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.
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The Society for Contemporary Craft has presented contemporary art in craft media by international, national and regional artists since 1971. It offers exhibitions of multicultural diversity and of non-mainstream art. They also offer classes, community outreach programs, free to the public exhibitions and family friendly hands-on art activities..
Main Gallery exhibit is Fiberart International 2010 (April 16 - August 22, 2010)
Fiberart International was organized by the Fiberarts Guild if Pittsburgh, Inc. it is held every three years and features 85 works that push the boundaries of fiber art. Twenty-two pieces were produced by artists living outside of the US. This is an exceptional exhibit for example Lori Lope Pelish’s, “We Were All There” Appears to be a tapestry, but upon getting close to it you see that is a patch work of materials (think quilt.)
This is a great venue for groups and for families…the adults will enjoy the exhibits and gift shop, while the children can visit the “drop-in studio” to make a piece of art of their own creation.
The SCC is also a great place to rent for your next event not only does this provide a unique venue for your guests, but the rental fees support SCC’s free exhibitions and community programs.
Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday-10am to 5pm (Mondays by appointment)
Admission to exhibition is free to the public. Call or visit website for class fees.
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.
Photo Antiquities is a treasure of photography located on the north side of Pittsburgh. Bruce educated Ron and me on the stages and the ABC's of photography describing the different stages of development before film and after. The old time assortment of viewers for the pictures were a treat, some made the photos appear in 3-D, some made the pictures appear in color. The historic photos though out the museum are truly worth every inch of space.
The photos themselves show all walks of life, with images of people from all colors of the rainbow. We were shown an old fashion photography room with a sky light used to light up the subjects and then on to the current exhibit which is "Pittsburgh Shantytown".
What's a shantytown? Shantytowns were depression villages between Penn and Liberty Avenues. They were sometimes called a "Hooverville. "Hoovervilles sprang up across America in the 1930"s. They took their name from President Herbert Hoover who was in office when th "Great Depression" began. Here you will find men, women and children living in homemade 'houses constructed of box wood and lumber, these proud people would not accept free funds from the government. Sometimes they became tourist attractions and any donation given became part of the community chest and was shared by all the dwellers.
In the gift shop area most of the historic photos copies are sold along with other souvenir items, in this area also are scads of old movie cameras, instant cameras, cameras you had as a child…like the Kodak swinger and the brownie.
Ron pointed out that there is only one other photo museum of this sort located in New York. We have a great treasure here you don’t want to miss it.
Group tours are encouraged to tour the museum and it holds items to please all age groups
Photo Antiquities Museum is a pleasure to visit.
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.
FREE exhibit at the 707 Penn Gallery "Particulate Behaviors" from 1/8/10-2/20/10!
New works by Anjali Srinivasan
Particle of matter, pixel, point in space, gesture. The exhibit explores the threshold of olfactory sensation, optical phenomena and participatory environments, through installations and ojects of spice, glass and emergent technologies.
Another FREE exhibit at the Society for Contemporary Craft: Transformation 7: Contemporary Works in Wood, the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder's Prize. This exhibition includes the works of 26 contemporary artists.
Established in 1997, in honor of founder Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael, the $5,000 cash award recognizes excellence in the field of contemporary craft and is presented biennially, in conjunction with a juried exhibition, purchase award, video and catalog.
As with the past six exhibitions, this show continues the theme of transformation. In addition to the prize winner, Christian Burchard, Transformation 7 also features the work of 25 finalists who are using an amazing range of techniques and materials, forms rooted in traditional craft materials and processes, as well as art the explores relationships between craft and painting, or sculpture and installation.
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!
From 5-6pm on December 21st, head to Morton's The Steakhouse to enjoy complimentary prime mini-cheeseburgers, a best-selling ‘Bar Bites’ menu item at Morton’s Bar. These mini cheeseburgers consist of more than half a pound of USDA Prime beef with cheddar cheese, tomato slices, iceberg lettuce and onion, served on silver dollar rolls.
