The heritage areas then leverage this federal funding many times over through other funding streams, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity in the region. These NHAs need to be reauthorized by the end of fiscal year 2021 in order to remain eligible for federal funding.

Last August, Rivers of Steel released an economic impact study that estimates the generation of more than $92 million of economic benefit and 922 jobs each year as a result of spending by visitors to Rivers of Steel and its partners, including the expenditures of Rivers of Steel on grantmaking, operations, and capital improvements.

The annual average of direct, indirect, and induced economic impact estimates a $92 million return on the annual investment of $664,000 by the National Park Service through the National Heritage Area program and an average investment of $200,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the Heritage Parks Program.  The result is more than a 100-fold return on investment in terms of ultimate economic benefit for the eight-county region.

This legislation is co-sponsored in the U.S. House by U.S. Reps. Mike Doyle (D-PA-18), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Conor Lamb (D-PA-17), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15) and Susan Wild (D-PA-07).

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.

About the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area

This eight-county region is one of 55 National Heritage Areas designated by the U.S. Congress and one of 12 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 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

riversofsteel.com

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Rivers of Steel Awards Nine Mini-Grants

Funding for local nonprofits provides $60,000 for heritage tourism,
community development, and placemaking initiatives

Homestead, PA (February 3, 2021)—Rivers of Steel recently awarded $60,000 to nine nonprofit organizations within the eight-county region of southwestern Pennsylvania that the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area represents.

The Mini-Grants will be used to develop new and innovative programs, partnerships, exhibits, tours, and other initiatives that are consistent with Rivers of Steel’s mission and that increase heritage tourism, enhance preservation efforts, involve the stewardship of natural resources, encourage outdoor recreation and / or include collaborative partnerships.

Mini-Grants were award to:

Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Corporation, $5,210, for the stabilization of the Bicentennial House building located at 284 13th Street in the Ambridge Historic District and for preliminary investigations into the needs for preservation and rehabilitation.

Center of Life, $12,000, for installation of interactive art objects that function as urban furniture, planters for nascent local species, and instigators of conversation that will be installed at a tree nursery on a site at Hazelwood Green, before transitioning into permanent residence within the Hazelwood community.

Donora Historical Society, $1,000, for the development of glass plate negatives from the Bruce Dreisbach collection and other archival photo and film related projects.

Historic Harmony, $4,000, for the completion of the Visitors Information Cabin, by building out the interior as an interpretive exhibit space to demonstrate how early settlers worked.

Josh Gibson Foundation, $10,000, for the creation of the Josh Gibson Virtual Tour, an interactive tour that will highlight the accomplishments, triumphs, and barriers Josh Gibson experienced in his life.

Kelly Strayhorn Theater, $4,000, for the build out of the Gallery KST & Lounge, which will activate the historic lobby space for community events, while enhancing the patron experience and supporting creatives to achieve artistic fulfillment, financial resilience, and social impact.

Steel Valley Trail Council, $3,790, for the research, creation, and installation of interpretive signage along the trail that highlights the historical importance of Braddock’s Expedition, the Flyover Trail Bridges, the Thompson Run Waterfalls, and the industrial history of the area traversed.

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, $12,000, for the design, fabrication, and installation of the Rolling Melting Pot exhibit, an interactive educational tool that will allow students and other visitors to understand the impact that immigration had on trolleys, and that trolleys had on immigration.

Westmoreland Museum of American Art, $8,000, to support Stephen Towns: Declaration and Resistance, a solo exhibition of artist Stephen Towns, a Black painter and fiber artist whose work explores how American history influences contemporary society.

Rivers of Steel works to conserve the industrial and cultural heritage that defines southwestern Pennsylvania. Through the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, 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.

While the funding is provided via DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program and the Environmental Stewardship Fund for these Mini-Grants, Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation applies for, administers, and accounts for the distribution of the grants throughout the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. Both nonprofits and municipalities are eligible for grant awards.

This year, as part of its ongoing diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion efforts, Rivers of Steel gave special consideration to black- or minority-led organizations and organizations that serve a majority BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) audience and communities. Rivers of Steel is committed to working with organizations who share our long-held belief in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion and are committed to fighting systemic racism and discrimination against people of color.

