The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall located in the borough of Carnegie opened in 1901 and still serves the community. This historic landmark is one of only four libraries in the United States endowed by famed industrialist and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. The other two still in use are located in Braddock, Homestead, The library in the town of Duquesne has been demolished.
A two-story Italianate facade composed of russet colored brick with terracotta trim sits upon a hill overlooking Carnegie's Main Street. The facility houses a public library and a 500+ seat Music Hall modeled after Carnegie Hall in New York. The Music Hall adjoins a reception hall and studio space.
Also in the building is an intact Grand Army of the Republic post room from the Civil War called The Thomas Espy Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. The room houses artifacts such as flags and books and relics of the original GAR. GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) was a veteran’s organization formed in 1866 and membership consisted of honorably discharged Union soldiers, sailors and marines of the Civil War. The collection contains the biographical and military information on the members.
It’s interesting to see the picture taken of the men belonging to the post posing on the front steps of the library. This is a great place to start a search if you have family from the area that served in the Civil War. You just may be a descendent who can identify someone from your family tree.
Anyone interested in the Civil War should make this a stop.
The Historic National Road is the Nation's first federally funded highway. It became a transportation corridor for goods and people, creating cultural diversity where visitors experience a physical timeline -- classic inns, toll houses, diners, and motels that trace 200 years of American history.
Look for the cast-iron mile markers placed along the route. These obelisk markers were placed every one mile and noted the distance to Cumberland and Wheeling and nearby towns.
First stop: Fort Necessity
Before the National Road was constructed, the first battle of the French & Indian War was fought there at Fort Necessity, 11 miles east of Uniontown, Colonial troops commanded Colonel George Washington were defeated in the small stockade at the "Great Meadow". Today the park comprises approximately 900 acres, including the battlefield with the reconstructed Fort, a visitor center, and Mount Washington Tavern.
Second stop: Mount Washington Tavern
Mount Washington Tavern, now part of the Fort Necessity National Battlefield, was a home built by Judge Nathaniel Ewing in about 1827. It later became a stage stop and tavern that served travelers on the National Road. This is a stagecoach tavern that Offered three basic things; food, drink, and lodging.
Third stop: Major General Edward Braddock
View the grave of British, leader of an ill-fated expedition to the forks of the Ohio River to try to capture French-held Fort Duquesne during the French and Indian War
Forth stop: Uniontown
Uniontown was the headquarters for three major stagecoach lines which carried passengers over the National Road, and The Columbia Rolling Mill, an iron and steel works, was located in Uniontown from 1887 to 1895. The mill was the town's unquestioned top industry at that time.
Fifth stop: Searight toll house
Named for tavern owner William Searight, the toll house is one of six toll houses along Historic National Road and the one of the two located route 40 in Pennslvania. Thousands of travelers paid tolls here while journeying along the road.
Six stop: Brownsville
Located on the Monongahela River, Brownsville was a center for steamboat building and river freight hauling. Here you can visit Nemacolin Castle, the Flatiron Building Heritage Center or a historic church of 1845. Stop to view the Flatiron Bridge built in the 1830s.
Seventh stop: Beallsville
Located here you’ll find the statues “The Madonna of the Trail”, an 18-ft. tall tribute to the pioneer mothers who traveled west. The Madonna of the Trail is a stony-faced pioneer Mother in long dress and bonnet, strutting westward with a rifle on one arm, an infant on the other while another little child grasps Mom's skirt.
Stop eight: Scenery Hill
This view opens up all the land, you’ll see the most breath taking scenes, where the towns, highways, mountains and the and the sky meet up to paint a beautiful picture.
Along the trail there are stops for antique shopping, picking up some fresh vegetables and fruit. You can also stop at an old diner The Route 40 Diner for a good breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Tours at Kentuck Knob discuss the house and Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian architecture and the integration of the house built into the brow of the hill with the landscape. Experienced interpreters guide all tours through Kentuck Knob.
The Regular tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. This guided tour includes information regarding Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian concept as well as a general history of the home. After the tour visitors are invited to walk through the sculpture garden.
Children must be 6 years of age on this tour
The In-Depth tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. An experienced guide provides an extended interpretation of all the rooms of the house including secondary spaces not available on the regular tour. Group size is limited to 10.
