Saturday, December 4, 2021
The ice rink at PPG, photo by Kurt Miller / Visit Pittsburgh.
Holiday Happenings

Greetings, we hope your winter holiday season is off to a great start!

We are certainly feeling all warm and fuzzy here at Rivers of Steel, thanks to all of you who particpated in this year's Giving Tuesday event! We extend our gratitude to all of you who donated—and to those of you who support us thoughout the year—not just with donations, but also by attending our programs and simply caring enough to read this newsletter! You are what makes this a community.

Speaking of community, there is certainly no shortage of events this holiday season to get you out of the house and exploring the charms of southwestern Pennsylvanian traditions. Brianna Horan has assembled the Ultimate Holiday Happenings Guide—and don't wait to read it; there are more than a dozen events happening this weekend alone!

Plus we have a special recap of the Winter Holiday Cultural Heritage Recipe Box. At this time last year, we published half a dozen stories highlighting various cultual traditions from the region—including a dozen recipes! So in case you missed it or you just needed a reminder there were recipes you meant to try, we're sharing it again all in one place!

And for those of you looking for a tasty way to support Rivers of Steel this season, we are happy to share that the Auntie Anne's Pretzel Truck will be at the Pump House in Munhall December 17 – 19 and 10% of their proceeds will be donated to us!

As always, thanks for reading! We hope these offerings add a little something special to your holiday season. If you're staying indoors with something freshly baked or if you're exploring the Heritage Area with your family, we wish you all the best!
Santa at the Pennsylvania Trolley Musuem.
FEATURED STORY
The Ultimate Holiday Happenings Guide to the Heritage Area
’Tis the season—and however you celebrate it, there’s a lot of fun to be had in the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area! We’ve assembled the ultimate guide to events and activities happening throughout the region over the next month, which range from classic observances to new twists on tradition.
FEATURED CONTENT
Winter Holiday Cultural Heritage Recipe Box
The holidays that mark the winter season may vary in their meaning and origins, but much of their warmth and cheer comes from the kitchen—where traditions are passed down and people tend to gather. At the end of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many families and loved ones from celebrating together as usual, we asked people from throughout the Rivers of Steel Heritage Area to share the recipes that make it feel like the holidays to them. Our Winter Holiday Cultural Heritage Recipe Box is filled with secret ingredients, family memories, and beloved traditions from a range of faiths and backgrounds.
FUNDRAISER EVENT
Auntie Anne's at the Pump House
December 17 – 19, 2021
Grab a snack and support Rivers of Steel this holiday season! December 17 – 19 the Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Truck will be at the historic Pump House in Munhall—and 10% of the weekend’s proceeds will be donated to Rivers of Steel!
 "An important moment for me this year was having the chance to collaborate with our peer organizations and talk about labor history and Rivers of Steel at the Battle of Blair Mountain Centennial in Charleston, WV. Rivers of Steel is part of a larger community preserving and interpreting the history of industry and labor for the public. Collaborating with and learning from these organizations makes our interpretations more robust—an eye-opening experience!"

—Ryan Henderson, Interpretive Specialist,
Rivers of Steel
Help preserve our region’s industrial and cultural heritage! Your tax-deductible contribution will help ensure that Rivers of Steel can continue to offer vital, engaging, community-based arts, education, and heritage programs for the residents of southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond.