In her new biography, "Sophie: The Incomparable Mayor Masloff," Dr. Barbara Burstin provides the first comprehensive assessment of the life and career of Sophie Masloff, who was the mayor of Pittsburgh from 1988 and 1994.
Sophie, as she was known by friends and strangers alike, is a singular figure in the history of Pittsburgh. The child of poor Romanian immigrants, she became a stalwart of the local Democratic Party. Following the death of Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri, she became the first Jewish and the first female mayor of Pittsburgh, leading the city through one of its most difficult periods.
In celebration of Dr. Burstin’s book, the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives is providing an intimate, one-night-only look at Sophie’s life on
Thursday, March 5 from 6 - 8 p.m.
at the Heinz History Center. The
free
program includes
reminiscences
by some of her closest confidants, an exhibit of her personal papers, and an opportunity to purchase Dr. Burstin's book.