You can also enjoy one of the free holiday concerts at the Carnegie Museums, which take place on select dates in December. The music of Joy Ike fills the Museum on Saturday, December 19, an eclectic mix of jazz, pop, and soul. A Nigerian singer and songwriter raised in Pittsburgh, she has worked with the Pittsburgh Public Theater, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and the August Wilson Center, among others. On Sunday, December 20, Frank Cappelli entertains visitors. Famous for his children’s show “Cappelli and Company” that aired during the late 1980s and early ’90s, he provides lead vocals and guitar as a part of the Monongahela Duck Club Band.
Head to the Carnegie Museums for the Holidays!
So head to the Carnegie Museums, located in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh.
Jingle Bell Run will take place on Dec. 12th at 10am! Race starts at McFadden's on the North Shore (registration from 7:30-9:30). Parking is $3 at the General Robinson Garage/Red 5 and Gold 4 lots.
Join participants for an exciting 5k run/1.5 mile Fun Walk around some of the best sights in Pittsburgh! This festive event will include prizes, a costume contest and a Holly Hour after the race at Pittsburgh McFadden’s featuring free Miller Lite Drafts sponsored by BarSmart.
Online registration has closed, but day-of registration for the race is $30 proceeds help the Arthritis Foundation fund programs for people with arthritis, public health education initiatives and local-research grants
Visit Nemacolin Woodlands Resort on December 10th for the City of Champions Celebration! The event starts at 3:00 and runs to midnight. Admission: FREE
Guest appearances by former Steelers Robin Cole, Dwayne Woodruff, Mike Wagner and Randy Grossman; former Penguins Dave Hannon, Francios Leroux, Ken Wregget and Warren Young; and from the movie Slapshot, Dave Hanson. Prize giveaways, including Steeler and Penguin tickets and a 4 day/3 night trip to Myrtle Beach; and a silent auction benefiting charity.
Continue an old, or start a new family tradition at Kraynaks! Located in Hermitage, PA, Kraynaks has been the place to go for decades- especially around Christmas and Easter. Kraynaks has a huge selection of holiday toys- from board games to classic trains, dolls, decorations for your home and so much more! Not to mention a huge garden center filled with Pointsettias and other gorgeous greenery.
But bring the whole family because Santa's Christmasland is a FREE exhibit that will keep you coming back. Walk through the beautifully lit path and see dozens of trees decorated in themes, animated characters, and of course... Santa!
If you're looking for a great place to shop, eat, walk or just hang out, then head to Walnut Street in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood. Walnut Street is one of those places where you can park your car and walk the rest of the day. Revel in the cozy, unique village atmosphere.
There are dozens of shops to explore including Talbots, Four Winds Gallery, Henne Jewelers, Roberta Weissburg Leathers and more.
The holidays sparkle on Walnut Street with beautiful holiday decorations and live holiday performances and festivities, including a visit with Santa and his Elves Saturdays from Noon to 3pm.
Take a break from shopping and have dinner at a nearby restaurant. Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese food, soup and a sandwich or sushi, you won’t go hungry long here. There’s even a cool Peruvian restaurant that also has a craft gallery. Then duck into the beloved Prantl’s Bakery and indulge in some of the city’s best pastries.
During the holiday season, there are extended shopping hours. There’s also free parking on weekends at Liberty School (Ellsworth & Ivy).
See you on Walnut Street!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - in downtown Pittsburgh! I love just going outside and taking a walk around town during this time of year. There are lights glittering from atop buildings and colorful decorations everywhere. You can hear the rhythmic jingling of Salvation Army bellringers and stores have holiday music playing.
The Macy's windows tell their own story as you walk by. Each scene makes you want to wander to the next window to see how the story unfolds. Duck into Macy's for a yummy treat in the bakery, located on the Arcade level. Check out the sales going on. You're sure to find a great gift for the people on your list.
Garland is a familiar sight downtown. Storefronts wear necklaces of silver and gold and red and green. Windows are adorned with merry mannequins donning holiday outfits silently beckoning shoppers. Wander within and explore the treasures each store has to offer.
Coffee shops send out their own sweet invitation to passersby, with delicious aromas dancing in the air. Drop down onto a comfy bench with a gingerbread latte and watch the world go by. Sip a scrumptous peppermint mocha and rest your shopping weary feet.
There are lots of holiday events, including "Memories Made Here," presented by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, featuring free horse-drawn carriage rides and free Holly Trolley rides every Saturday through December 26.