Children must be 9 years of age to accompany adults on this tour
The “Remains of the Day Event” is for those who wish to experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s House on Kentuck Knob in an intimate fashion. Restricted tour size permits a docent to personally address the guests’ inquires. Guests also have the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruit served over “Hagan Pennsylvania Vanilla Ice Cream.” Children older than 10 years of age, if accompanied by an adult, are welcome.
It is recommended that all Guests be at least 12 years of age.
Interior photography is not permitted.
Limited Wheelchair Policy
About Kentuck Knob:
You sense serenity and harmony in the house and its surroundings. Visitors to Kentuck Knob will find the smaller, domestic scale of the house as habitable, there’s no museum feel about the house. The trees and landscaping invite you in for a visit to a friendly neighbor.
The Palumbos have filled the home with their collection of art and artifacts from all over the world including the garden, the woods and the meadow.The tour of Kentuck Knob is further enhanced by the Sculpture Meadow iwhere you’ll find works by contemporary artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Claes Oldenburg, Sir Anthony Caro and Ray Smith as well as many others are represented in the collection.
History of Kentuck Knob;
In 1953, Bernardine and I.N. Hagan (Hagan Ice Cream) purchased 80 acres in the mountains above Uniontown, in Western Pennsylvania.
At 86 Frank Lloyd Wright designed Kentuck Knob without ever setting foot on the site, except for a short visit during the construction phase. This would be one of the last homes to be completed by Wright.
The Hagans spent thirty years at Kentuck Knob, and then sold the house in 1986 to Lord Palumbo of England, the current owner. Lord Palumbo and family spend 5 weeks a year living at Kentuck Knob
Kentuck Knob opened for tours in 1996.
The Kentuck Knob residence and property are available for evening rentals April through September for special occasions of small gatherings numbering thirty or less. The back patio, with its pond and surrounding gardens, provides an intimate setting for up to fifty guests, while the knob, with its panoramic view of the Youghiogheny River gorge, an open, natural setting that can accommodate seventy-five visitors comfortably. For further information, or to arrange a complimentary consultation, please call 724-329-1901 or email, pcoyle@kentuckknob.com.
Looking for a memorable experience? Celebrate Sunday Brunch in style with a uniquely designed menu. Guests are served in a private space which was originally designed as the Hagans’ art room. An experienced senior docent hosts the event and, afterward, conducts a narrated tour of the residence. Children older than 10 years of age, if accompanied by an adult, are welcome. No more than six guests, nor less than two, may be accommodated per event.
Gift Shop open Sunday through Saturday 9-5 except for Wednesday 11-5. To make a purchase or if you have questions please call 724-329-1901 or email information@kentuckknob.com.
Tour Prices:
Adult-Reserved$16.00
Adult$18.00
Youth (ages 6-12) reserved$10.00
Youth (ages 6-12) $12.00
In-Depth$55.00
Remains of the Day Event$80.00Exclusive Brunch Event$100.00
Directions from downtown Pittsburgh:
For a scenic route: From the downtown Welcome Center Head towards Stanwix turn right onto Stanwix. Left on Boulevard of the Allies. Right onto Liberty Bridge. Middle lane for South on Route 51 to Uniontown. Turn right on bypass (119 South to US 40 East). Take US 40 East to Chalk Hill. Turn left on Chalk Hill/Ohiopyle Road and go six miles to Kentuck Knob entrance on right.
What’s up on Mt. Washington around and between the Inclines? Interesting question and something I've always wanted to know. So I started my quest at the Downtown Welcome Center at 10:15 am.
The walk to the incline is made easier by going through Point State Park, continue over the bridge under the highway overpass, and bear to the left toward the Fort Pitt Museum to follow a path that leads you over the Fort Pitt Bridge and directly to the bottom of the incline. This took a mere 15 minutes to do.
The ride up will never get old to me, the skyline is fascinating and the view of the hills surrounding Pittsburgh literally takes your breath away. It's always a better experience when you're riding with people who are enjoying their first experience riding the incline. I rode up with a family from France who never stopped taking pictures. I engaged them in conversation using my Pittsburgh skills to wow them even more.
When you reach the top station of the incline be sure to take time to check out the Inclines historical pictures of the city and how the incline works. There's nice gift shop as well for souvenirs or something cold to drink.
Exiting the station a I made a right turn to view the statue of George Washington and Native American Guyusata Stop and ponder what they were debating. Very cool!