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.

About the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area

This eight-county region is one of 55 National Heritage Areas designated by the U.S. Congress and one of 12 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 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

riversofsteel.com

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Rivers of Steel Receives New Capacity Building Grant from the National Park Foundation

Grant expands Rivers of Steel’s ability to update strategic plan to include DEAI initiatives.

Homestead, PA (January 21, 2021)—Rivers of Steel has received a grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF) that will allow for the re-examine the organization’s strategic plan to ensure that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) are addressed in every area of its operations, projects, and programs.  Rivers of Steel is one of 36 park partner organizations to receive a Strong Parks, Strong Communities capacity-building grant from NPF, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service.

“The funds from this grant will help us fulfill the promise that we made to our partners and the communities of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area in the wake of the tragic murder of George Floyd,” said Augie Carlino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rivers of Steel. “Rivers of Steel is committed to telling the whole story of our industrial and cultural heritage—the stories that are good and those that are difficult and uncomfortable to discuss or admit.”

Through the strategic planning initiative, Rivers of Steel will engage with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) members of the southwestern Pennsylvania community to develop programming and projects that focus on ending racism, bigotry, inequality, intolerance, injustice, and prejudice toward Black Americans, people of color, and other minorities.

The grant from NPF will provide resources to further Rivers of Steel’s efforts, which were catalyzed amidst the BLM movement of 2020. The initiative, entitled RESPECT – Re-Examination of our Strategic Plan for these Exceptional and Changing Times – will include a professionally facilitated strategic planning process with community members throughout the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, including local members of the community. The RESPECT process will support Rivers of Steel’s parallel efforts initiated in 2020 for both the promotion and facilitation of black, indigenous, and people of color in the field of historic preservation and to expand resources for BIPOC-led organizations through its Mini-Grant Program.

Rivers of Steel’s efforts are also happening in conjunction with our partners: the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Museums, Galleries, and Cultural Institutions Working Group, the Greater Hazelwood Historical Society, and Boom Concepts, among others. The plan will also develop recommendations on ways Rivers of Steel can increase diversity among staff, board, partners, and audiences in historic preservation.

The Strong Parks, Strong Communities grant program helps address nonprofit park partner needs that have come to the forefront amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants enable park partners, including Rivers of Steel, to expand their impact through new technology, website redesigns, creative visitor engagement, strategic plan development, fundraising campaigns, professional development, and more.  A full list of Strong Parks, Strong Communities grantees can be on the National Park Foundation’s blog.

“The National Park Foundation is committed to increasing national park philanthropy across the board and being responsive to current needs,” said LaTresse Snead, chief program officer for the National Park Foundation. “The capacity-building grants help advance park partners’ goals to preserve natural and cultural resources, increase access to public lands for all people, and develop innovative programming.”

Strong Parks, Strong Communities is a collective effort to grow national park philanthropy, consisting of approximately 450 local philanthropic organizations across the United States.

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.

About the National Park Foundation

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connects all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find our more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.

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

riversofsteel.com

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Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at Historic Pump House Celebrates New WindStax Wind Turbine

Congressman Mike Doyle, Lt. Governor John Fetterman, and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald spoke at socially-distanced event.

Homestead, PA (November 25, 2020)—Rivers of Steel celebrated the installation of a new WindStax wind turbine at the Pump House with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday with elected officials, including Congressman Mike Doyle, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and key stakeholders David Landis, president of Epic Metals and Ron Gdovic, the founder and CEO of WindStax Energy.

The venerable history of the history of the site was reflected in the comments from the Congressman and the Lieutenant Governor.

“We showcase industries of the future and we’re doing it here—commemorating our region’s proud industrial past,” said U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle. “This wind turbine behind us, it’s not only a symbol of Pittsburgh’s past and future…it’s also putting people on notice that Pittsburgh is going to be leading the nation in developing more sustainable energy technologies for the future.”

“The Pump House is a beautiful structure and what it stands for and symbolizes,” said Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman “I can think of no finer addition than something that celebrates our commitment to renewable energy, and acknowledging and celebrating the past, but moving on to the future.”