Lace up your skates and glide onto the ice rink at PPG Place. Do twirly loops and figure eights like the Olympic wannabe skater that your are and see the beautiful lights reflected from the huge Christmas tree in the center of the rink.
Shop till you drop at Fifth Avenue Place and One Oxford Centre. Downtown is the place to be this holiday season. Don't forget to bring your Market Square Holiday Coupon to receive great deals on food and merchandise from your favorite merchants.
Happy Holidays!
For kids Black Friday doesn't start their holiday...it's the Saturday after Thanksgiving that gets the ball rolling for them. So shake off the memories of shopping, aching feet, and stress and take the kids to The PA Trolley Museum located in Washington County for a ride on Santa's Trolley. Yes! Santa will be there and ready to listen to childrens wishes for Christmas. The Trolley gets under way this Friday November 27 and will run through Sunday. And while the kids are enjoying the ride you may be able to pick up a few gifts from the gift center (Oh, shopping again!). For added entertainment check out the huge multi-leved Lionel train layout.
Through December 8 get free admission with and unwrapped toy (Min. value $10) these will go to the Toys for Tots Campaign. For more details click on link or call 724.228.9256.
If you’re looking for a great weekend getaway, head to Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, about an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh. Mountaineer offers everything under one roof -- live thoroughbred racing, 3,200 slots, poker, craps, blackjack, roulette, hotel, full-service spa, nightly entertainment and seven eateries ranging from casual to fine dining.
The casino offers penny and dime slots machines as well as table games, video poker, and daily poker tournaments.
Tee off at Woodview Golf Course, located in the picturesque setting of West Virginia’s beautiful Northern Panhandle. The course is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains where beauty runs deep. The Club Shop has a Pro Shop and practice putting green.
No need to get in the car to dine. Just hop on the free shuttle and head to one of the restaurants right on the grounds. The Gatsby Dining Room has a casual atmosphere and daily specials. LaBonne Vie Steakhouse is reminiscent of an elegant 1920s Speakeasy restaurant. This upscale intimate dining room, located off the main lobby of Mountaineer's new hotel offers traditional and international fare that includes prime steaks, chops and lobster. Or eat trackside at The Mountaineer Clubhouse Terrace & Dining Room, where you can enjoy live racing and fine dining with a spectacular view of the racetrack. Most dining tables have closed-circuit television monitors for an up-close view of racing.
So pack your overnight bag and head to Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort. Getting away is closer than you think!
It's officially LIGHT UP NIGHT in Pittsburgh! Tonight from 5:00-10:00 the streets of Pittsburgh will be bustling with ice skating, free carriage rides, holiday displays and of course, lights! Entertainment includes live performances by Etta Cox Trio and The Stickers at PPG Plaza and No Bad JuJu on the Roberto Clemente Bridge.
2009 marks Pittsburgh's 49th Annual Light Up Night. Come celebrate downtown with thousands of your closest friends!
Since the Holiday season is fast approaching, why not check out the different ways the Holidays are celebrated. Head to the Senator John Heinz History Center for Annual Heritage Holidays going on Nov. 21 and 22 from 11am-3pm. The event features live entertainment and family activities that showcase regional ethnic customs.
Celebrate the region’s cultural diversity with live music and dancing, delicious food samples, and hands-on activities from more than 30 Western Pennsylvanian ethnic and heritage groups. Many of the cultural groups formed in the Pittsburgh region, including Irish, Carpatho-Rusyn, Filipino, African American, German, Lithuanian, Bulgarian, Indonesian, Native American and Scottish. Visitors can share their rich traditions and ethnic heritage with displays, cuisine, and performances for the entire family to enjoy.
There are a variety of performances throughout the event including Japanese Choral Group in Pittsburgh, India - Bengali Folk & Classical Dance, Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh Folk Dance Troupe, Grecian Odyssey Dancers of Christ Greek Orthodox Church of East Pittsburgh, Celtic Spirit Highland Dancers & Pipers of Pittsburgh, Rankin Junior Tamburitzins and more.
This event is free with History Center admission, and visitors are invited to explore the History Center’s six floors of exhibit space.