WDUQ Pittsburgh 250 Project

Pittsburgh 300

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:45:51 -0500

To cap off DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 series, we asked a few people to take a look into the future and tell us what they think Pittsburgh 300 might look like. To start things off, we spoke with Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt.
For photos and additional audio commentary from those interviewed, click here.

Roots of Health Care

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:02:54 -0500

The Pittsburgh region is known internationally for the quality of its health care: from the latest research to new, life-saving procedures. As part of DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative, Kevin Gavin looks at the roots of health care in the region.
To see photos that accompany this story, click here.

Daylight Saving Time

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:06:04 -0400

This coming Sunday it's time to turn back your clocks by one hour. As part of DUQ'S Pittsburgh 250 Initiative, Kevin Gavin reports that a Pittsburgher played a vital role in establishing Daylight Saving Time.

Pittsburgh's Oldest Incline

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:52:29 -0400

Take a ride on Pittsburgh's oldest incline. DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports.
To see the view from atop the incline, click here.

Community Connections and Billy Jackson

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:19:08 -0400

Community Connections has awarded grants to 100 projects to encourage civic engagement during the Pittsburgh 250 celebration--including $50,000 to the August Wilson Center for African American Culture to collect the works and oral histories of black artists. DUQ's Charlee Song talked to award-winning documentarian Billy Jackson, who is making a film about the August Wilson Center.

More Pittsburgh Innovations

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:12:39 -0400

A look at how Pittsburgh's legacy companies have remained viable for more than 100 years, and at other new Pittsburgh innovations. DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports.
To see photos that accompany this story, click here.

Legacy Trail Relay

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:28:12 -0400

A group of nearly 90 riders left Saturday from Washington DC for a leisurely 8-day, 335-mile ride to point state park to celebrate Pittsburgh's 250th. As part of DUQ's celebration of Pittsburgh's first 250 years Mark Nootbaar takes a look at a much more ambitious trek along the same path.
To see the group's logo and map of the path they will take, click here.

A Look at Pittsburgh's Parks

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:55:46 -0400

The International Urban Parks Conference going on now is hosted by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. As part of DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 initiative, Charlee Song looks at why 500 people from ten countries and thirty states thought Pittsburgh's parks were worth seeing up close.
To see photos that accompany this story, click here.

Fort McIntosh

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:36:34 -0400

During the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War and beyond, southwestern Pennsylvania was home to many military installations including Fort Ligonier and Fort Necessity. WDUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports on one military structure that became the United States' first federal fort after the colonies won independence.
To see photos that accompany this story, click here.

Planned Communities

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:31:57 -0400

The idea of a "planned community" has been both praised and maligned over the years as developers look for new ways to house the nation's growing population. Pittsburgh has often been at the forefront of those new design ideas.
To see photos that accompany this story, click here.

A Labor Day Retrospective

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:27:52 -0400

Pittsburgh's historical identity is all wrapped up in steel and steelworkers, but a close look shows labor's heyday was relatively short-lived. As part of DUQ's 250 Initiative, Charlee Song spoke to Steelworkers International Secretary-Treasurer Jim English for this Labor Day retrospective.

Food Traditions of Pittsburgh

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:35:09 -0400

Philadelphia has its cheesesteaks and Chicago is known for its deep dish pizza, but what about Pittsburgh? DUQ's Arnie Bernard examines the history of Pittsburgh ethnic foods as part of our Pittsburgh 250 Series.

River City Brass Band - Pittsburgh Originals

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:42:45 -0400

Community Connections, an initiative of Pittsburgh 250 and the Allegheny Conference, awarded grants to 100 projects to encourage civic engagement throughout the region. DUQ's Kevin Gavin reports on one of those projects.

The Birth of Jeep

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:30:16 -0400

Nearly seven decades ago a small Western Pennsylvania carmaker changed the automotive and military worlds forever. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar reports on the birth of an icon.

250 Years in the Hill

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:24:02 -0400

DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 initiative is looking at the history of the region from different perspectives. Today, DUQ's Katherine Fink highlights one of Pittsburgh's 88 neighborhoods: the Hill District.

Reunion Weekend

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:50:17 -0400

Major events continue to mark Pittsburgh's 250th birthday: everything from the "Tour of Pennsylvania" to "Robot 250" to the "Parade of Champions." But it all comes down to celebrating Pittsburgh's people. Kevin Gavin reports on "Reunion Weekend."

Decoding the Steel Logo

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:33:45 -0400

Pittsburgh is synonymous with steel and when you think "steel" your brain may conjure up a pointy three-colored logo. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar reports on what the symbol is all about.

John Woods House

rss@wduq.org — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:58:18 -0400

Boarded-up homes are common in Hazelwood. Many of them are marked for demolition. But a group believes that saving one of those homes could help turn the neighborhood around. DUQ's Katherine Fink paid a visit to the John Woods house.

Changing Innovations

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:06:07 -0400

No Examination of Pittsburgh's past, present and future would be complete without a mention of the innovative spirit of the individuals and organizations that have called Pittsburgh home. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar reports.

