Saturday, November 18, 2023

In 2023, community collaborations were central to the work of Rivers of Steel, including the partnership behind the debut of a new pocket park in Monongahela, shown here during opening festivities on the Fourth of July.

Rivers of Steel’s origin story is a grassroots tale. A diverse array of stakeholders united around the goal of preservation—both cultural and industrial. The stories of the region were vulnerable to being lost to history, and landmark-worthy buildings required protection from the wrecking ball.

Because of these efforts, the Carrie Blast Furnaces remain today. An industrial cathedral, once a destination for generations of workers, now beckons people from all walks of life. Through storytelling, they commune with the sacrifices of those who have come before. Through creative experiences, they celebrate a legacy of strength. And through collaboration, surrounding communities are uplifted.

That’s setting the bar mighty high for a structure. However, it’s not the landmark that is responsible for sharing its legacy—that is the role of Rivers of Steel. And for this organization, that goal is not so lofty . . . and it has never been.

From those early days forward, Rivers of Steel has focused on improving the economic prospects of the region, especially those areas affected most by the collapse of Big Steel. Among our earliest efforts were ethnographic surveys of communities, research that began conversations with neighbors to collect their stories and assess their challenges.

With an understanding of the needs of the region, Rivers of Steel secured more resources after being recognized as both a State and National Heritage Area. From there, we were able to establish a Mini-Grant Program that would help redistribute resources to projects initiated by like-minded nonprofits and local governments.

At the same time, this new status helped Rivers of Steel's efforts to conserve and rehabilitate industrial landmarks, including the Bost Building in Homestead, the Pump House and Water Tower in Munhall, the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop in Rices Landing, Greene County, and the Carrie Blast Furnaces in Rankin and Swissvale.

Today, Rivers of Steel's work has come full circle. The recently awarded POWER Grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will expand our collaborative efforts, rooting our work back into communities throughout the region via a new initiative called Partners for Creative Economy.

Learn more about Rivers of Steel's 2023 collaborations and how they form the foundation for what's to come in 2024 and beyond!

2023 Collaborations with Rivers of Steel . . . And What's Next

Braddock artist Latika Ann, shown here at the Festival of Combustion, is one of more than seventy community partners that Rivers of Steel worked with in 2023. From site-specific art, like the Mini Greens 2 installation that Latika helped create, to Mini-Grant projects, co-programmed events, and multiyear community residencies, Rivers of Steel's joint efforts this year are setting the stage for a dynamic new initiative in 2024 and beyond.

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.

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