Doubling back towards the Duquesne Incline station and continuing past it you'll notice some of the upscale restaurants that serve food with aview to boot. Just pass these starts the unique houses some glamorous some left over from the coal mining days that have been remodeled dressed up with landscaping, door and window hangings.
At the intersection of PJ Mcardle and Grandview Avenues I got my first view of the city sky line, just peek of whats to come if I continue up this slight grade about another 500 feet. Then boom there she is in all her glory a full view at the first lookout across the street from a beautiful church named St. Mary's on the Mount with its ten beautiful stained glass windows that are a pictorial view of the life of Christ. Over the main entrance is an immense window representing the "Ascension"
Another 500 feet or so I come to the second lookout across from the historical landmark Carnegie Library which is painted white and looks more like it belongs on an island.
As I continue on my way to the Monongahela Incline the side walk bumps out slightly over the mountain with bench sitting were couples had seated them selves enjoying the afternoon and each other. Within a quarter of a mile is a smaller lookout platform followed by another sidewalk bump out. I came upon the Monongahela Incline and checked the time. Its just a sweet 35 minute leisurely walk with very interesting points of view. Be aware that there are no restrooms between or at the inclines. So making a stop on Shiloh was a must and I wanted to visit there anyway.
More about Shiloh Street in my next blog. Until then discover for yourself what's between the inclines and enjoy the view.
A visit to Pittsburgh Glass Center is an unforgettable and educational experience for everyone. PGC offers tours and hands-on experiences in its state-of-the-art studios and contemporary glass gallery. The tour of PGC included See a glassblowing demonstration up close from start to finish. One of the artists gathered, shaped and blew with amazing skill a beautiful work of art. Paige explained that the next step would be putting the item in an oven to slowly cool the artwork over night and ready the next day. We also learned about Pittsburgh's rich history in glass and walked through a contemporary glass art exhibition.
The PGC has events scheduled throughout the year such as “Make-It-Now” This event features family focused hands-on glass activities for all ages. It is an opportunity to try glass making "on the spot" in 20 minutes or less. No experience required. Another is “Open Houses” This is a free open house or opening reception featuring heat defying acts of art including live glass blowing and flame working demonstrations.
This venue will be enjoyed by all ages and group tours.
The world's favorite monster burger was born about 40 miles south of Pittsburgh, in Uniontown, where franchisee Jim Delligatti introduced it as a menu item in August 1967. They decided to open their museum on the Big Mac's 40th anniversary in North Huntingdon, rather than at the birthplace, because this store gets more traffic.
This is a working McDonald's restaurant. The exhibits in the walnut display cases can be a little awkward, as you often have to lean over tables of other customers.
You will see a Big Mac toaster used from 1970 to 1997, a Big Mac Sauce Gun (it looks like a grease gun), and assorted business awards such as, "A Long And Tasteful Partnership: Coca-Cola and Big Mac."
For fans ingesting Big Macs since the early days, there's an Ascent of Packaging display tracing the evolution of the wrapper through its styrofoam container incarnations, to the recycled, ecologically sensitive burger boxes, and then back to paper wrappers. The Ingredient Mantra ("2 all beef patties special sauce lettuce cheese…") is a wallpaper pattern in the dining room.
One case displays bobble-heads of the Delligatti management team, presided over by Chief Big Mac. A life-size bronze bust of Delligatti occupies a center table, with a Big Mac in his hand . Another table remembers Pittsburgh mayor Sophie Masloff, who declared September 25, 1992, to be "McDonald's Corporation Day," and renamed the city "Big Mac USA."
In an indoor corner of the "Playplace," stands a 14-foot-tall Big Mac The World's Largest Big Mac spotlit and set upon a large silver pedestal. But the windows around it are tinted so that you cannot see it from the highway, but you'll want to go inside anyway to enjoy the ambience, the gleeful children and the look on tired parents face from chasing the excited kids from place to place.
Welcome to indoor play and education land! Where else can you find out how much you weigh on the moon or Mars? Get up close and personal with the robot from Lost in Space and look into the eyes of C3PO from the Star Wars Epic? The robotics exhibit is amazing with lots of hands on interaction to keep you, your spouse and children entertained for hours. I personally took a liking to the robot playing basketball, picking up balls and doing different shots that ended up being nothing but net every time...well it did miss one shot, hey even a robot isn't perfect.