Famous Pittsburghers

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:08:18 -0400

Each Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores important aspects of the region's past, present and future including the accomplishments and contributions of people who have gained fame not just locally, but nationally and some internationally. Kevin Gavin reports on "Pittsburgh Born, Pittsburgh Bred."

Tour of Pennsylvania

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:09:14 -0400

When General Forbes built his road from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh the bicycle was not even invented. Now, 250 years later, bicyclists will be racing along much of that same path to Pittsburgh in search of a bit of fame and a piece of a 150-thousand dollar purse. As we continue our yearlong celebration of Pittsburgh's 250th, DUQ's Mark Nootbaar previews the first Tour of Pennsylvania.

The Islands of Pittsburgh

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:47:26 -0400

Pittsburgh is known for its natural resources--the parks, hills and rivers are quintessential to its identity. DUQ's Larkin Page-Jacobs explores a less conspicuous feature.

Bethel AME's 200th Anniversary

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:30:43 -0400

A church in the Hill District is marking its 200th anniversary just as Pittsburgh observes its 250th. Bethel AME Church is hosting speakers all this week to celebrate. DUQ's Katherine Fink reports.

Pittsburgh 250: Rivers 2

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:44:26 -0400

Instead of being exploited for commerce and industry, the rivers today are seen as valuable resources in their own right. Regional planners want it all: working rivers, healthy rivers, vibrant riverfronts. As part of DUQ's 250 initiative, Charlee Song explores a common theme among people who deal with river issues: create the governance to finish cleaning them up and keep them that way.

Freshwater Mussel Audio Postcard

rss@wduq.org — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:54:14 -0400

Pittsburghers living beside three rivers have exotic neighbors they hardly know--intricate miracles of survival take place out of our sight. This audio postcard produced by Charlee Song is from the Allegheny River south of Ford City, courtesy of Charles Bier, Senior Conservation Scientist at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 26 May 2008 14:00:59 -0400

Many of DUQ's 250-related stories focus on the contributions from the Pittsburgh area to the nation and the world. One of those contributions is accompanied by pride and sometimes with sorrow. DUQ's Kevin Gavin reports.

Forbes Trail - The Book

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:41:45 -0400

To help mark Pittsburgh 250th and to breath new life into an old story, a new book titled "Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail" was released last week. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar took a look at that book and has this report.

Sophie Masloff

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:28:35 -0400

Throughout its history, the city of Pittsburgh has had only one woman mayor. Sophie Masloff became Pittsburgh's first female mayor twenty years ago this month. Mayor Masloff, who turned 90 in December, talked with DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos.

Pittsburgh's New Immigrants

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:20:50 -0400

1907 was the peak year for immigrants passing through Ellis Island, as well as for new arrivals in Pittsburgh. While Pittsburgh might no longer be a "gateway," immigrants are still coming, but in smaller numbers. DUQ's Kevin Gavin reports on the new immigrants: who are they, why are they coming here, and will they be accepted?

Oldest Jewish Congregation in Pittsburgh

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:47:56 -0400

Rodef Shalom, the oldest Jewish congregation in Western Pennsylvania, is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its charter by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports.

Pennsylvania Voting Rights

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:17:19 -0400

On this day before the primary election--with both an African American and a woman on the Democratic ballot--DUQ's Charlee Song looks at Pennsylvania's history of voting rights.

The Great Pittsburgh Fire

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:37:11 -0400

163 years ago today, an 87-year-old city was still trying to figure out how to bounce back from a devastating fire less than a week earlier. As we continue our year long celebration of Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary, DUQ's Mark Nootbaar looks at the "Great Pittsburgh Fire."
To hear the entire Mark Muretisch song "And the City Burned: The Ballad of the Great Fire of 1845",

The Noble Quartet

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:52:45 -0400

You have at one time no doubt noticed the sculptures of four men on Forbes Ave. outside of the Carnegie Library in Oakland, but have you ever noticed what they are doing or what is going on above them? As we continue our yearlong series celebration of Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary, DUQ's Mark Nootbaar takes a pause in front of the Noble Quartet.

Sacred Ground - Pittsburgh's oldest recognized burial site

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:10:27 -0400

Every Monday DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a signficant element of our region's past, present and future. A plot of land in downtown Pittsburgh is the final resting place for Native Americans, French, English and Revolutionary War soldiers...and some of Pittsburgh's earliest historical figures. DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports.

The St. Patrick's Day Flood

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:29:00 -0400

DUQ's Stacy Moniot takes us to a joyless St. Patrick's Day that changed the course of the city's future.

History of Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:27:30 -0400

This year's St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held Saturday, March 15. DUQ's Blake Plavchak reports that Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade has had a long and sometimes interrupted history.

More About Pittsburgh's Musical Heritage

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:58:33 -0500

DUQ's Bob Studebaker reports on Pittsburgh's influence on the national music scene, including an interesting story about a song rescued from obscurity by Pittsburgh radio and Pittsburgh teenagers. Also, some thoughts on Stephen Foster, Jim Crow, and Pittsburgh's African American Musicians Union.

Pittsburgh's Role in the Underground Railroad

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:58:29 -0500

DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports on how Pittsburgh played a role in helping African-American slaves escape to freedom.