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald acknowledged the roles that businesspersons like David Landis and Ron Gdovic play in our region’s development.

“It’s folks like David and Ron—and the companies that they lead—are taking us to the next level of where we’re going to go as a region,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “I’m so proud because this place—western Pennsylvania—is showing the way for the rest of the country and the economy.”

The WindStax 40′ turbine, developed by Ron Gdovic and WindStax Energy, is comprised of state-of-the-art, large, vertical axis turbines that will offset the utility expenses at the Pump House with renewable energy, providing long-term support for Rivers of Steel through its ability to send the electricity it generates back to the utility grid. Funding for the wind turbine was donated by the Epic Metals Corporation Charitable Foundation, directed by David Landis.

Rivers of Steel’s President and CEO August Carlino also reflected how WindStax Energy and Epic Metals contribute to our region’s development.

“We talk about industry, and when we think about it, you think about these large industrial facilities like U.S. Steel that dominated this site,” said Carlino. “But what often gets lost in the history is the critical backbone to the support of these industries—and that is the medium and smaller sized businesses that literally employed tens of thousands of people, and still do throughout southwest Pennsylvania. Epic Metals is so symbolic of that—an industry that supports all that is going on—not just in the history of this region and this valley—but in the transformation of the region.”

In addition to comments given by the elected officials and Rivers of Steel, David Landis and Ronald Gdovic, spoke about the impact of this project.

David Landis recollected how the idea for this installation began in June of 2019, and mentioned how a similar installation at Epic Metals in Braddock provided power for one of their buildings, citing its environmental benefits: “The river valley provides a natural path for generating wind energy that does not create any pollution.”

“This is really a symbol of new energy,” said Gdovic. “Pittsburgh has always been an innovator in energy. This entire Mon Valley had so much power running through it, led by companies like Westinghouse and many others. Pittsburgh has always been known for its innovations in energy. This is really a testament to energies of the future.”

“This transition to renewable energy is such an opportunity, not only to southwestern Pennsylvania, but the United States, and the planet in general,” Gdovic continued.

Epic Metals, located across the Monongahela River in Braddock and Rankin, has been manufacturing steel roof and floor deck ceiling systems for more than 52 years.  Beginning in 2010, Epic Metals recognized the importance of sustainability. At its main office and manufacturing locations there are solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle charging stations to reduce Epic’s carbon footprint. Mr. Landis is a member of Pittsburgh’s CEOs for Sustainability and on the Board of Trustees of the Braddock Carnegie Library.

WindStax Energy is a full-service developer of integrated renewable energy solutions. WindStax makes the largest vertical wind turbines in the United States. Their award-winning wind and solar microgrids are changing the industry’s perspective of “energy as a commodity” to “energy as an opportunity.”

The Pump House dates back to 1892 when it was built by the Carnegie Steel Company. That same year it was the site of the Battle of Homestead, a defining moment in the nation’s labor history. Today, the building and its adjacent water tower help to interpret the nationally significant events of 1892 and highlight the illustrious steel-making legacy of the region.

The Pump House is one of four historical attractions managed by Rivers of Steel. As the owner and steward of the Pump House and surrounding grounds, River of Steel secures its industrial and cultural legacy for future generations, while allowing for its use as a public and private multi-use site.

In the spring through fall seasons, it functions as a trailhead for the Great Allegheny Passage. The public is welcome to visit its grounds, which offer views of the Monongahela River, the Carrie Blast furnaces, industrial relics and public art, including a meditative stone labyrinth. Interpretive panels on-site help visitors gain insight into the importance of this historic site.

Private and group tours of the interior of the Pump House are available by appointment. It is also a popular venue for wedding receptions and family celebrations.

For more information about the Pump House or Rivers of Steel in general, contact Carly McCoy, director of marketing, via cmccoy@riversofsteel.com.

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 Avenue, Homestead PA 15120

riversofsteel.com

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Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate WindStax Turbine Installation at the Pump House

Congressman Mike Doyle, Lt. Governor John Fetterman, and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald scheduled to speak on November 24.

