Back to School with Very Local: Pittsburgh History
Brush up on your local lore, impress your friends, win at trivia
by Very Local PGH
September 11, 2020
Welcome to Day 4 of back-to-school week at Very Local PGH. If you haven’t been following along, all week we have themed content that is organized around some subjects you might recall from high school. For those of you who were late to class and want to catch up, we’ve covered Home Ec, Phys Ed, and Art.
Today, we bring you one of our favorite topics: Pittsburgh History. Whether you prefer to get your history from dusty books in the library or from 280-characters-or-less social media captions, these folks have something for you. Curious about how Rick Sebak became the darling of Pittsburgh? We’ve got that covered. Want to learn some lesser-known Pittsburgh history from the folks at the Heinz History Center? That’s here, too.
The Historical Dilettante’s untold tales of Pittsburgh
Sue Morris brings local history online
How Rick Sebak became Rick Sebak
Working from home, chronicling his front porch adventures, Rick Sebak has been keeping busy during the pandemic
Obscure Pittsburgh history
Six fun facts about the Steel City that you may not know
Vintage PGH throws it back with archival Instagram account
We chatted with the Pitt grad behind @vintagepgh to celebrate the ultimate Pittsburgh throwback Instagram account
Guest Lectures
We have had a lot of podcast guests so far this year whose specialty is sharing local history. Just press play to be transported to the Pittsburgh of the past.
Don’t wanna crack open a book? Just press play on these Pittsburgh history podcasts
If you fell asleep in history class lectures, we promise these interviews are a bit more exciting
More Local Stories
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Sanford
On this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando explore what’s new in the Northern part of town. Sanford has a plethora of breweries, bars, and delicious dining options to choose from.
Hometown Tragedy: The Pike County Massacre
On this episode of Hometown Tragedy: Missing in Milwaukee, we’ll explore what happened to Jerica Banks, her children, and how it impacted their community.
Six New Orleans parks that are perfect locations to celebrate 4th of July
Head to one of these six New Orleans parks to celebrate Independence Day in the city.
Cheap Date Orlando: Punk Rock & Pooches
Two Orlando couples shop vintage, search for the perfect slice, visit a post-apocalyptic saloon, and take the stage on blind dates in Orlando.
Fit and Fab: Free summer workouts in Boston
Cover photo courtesy Getty Images Looking to get fit for the summer? Still wary of COVID-19 or just looking for some sunshine while you sweat? Here are some Boston free summer workouts across the city so you can keep moving all season long! Seaport Sweat May 2 to Sept. 29 Boston’s biggest free workout series…
What’s On the Menu?: Farm-to-table
The farm-to-table movement brings locally grown foods to your plate. Not only will enjoying farm-to-table meals allow you to indulge in fresh, nutritional, seasonal dishes, but farm-to-table dining helps the environment and supports the local economy. Check out these delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina on the latest episode of What’s On the Menu?. …
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
A guide to Pittsburgh’s summer events must-do list
Check out our roundup below for the can’t-miss events happening in the city over the next few months.
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Tarpon Springs
In this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando you’ll be transported to a thriving Greek community nestled on Florida’s gulf coast. From sponge diving to flaming cheese to a Greek bakery that supplies a ginormous amount of baklava to the entire country, you’re sure to fall in love with Greek culture in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Dorchester doughnuts that pack a paczki
These traditional Polish pastries are the real deal.
Exploring the history of Pittsburgh’s Chinatown
At one time, there was even an informal Chinatown mayor to act as a community liaison.
Painting My Way Through Life: Pittsburgh (And Beyond) Through The Eyes of Artist Ron Donoughe
Ron Donoughe has spent over 30 years painting the Pennsylvania landscape, especially Pittsburgh. When you don’t find him capturing the spirit of his paintings on location, you’ll likely find him in his Lawrenceville studio – where he’s watched the neighborhood transform through his windows.
With a potential sale of his building looming in 2022, we chatted with Donoughe about his artistic journey thus far, what might come next, and Pittsburgh through his eyes.
“Better than a tent” this Greensburg Airbnb is only $15/night
The accommodations are minimal, but the price can’t be beat. This Airbnb shed is available just outside of Pittsburgh in Greensburg for just $15/night.
Guide to visiting all of the Fred Rogers’ sites in Latrobe, PA
Latrobe, Pennsylvania, is the birthplace of Fred Rogers. Less than an hour from Pittsburgh, here is what to see in Mister Rogers’ Latrobe.