We’re delighted to share two powerful offerings from our partners at the Heinz History Center that highlight local disability history. The Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium (the Consortium) played a key role in connecting the History Center with individuals and stories that helped shape both the program and exhibit – ensuring that the voices and experiences of disabled people are included in our region’s historical narrative.
Treasures in the Archives: A Journey Through Pittsburgh’s Past
Sunday, April 27 | 1–2:30 p.m. | Heinz History Center | FREE
Join the History Center’s Detre Library & Archives for an afternoon uncovering Treasures in the Archives, a program showcasing rare materials from one of Western Pennsylvania’s largest historic collections.
This year’s topics include a special presentation by Sierra Green, Senior Outreach Archivist and Consortium steering committee member, who will share how the archives are using a person-centered approach to explore special education history through the experiences of students with disabilities. This presentation draws on connections made through the Consortium, which helped link the History Center to individuals and stories that deepen our collective understanding of disability history in the region.
Other featured topics include:
- The lives and legacies of local fiber artists Louise Silk and Barbara Trellis
- The private letters of Pittsburgh’s unsung hero Henry Ellenbogen
- The multicultural legacy of the Pittsburgh Folk Festival
Open captioning and ASL interpretation provided. For questions, contact Sierra Green at 412-454-6361 or sgreen@heinzhistorycenter.org.
Pittsburgh’s Hidden History: A New Exhibit Opens April 26
Step into the unexpected with Pittsburgh’s Hidden History – a vibrant new exhibit featuring never-before-seen artifacts, quirky curios, and meaningful memories pulled straight from the vaults of the Heinz History Center.
Among the highlights: powerful and personal objects from some of Pittsburgh’s most impactful disability rights advocates, including:
- A joyful photo of Kathleen Kleinmann at Camp Easter Seals – Pittsburgh’s own “Crip Camp”
- A glimpse into Paul Dick’s early experiences that shaped his fight for accessible transportation
- Amy Delancey Selders’ Disability Advocacy quilt honoring the movement
- Catherine Feather’s “Rambo” teddy bear – a symbol of mother-led education advocacy
- Foreign language learning tools used by Ceinwen King-Smith
- A whimsical collection of figurines from a young Linda Dickerson
This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the layered, diverse, and unexpected stories that make up our region’s past.
