Six interactive touch-screen stations where visitors can virtually explore the 19th century safe houses that were part of the Underground Railroad in Western Pa., including several locations in downtown Pittsburgh;
A new life-like museum figure of Civil War soldier Alexander Kelly, who lived in Allegheny City (today’s North Side) and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving the colors of his company in 1864 during the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm in Virginia; and
Newly installed iPads that allow visitors to scroll through digitized copies of manumission, indenture, and freedom papers discovered by the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds office that help to tell previously untold stories about slave ownership and freedom in Western Pennsylvania.
The “From Slavery to Freedom” exhibit was recently honored by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) as a 2013 Award of Merit winner, the organization’s highest honor. The exhibit was also honored with a 2013 African Diaspora World Tourism Flame Keeper in Cultural Arts Culture Exhibit Award for showcasing an aspect of the African diaspora heritage and history.
“From Slavery to Freedom” is co-sponsored by PPG Industries Foundation, the University of Pittsburgh, The Pittsburgh Foundation, and The Double Eagle Foundation.
History Center’s Black History Month Programs Include Smithsonian National Summit
The “From Slavery to Freedom” exhibit enhancements are part of several activities to recognize Black History Month throughout the month of February at the History Center:
Saturday Speaker Series: “The Paradox of American History—
From Slavery to Freedom”
Sat., Feb. 15, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
The History Center’s Director of African American Programs, Samuel W. Black, will address the attitudes of Americans toward the legacy of slavery as part of a special lecture, looking specifically at the history of the abolition movement and slavery in Western Pennsylvania and how it affects today’s opinions. The Saturday Speaker Series is free with admission and free to History Center members. For reservations, please contact Sandra Baker at 412-454-6412 or slbaker@heinzhistorycenter.org.
Healthy Heritage Cooking Series, presented by UPMC Health Plan
Sat., Feb. 15, 1 p.m.
The History Center will host Elise “The Diva Chef” Wims, who will share traditional African American recipes in the museum’s Weisbrod Kitchen Classroom. Seating is limited so reservations are required. Admission is $20 for general admission and $10 for History Center members. For reservations, please contact Sarah Rooney at 412-454-6373 or serooney@heinzhistorycenter.org.
From Slavery to Freedom Film Series: The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow
Wed., Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m.
Homewood Library Auditorium, 7101 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.
The History Center will sponsor a special screening of the film “The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow,” which explores segregation from the end of the Civil War to the dawn of the modern Civil Rights Movement. The film screening will be followed by a discussion of the film’s major themes. Admission is free. Registration is not required. For more information, please contact Sarah Rooney at 412-454-6373 or serooney@heinzhistorycenter.org. For more information, photos, and events related to From Slavery to Freedom, please visit www.heinzhistorycenter.org.
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