A trip to the Carnegie Science Center is not complete without a stop at the miniature railroad with its life like towns and townspeople. A miniature Fallingwater has been added that images the real thing, the eye catcher for me is the amusement park with it's little tiny Ferris Wheel and various rides.
There is so much to do at the Science Center that you need to schedule a full day to take it all in.
Still if you need to burn off more energy drop in to the New Sports Works, where you can ride a simulator, a unicycle and test your pitching and wall climbing skills.
After a day at the Science Center everyone will be tired but satisfied. Get your heads together and pick a date to spend a fun day playing while you learn.
George Washington!
From February 19 through July 18, 2010 the Senator John Heinz History Center Presents: Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon.
The exhibition features highlights from Mount Vernon's collection of the man himself, revealing his personal achievements, his family, and entrepreneurial skills.
Lose yourself in the times...observe full-scale figures of Washington, a model of Fort Necessity displaying all the action of battle with minute details such as fallen men,horses and cannons.
The model of Mount Vernon is facinating in detail and takes you on a mental visit to The Washington's estate with its grand gardens, bowling greens and buildings.
To help you get better aquainted with this man, on display are many of his and Martha's personal items. Of the most personal items is the original set of Washington's dentures, made of ivory, human teeth and animal teeth, and his lock of hair encased in a cameo.
The family bible stands encased in the area where the Washington's Family Pew from Pohick Church has been installed. Though the bible contains the hand written recorded birth by his mother the bible is not opened on the genealogy page due to rotation of the pages for preservation. There will be a copy of the genealogy page on display when the exhibit opens.
The copper distillery and model grist mill reminds us of the business and entrepreneur side of our first president. What's a party without rye whiskey?
The maintence of running his home and business was done with the use of slaves a practice common all over the world in those days of history. Washington showed compassion to "those he owned" and released them from bondage upon his death.
Make some time to view this exhibit with your family and friends and enter a world of a fourth grade history class brought to you in living color by the Senator John Heinz History Center.
I'm a winter water fall enthusiast, in the winter the water slows and forms ice crystals and sometimes an entire stream is suspended in, air add a snowy backround and there you have a perfect picture of nature.
In Ohioplye State Park you'll find more than a few to observe. Cucumber Falls is a 30 foot waterfall and the most impressive in the park. Taking the stairway down into the gorge brings you to a spot at the base of the fall where the view is just breath taking. If that doesn't do it for you visit the overlook by the top of the falls to take in another view of the fall. If you go DO NOT MISS THIS ONE! But do if you have time check out some of the others in the park: Jonathan Run Falls is a set of small waterfalls 15 to 25 feet high while Ohiopyle Falls located in the center of the park is a low and wide waterfall, the Meadow Run Cascades are beautiful woodland falls and form a cool, clean stream perfect for fishing.
The Meadow Run Waterslides are an unique geologic formation. The slides are perfect for a hot summer day, natural free fun, but since its winter and a very cold day I just stand in awe of mother nature.
First a real quick explanation "Sweetwater" is the translated Native American term for Sewickley, a beautiful one square mile town with a vibrant downtown located west of downtown Pittsburgh. The Sweetwater Center for the Arts celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. And will host a number of events to celebrate though out the year. The Center located in the old Sewickley Post Office building offers a wide array of classes, outreach programs, scholarship opportunities, exhibitions and cultural experiences. As well as art exhibits.
This February 2010 on Fridays there will be an evening of jazz featuring several well known artists, the evening will include complimently wine and hors d'oevres. The guest artists will be Jessica Lee, Robbie Klein, Betty Douglas and The Howie Alexander Trio.
In April 2010 join in for the birthday gala. There will be dancing, dinner, cocktails and live music, even an art auction. Sounds like fun please come.
Through 5/30/10 visit the Carnegie Museum of Art and see Forum 64: Cecil Balmond.
Cecil Balmond has transformed the role of the engineer in contemporary architecture with his unorthodox and visionary approach that merges architecture and engineering. Forum 64 features his work H_edge, which consists of approximately 6,000 aluminum plates suspended between rigid stainless steel chains. What appears to hang like metallic ivy is revealed on closer inspection to stand from the floor. This “trick” allows for H_edge segments to turn at will and create a mazelike structure that is surprisingly sturdy.
Admission: Adult $15, Child $12, Senior $11
Through 5/2/10, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History has the privilege of hosting the "Whales | Tohorā" exhibit. Come check it out!
