Local History

Books about Pittsburgh architecture

The best books about Pittsburgh architecture

By Lindsay Patross | August 31, 2020

The best books about Pittsburgh architecture. A reading list for anyone interested in learning more about the buildings, bridges and cemeteries in Pittsburgh.

Self-guided walking tour of Oakland neighborhood history and art

By Lissa Brennan | August 25, 2020

From sculpture to sports, there is a lot of history you can explore in Oakland without stepping foot into a museum or library.

Madame X: How a New Orleans Mona Lisa created scandal in Paris

By Matt Haines | August 10, 2020

You might not guess it by looking at it, but this painting created an uproar that rippled through the highest levels of Parisian society. Its unveiling in 1884 was met with such disdain that the painter fled in shame to London, and the subject’s mother begged for the portrait to be removed from the highest-profile art exhibition at which it was displayed.

Ep. 37 Historian Charles Succop brings Pittsburgh history to Instagram

By Stephanie Brea | July 21, 2020

Meet Charles Succop, a local historian who features lots of Pittsburgh history on his three Instagram accounts: @pghthenandnow, @pittsburghistory (the H is deliberately missing) and @hiddenhousespgh.

Pittsburgh Suffrage

Ep. 35 The PGH Suffrage Centennial Committee celebrates our voting history

By Stephanie Brea | July 7, 2020

It’s been 100 years since women received the right to vote; in this episode, we learn about some notable Pittsburgh history.

National Parks Near Pittsburgh

A Guide to National Parks Near Pittsburgh

By Lindsay Patross | May 27, 2020

There are six national parks located less than two hours from Downtown Pittsburgh. Pittsburghers can visit some national historic sites in a day trip.

New Kensington Wedding Dress

A box in the attic: Decades later daughter is reunited with mother’s wedding dress

By Rich Condon | May 5, 2020

While cleaning out his father’s house, Rich Condon found a wedding dress from 1937 and was able to return it to the daughter of the bride. 

The Dirty O

A Piping Hot, Double-Fried History of The Original Hot Dog Shop

By Amanda Reed | April 22, 2020

From Forbes Field to french fries, a brief look at the (foot) long history of “The Dirty O” (also known as Essie’s Original Hot Dog Shop)

Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh

Hebrew Free Loan Association’s Coronavirus Loan: $5,000 at 0 percent interest

By Boaz Frankel | March 26, 2020

This local nonprofit has been making no-interest loans since 1886. The Hebrew Free Loan Association’s coronavirus loan offers $5000 at 0% interest.

Civil War Shutdown

This Is Not Our First Rodeo: Pittsburgh’s Civil War Shutdown

By Rich Condon | March 25, 2020

Rich Condon aka Civil War Pittsburgh tells us about the time the city shut down all of its businesses during the Civil War.