Our programs will continue to be held both on Zoom and live at the Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill, on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm. Although pre-registration for our live programs is no longer required, we ask that you not attend if you are not vaccinated. We recommend that all attendees wear masks and will continue to space chairs apart to allow for social distancing.
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.
2023
SPECIAL PROGRAM
June 4, 2023 (Sunday)
1:00–3:00 p.m.
“A Colorful History of the Stained Glass Windows at Congregation Beth Shalom (CBS)”
Join Beth Shalom and the SHHS to hear the fascinating stories behind the stained-glass windows in the Beth Shalom sanctuary, led by Barbara Oleinick, a member of CBS (5915 Beacon Street) and maven on the history and themes in the main sanctuary’s stained-glass windows. The presentation will begin in the Samuel and Minnie Hyman Ballroom and then move up to the Faye Rubenstein Weiss sanctuary.
The cost is $10 for members of Congregation Beth Shalom and the SHHS, and $15 for non-members. Registration is required to attend. To register, go to bethshalompgh.org/stained-glass-windows-history/ and complete the online form.
For SHHS members who do not have computer access, you can mail a check for $10/person to Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, Attn: Shari Woldenberg. Contact SHHS Program Scheduler Todd Miller at 412-848-1082 for more information.
June 13, 2023
“A History of the Bridges Over Fern Hollow”
SHHS Board Member Todd Wilson is an award-winning professional engineer in Pittsburgh who has been photographing and writing about bridges his whole life. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a double major in Civil Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy. He serves as a trustee of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
July 11, 2023
“A History of the Steps of Pittsburgh”
Laura Zurowski, Pittsburgh-based writer/photographer and technical writer at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy, has studied the public steps of Pittsburgh extensively and will discuss her findings. Her forthcoming book on the subject will be published by University of Pittsburgh Press. It builds upon the content of Bob Regan’s 2004 book, Pittsburgh Steps: The Story of the City’s Public Stairways.
August: No Meeting
September 12, 2023
“The Story of Dragon’s Den”
Guilia Lozza Petrucci, executive director of Dragon’s Den, a non-profit organization housed in the former St. Mary Magdalene Church on Amity Street in Homestead, will discuss the history of the building and how Dragon’s Den’s innovative programs teach youth from diverse backgrounds and abilities to overcome challenges in themselves, their communities, and the world.
October 10, 2023
“The Life and Accomplishments of Dr. Bernard Fisher”
Dr. Stacy Wentworth, a radiation oncologist who practices in Winston Salem, NC, will explore the life and accomplishments of the late Dr. Bernard Fisher, a Squirrel Hill native and pioneer in the biology and treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Wentworth credits his work with saving dozens of her own patients’ lives, and many others.
November 14, 2023
“Hidden Pittsburgh History in Stained-Glass Windows at Heinz Chapel”
Frank Kurtik, docent and events manager at Heinz Chapel, will discuss some of the historical events depicted in the windows of Heinz Chapel on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Prior to assuming his current role in 2016, Frank worked for Sen. John Heinz III and for the Heinz Family Foundation, He was also the University’s first archivist in Hillman Library, organizing the Archives of Industrial Society’s original Pittsburgh City Photographer Collection. At the April 2015 SHHS meeting, Frank delivered a presentation titled “History of Colonel James Schoonmaker: An Officer, a Gentleman, and a Lot More.”
December 12, 2023
Barbara Burstin, Title TBA
Squirrel Hill Historical Society 