For centuries, whales have captured the imagination. People have marvelled at them, hunted them, and passionately protected them. Now you have an opportunity to explore the world of these amazing sea creatures, through a unique blend of science and storytelling.
"Tohorā" is the Māori word for "whale;" the Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Whales | Tohorā presents stories from conservationists, scientists, whalers, and even whale riders. There is an animated film of the legendary Pacific islander Tinirau and his pet whale – a story of treachery and revenge. There are tales of extraordinary encounters with whales, and of whale strandings.
The exhibition presents a rich assortment of objects from Te Papa's whale collection – one of the largest in the world. Skeletons over 54 feet (18 meters) long are displayed, along with fossils, models, and specimens from many whale species. Beautiful taonga (cultural treasures) made from highly prized whale bone and whale teeth give evidence of the revered status of these animals.
Another great and unique exhibit at the Andy Warhol Museum. Unnatural Rubber runs through 1/31/10 this exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of the invention of synthetic rubber. The LANXESS Corporation, the world’s leading manufacturer of this all-important product, has commissioned The Warhol to organize the Unnatural Rubber competition.
The Warhol invited 15 contemporary international artists to submit project proposals for a new work of art to be fabricated from synthetic rubber. A jury of experts in the fields of science and contemporary art selected the winner of the $75,000 prize. View this new winning work of synthetic rubber as well as the 15 participants’ competition submissions. Hank Willis Thomas and Ryan Alexiev – winning artists.
Through 1/10/10 THe Pittsburgh Glass Center is exhibiting "The Return."
Sheila Klein, a Washington state-based artist (who hails from Pittsburgh) has selected Pittsburgh Glass Center and its artists as her partners to adorn the new bridge that will link Shadyside and East Liberty. Klein plans to employ local glass artists to create thousands of glass “sequins” to dress the cyclone fencing on the pedestrian bridge. Klein’s exhibition at PGC “The Return” will feature installation work comprised of iconic household items from her mother’s Pittsburgh estate such as assorted tableware and her family’s glass chandelier. Klein examines this dichotomy and explores the relationship between the baubles on the chandelier and the sequins. Klein says, “The sequins are definitely inspired by my mom. She understood bling.”
Admission is FREE so don't miss this one!
Through 1/2/10, the Silver Eye Center for Photography is featuring Melissa Farlow and Randy Olson's "The World at Our Doorstep."
Pittsburgh’s Melissa Farlow and Randy Olson have chronicled the world as long-time contributors to National Geographic magazine. This is the award-winning couple’s first major exhibition and features 50 large-scale color images from assignments published between 2003 and 2009.
Come check it out!
The Carnegie Museum of Art is proud to display: Palm Springs Modern: Photographs by Julius Shulman, running through 1/31/2010.
The exhibit offers a tour of the mid-century architecture and stylish lifestyles of Palm Springs. It features 100 original photographs by renowned Los Angeles–based photographer Julius Shulman of houses designed by iconic Modernist architects, such as Richard Neutra – who designed the Kaufmann House, designed as a winter residence for Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr. – Albert Frey, and John Lautner.
There's no excuse to miss this one! See the Lincoln exhibit before it's gone on January 3, 2010 at The Heinz History Center. For only $5 on January 2 and 3rd, you can see the exhibit! That's HALF the usual cost!
Get up-close-and-personal with our nation's 16th president! Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War and Lincoln Slept Here shows how Lincoln shaped the nation through dozens of unique Lincoln artifacts, more than 100 photographs, and a variety of interactive activities.
Love the IMAX experience? Carnegie Science Center is hosting Greece: Secrets of the Past. Adults & Seniors: $8, Kids: $6
Visit the ancient society that raised the pillars of modern democracy in the IMAX film Greece: Secrets of the Past. Learn about the first Olympic Games and the “modern” inventions that have been around for 2500 years. The film restores the Acropolis to its original state too.
Don't miss it!
If you haven't seen it yet, visit the Carnegie Science Center for an IMAX experience you won't soon forget!
The Alps follows the true life story of mountaineer and journalist John Harlin III, who sets out on an epic personal journey to climb the deadly North Face of the Eiger, the stormiest, steepest peak in all of Europe. This film is filled with majestic views of Switzerland’s natural beauty.
The film runs daily. Adults: $8, Children: $6