From STEM-based Act 48 programs to heritage tourism seminars, Rivers of Steel provides a variety of opportunities for professional development and lifelong learning.
Professional Development
Facilitating Dialogue on Difficult Histories
Monday – Wednesday, June 24 – 26, 2019
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Join Rivers of Steel and the National Park Service for a professional development workshop presented by trainers from the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. Learn methods by which to challenge visitor preconceptions and foster productive dialogue as you practice crafting difficult conversations with your peers.
This three-day professional development program is from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day at the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area Visitors’ Center in Homestead, PA, located in the Bost Building National Historic Landmark.
This program is approved for 15 Hours of Act 48 credit. Registration is $45 and includes meals. Space is limited.
Bonus Evening Events
Rivers of Steel is excited to share that we’ll have two value-added experiences you can attend (at no additional cost) on the evenings of June 24 & 25.
Monday night you’ll be treated to a private tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark with Director of Historical Resources and Facilities Ron Baraff. Not only will you get an opportunity to get a tour of this icon of the steel industry, Ron will share some of the behind-the-scenes challenges of interpreting this highly unique space, a conversation which will give context to some of our discussions in the workshop.
On Tuesday night, we welcome you to join us for a trails-based panel discussion and reception, paired with a screening of WQED’s recent film The Great Ride, which takes viewers on a virtual tour of the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath trails.
Panelists include the film’s director Beth Dolinar along with two of the folks featured in the film: Doug Riegner of the Allegheny Trail Alliance and Rachel Sager of The Ruins Project. Amy Camp, a noted trails and tourism consultant, placemaker, and a nature-based coach, will moderate the discussion.
This free, public event will be at the historic Pump House—itself a trailhead—located in the Waterfront complex and within walking distance from the recommended hotels.
Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship
As a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Folk Arts Partner, Rivers of Steel is proud to offer apprenticeship grants that support the learning of traditional arts within cultural communities across the state. Each grant award provides funding to a partnership between a master traditional artist and a qualified apprentice, enabling them to work together to share and develop advanced techniques or repertoire. Apprenticeships in Traditional Arts grants are offered annually in both performing or craft traditions.
Learn more about the events
such as tours, workshops, and festivals happening at each unique attraction.