Homestead, PA (November 17, 2020)—Rivers of Steel is excited to announce that it, along with key stakeholders and elected officials, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly installed WindStax 40’ wind turbine at the historic Pump House on November 24, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., located at 880 E. Waterfront Drive in Munhall, Pennsylvania.

“The installation of WindStax turbine is a symbol of one of the industries of our region’s future, installed in a location significant to our region’s past,” said August Carlino, president and CEO of Rivers of Steel. “It is reflective of our commitment to sustainability and would not have been possible without the generosity of the Epic Metals Corporation Charitable Foundation and the efforts of WindStax Energy.”

Congressman Mike Doyle, Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald are scheduled to be on hand to offer a few remarks regarding Rivers of Steel and to assist in the ribbon-cutting.  State Senator Jay Costa has been invited to attend, as well.

“The reclamation of the Carrie Furnace brownfield site, which Rivers of Steel calls home, was a long, arduous process to mediate the pollution of generations past. It’s rewarding to see investment by Rivers of Steel, albeit on an adjacent site, into a renewable energy resource like the windstax turbine installation,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “The care taken by Rivers of Steel to ensure that the air and water and ground remain unpolluted is a practice that we should all work towards and celebrate.”

The WindStax 40′ turbine is comprised of state-of-the-art, large, vertical axis turbines, which will offset the utility expenses at the Pump House with renewable energy, providing long-term support for Rivers of Steel. The wind turbine converts wind energy to electricity and sends that electricity back to the utility grid through net-metering. This electricity is measured by a meter, recorded by Duquesne Light, and will enable Rivers of Steel to receive a credit against its utility bill.

In addition to comments given by the elected officials and Rivers of Steel, key stakeholders David Landis, president of Epic Metals, and Ronald Gdovic, Ph.D., the founder, and CEO of WindStax Energy, will speak about the impact of this project.

“Massive power plants and electric utility infrastructure supported Pittsburgh’s manufacturing base since the Industrial Revolution,” said Gdovic. “Renewable energy has the potential to support industries of the future. Personally, it is an honor to provide a new energy solution to the historic Pump House in the shadows of the former mill sites in Homestead where my ancestors worked as immigrants in the past.”

WindStax Energy is a full-service developer of integrated renewable energy solutions. WindStax makes the largest vertical wind turbines in the United States. Their award-winning wind and solar microgrids are changing the industry’s perspective of “energy as a commodity” to “energy as an opportunity.”

Funding for the wind turbine purchase was donated by the Epic Metals Corporation Charitable Foundation, directed by David Landis in support of Rivers of Steel, its work, and programming at the Pump House.

Epic Metals, located across the Monongahela River in Braddock and Rankin, has been manufacturing steel roof and floor deck ceiling systems for more than 52 years.  Beginning in 2010, Epic Metals recognized the importance of sustainability. At its main office and manufacturing locations there are solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle charging stations to reduce Epic’s carbon footprint. Mr. Landis is a member of Pittsburgh’s CEOs for Sustainability and on the Board of Trustees of the Braddock Carnegie Library.

The Pump House dates back to 1892 when it was built by the Carnegie Steel Company. That same year it was the site of the Battle of Homestead, a defining moment in the nation’s labor history. Today, the building and its adjacent water tower help to interpret the nationally significant events of 1892 and highlight the illustrious steel-making legacy of the region.

The Pump House is one of four historical attractions managed by Rivers of Steel. As the owner and steward of the Pump House and surrounding grounds, River of Steel secures its industrial and cultural legacy for future generations, while allowing for its use as a public and private multi-use site.

In the spring through fall seasons, it functions as a trailhead for the Great Allegheny Passage. The public is welcome to visit its grounds, which offer views of the Monongahela River, the Carrie Blast furnaces, industrial relics and public art, including a meditative stone labyrinth. Interpretive panels on-site help visitors gain insight into the importance of this historic site.

Private and group tours of the interior of the Pump House are available by appointment. It is also a popular venue for wedding receptions and family celebrations.

For more information about the Pump House or Rivers of Steel in general, contact Carly McCoy, director of marketing, via cmccoy@riversofsteel.com.

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 Avenue, Homestead PA 15120

riversofsteel.com

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