HCAP: Preservation Pittsburgh

Abstract

When Preservation Pittsburgh learned of the opportunity to apply for a Heinz History Center (HHC) Civic Empathy through History grant (a project funded by The Grable Foundation), we were not certain if our organization fit the guidelines since Preservation Pittsburgh does not have a public space or a collection. However, Preservation Pittsburgh is increasingly becoming a research organization with a robust program of research that includes buildings, structures, and sites for City of Pittsburgh local historic designations, state historic markers, and National Register of Historic Places listings. Preservation Pittsburgh works with property owners and groups to recognize various places as historic landmarks, such as Spring Hill Elementary School; the former Jones & Laughlin headquarters; Mellon Park; Oliver Bath House; and the Carrick Municipal Building. The histories gleaned for landmarking can be seen as a “collection” of sorts—with Pittsburgh being the museum! Through learning about people and places of the past, we learn that much is timely and relevant today, providing opportunities to inspire public participation and to demonstrate the relevance of studying history.

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