Our programs have moved
Please join us in person/LIVE at the Jewish Community Center of Pittsburgh (JCC), 5738 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. We ask that you do not attend our live programs if you are not vaccinated. Masks are optional.
If you cannot attend our live programs, we offer a hybrid Zoom version. SHHS members will be sent a link to the Zoom program no later than the weekend before the program. If you are not a SHHS and would like the link to the program, please contact the SHHS at sqhillhist@shhsoc.org.
NOTE for Zoom participants: Our programs are recorded and archived on our website using YouTube, so please turn off your video if you do not want to appear on the recording. YouTube guidelines do not permit sending pictures of people to others without their permission.
If you have any suggestions or ideas for future speakers or topics to put on our agenda, please email us at sqhillhist@shhsoc.org.
2026 SHHS Programs and Events
Tuesday, January 13th
“A History of the JCC”
To launch our programs in our new meeting location, we’ll welcome Jason Kunzman, President & CEO of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Pittsburgh; Melissa Hiller, the JCC’s Community Engagement and Development Officer; and Eric Lidji, Director of the Rauh Jewish Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center. Together, they’ll trace the JCC’s history from its beginnings in the Hill District and its years in Oakland to its establishment as a cornerstone of the Squirrel Hill community today. (Note: This is a regular SHHS program, not a JCC event.)
Tuesday, February 10th
“From Roots to Results: The Story and Ongoing Work of SHUC”
Maria Cohen, Executive Director of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition (SHUC), will discuss the organization’s founding, mission, and lasting impact on neighborhood life. Her talk will highlight community partnerships, planning successes, and SHUC’s continuing efforts to enhance Squirrel Hill’s vitality.
Tuesday, March 10th
“One Wild Place: The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow”
Dr. Jeremy Goodman, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, will trace the zoo’s fascinating history, its growth and transformation over time, and the initiatives now guiding its future.
Tuesday, April 14
“History of Carrie Furnaces and the purpose of the Rivers of Steel Organization“
Mary Murrin, Executive Director, Rivers of Steel, will talk about the history of Carrie Furnaces and the purpose of the Rivers of Steel organization.
Tuesday, May 12
“The Swisshelm Park Solar Array”
Lilly Freedman, Senior Manager of Development Projects at Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh will describe the purpose and progress of the Swisshelm Park solar array planned for the brownfield above Nine Mile Run.
Tuesday, June 9
“Squirrel Hill’s Fourth of July Celebrations Through the Years”
Helen Wilson, SHHS Vice President, will talk about Squirrel Hill’s extravagant Fourth of July celebrations, mainly held in Schenley Park in its early years.
Tuesday, July 14
“The Histories of Congregation Rodef Shalom & Temple Sinai”
Eric S. Lidji, Director of the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center, will discuss the histories of Congregation Rodef Shalom and Temple Sinai.
August: No program. Enjoy your summer vacation!
Tuesday, September 8
“Beyond Rust—Pittsburgh Brownfields and Renewal”
Professional geologist Rick Wice works as a consultant for the characterization and cleanup of hazardous waste, former industrial sites, and military bases. He is an instructor at Carnegie Mellon University, where he teaches a graduate level course, Remediation Engineering. Rick is on the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Geological Society, where he is the outreach chair. He lives in Sq. Hill, rides his bike along our Three River Trails, kayaks in the local rivers, and is excited to have joined SHHS. In this presentation the concept of brownfields (reused industrial sites) will be introduced and why their clean up and reuse is important to our economic, social, and environmental well being. Examples of local sites in and around Sq. Hill that went from rust to reuse will be presented, along with some of the ways we clean up sites.
Tuesday, October 13
“Superstitions and Occult Practices of 18th-Century Irish Presbyterians in the Ohio Valley”
Peter Gilmore, Historian, Author & Lecturer at Carlow University, Carnegie Mellon University, and University of Pittsburgh, will discuss the superstitions and occult beliefs held by Irish Presbyterians in the Ohio Valley.
Tuesday, November 10
“The History & Mission of the Arnold Palmer Learning Center”
Eric Amato, President & CEO, First Tee of Pittsburgh, will talk about the history and purpose of First Tee of Pittsburgh and the state-of-the-art clubhouse at the Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park.
Tuesday, December 8: To be announced
Squirrel Hill Historical Society 