Freedom House Enterprises Ambulance Company

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:58:25 -0500

In the 1960s and 70s, Pittsburgh was a national model for emergency medical care. The Freedom House Enterprises Ambulance Company was among the first to have staff trained in CPR. The company stood out even more because it was run and staffed by African-Americans. DUQ's Katherine Fink reports.

African American Steelworkers

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:58:20 -0500

As part of DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 initiative and in recognition of Black History month, DUQ'S Charlee Song gives us Carnegie Mellon History Professor Joe Trotter's story of Pittsburgh's African American steelworkers, who first came to the city in the late 1800s

250 Years of Architecture Downtown

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:58:16 -0500

Every Monday WDUQ is Celebrating Pittsburgh's 250th Anniversary by exploring the city's past, present and future. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar looks at Pittsburgh's story as told through architecture in the Golden Triangle.
To see photos that accompany this story, click here.
To hear a full audio architecture tour of downtown Pittsburgh, click here. (This runs approximately 40 minutes.)

Casino Garage and the Rivers

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:58:12 -0500

Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present and future. Today DUQ's Charlee Song looks at the controversy over the design of the new casino garage on the North Shore: an issue of the city's relationship to its rivers with historical undercurrents.

Photography & Poetry from Along These Rivers

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:58:07 -0500

The city has long inspired artists, but a new collection shows how today's poets and photographers see the world from a Pittsburgh perspective. DUQ's Stacy Moniot reports.

Robert Burns

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:58:02 -0500

Every Monday DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present and future. What happens when a rich and powerful man asks for a list of the world's most influential scientists, musicians, writers and artists and his favorite poet is not on the list? The answer can be found in oakland.

America's Most Musical City?

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:57:54 -0500

Every Monday DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 initiative explores a significant element of our regions past, present and future. Today DUQ's Bob Studebaker begins a look at Pittsburgh's rich musical tradition, and how our region's music influenced america, and the world.

Pittsburgh 250 Calendar

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:57:50 -0500

Every Monday DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a signficant element of our region's past, present and future. A guide to mark the 250th has become part of the celebration, a calendar. DUQ's Kevin Gavin explains.

Pittsburgh Christmas Traditions

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:57:44 -0500

Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present, and future. During the holiday season, friends, family, and whole communities gather to celebrate Pittsburgh holiday traditions around the area, some spanning and bridging generations. DUQ's Stacy Moniot reports.

Changing Pittsburghese

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:57:36 -0500

Every Monday, DUQ presents a story celebrating Pittsburgh's 250th birthday. Pittsburghers have their own way of talking. The Pittsburghese accent and many words have been traced back to the region's first Scots-Irish immigrants. But accents can change over time, and linguists say that's happening here. DUQ's Katherine Fink reports:

Great Allegheny Passage Completion

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:57:31 -0500

Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present and future. DUQ's Kevin Gavin reports on one of the signature events to celebrate the 250th.

Allegheny City

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:47:13 -0500

Next November, Pittsburgh celebrates its 250th birthday. Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative will explore a significant element of our region's past, present and future. When you hear the term “twin cities,” you might think of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. But Pittsburgh once had its own twin: it was called Allegheny City, and it occupied the land now known as the North Side. 100 years ago this week, Pittsburgh won a long-standing battle to annex Allegheny. And as DUQ's Katherine Fink reports, some of the resentment Allegheny residents felt back then influenced what the North Side is today

Hidden Bridge

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:57:19 -0500

Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element or our region's past, present and future. You know that Pittsburgh has many bridges and many that are gone. There's also one that on the surface isn't there but if you dig deeper, it's still around. DUQ's Peter Holm reports.

How Pittsburgh Got Its Name

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:57:13 -0500

Every Monday DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present and future. Today DUQ's Kevin Gavin reports on how Pittsburgh got its name. (By the way, there is only one other "Pittsburg(h) with an "h" at the end: Pittsburgh, North Dakota)

First Mayor of Pittsburgh

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:56:51 -0500

Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present and future. In this report, DUQ's Jeff Cech tells us about Pittsburgh's first mayor, Ebenezer Denny

Pittsburgh 250: Rivers 1

rss@wduq.org — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:56:43 -0500

In November, 2008, Pittsburgh celebrates its 250th birthday. Every Monday til then, DUQ'S "Pittsburgh 250 Initiative" will explore a significant element of our region's past, present and future. The three rivers have always been central to the human presence in the Pittsburgh area. Both Native Americans and Europeans came because the rivers offered things they needed: food and water, transportation, economic opportunity. DUQ's Charlee Song has a look at how the rivers' relationship to residents has changed through evolving economic realities.
To see photos that accompany this story, click here.

Nine Mile Run: Microcosm of Pittsburgh

rss@wduq.org — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:56:28 -0400

In November 2008, Pittsburgh marks its 250th birthday. Today, WDUQ begins a year-long look back, and ahead to our region's future. DUQ's Kevin Gavin visited with Dr. Joel Tarr, the Richard S. Caliguiri Professor of History and Policy at Carnegie Mellon University.