Saturday, March 11, 2023
A clipping from the Pittsburgh Daily Post, Friday, February 29, 1884. 
Honoring Miss Carrie Clark

A few months ago we came across this clipping from 1884. Embedded within it was the answer to the question "Who was the Carrie Furnace named after?" For years, this answer eluded us. And now, just days after International Women's Day, we're happy to share what we've discovered since Carrie Clark first emerged from the fog of history.

While we are still intent on finding a picture of Miss Clark and uncovering more of her brief life, Kirsten Paine has shared the story of the exciting moment of discovery and what we've since learned about the young woman whose name is now shared with a National Historic Landmark.

If you'd like to know more about the wives and daughters of nineteenth-century industrialists, like Miss Clark, Dr. Paine will be giving a talk at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library next Thursday evening on the topic. Sign-up information is below.

We're also thrilled to share that we have a new metal arts workshop series to teach blacksmithing. The first session of Blacksmithing Basics: Hooks and Hairpins, led by Jared Ondovchik of Artifact Metalworks, will be offered on Thursday, March 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Each session is limited to twelve participants, so don't wait to register!

And if you're looking for a family-friendly activity the following weekend, join Rivers of Steel, WQED, and others in celebrating Be My Neighbor Day in Homestead.

The official start of spring is just a few weeks away. If the early blooms have not signaled the start of a new season for you, then let this notice about our season's first programs be your bellwether. See you soon!
FEATURED STORY
Carrie Clark
After years of research—and finally a lucky break—we now know who is the namesake of the Carrie Blast Furnaces. Read on to learn what we know now about Carrie Clark.
Image from the Rivers of Steel Archives.
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM
She "Who Lit the First Flame"—Carrie Clark and the Wives and Daughters of 19th-Century Pittsburgh Industry
March 16, 2023 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Mt. Lebanon Public Library
Carrie Furnace smelted its first tons of iron on February 28th, 1884. To this day, Carrie stands a sentinel on the Monongahela River. Carrie Clark was born into the business of iron, and her name echoes in its legacy. However, she was not alone in this endeavor. Join Rivers of Steel's Dr. Kirsten Paine for a discussion of Carrie Clark’s life and the roles women like her played in the establishment of Pittsburgh’s mighty industrial society.
METAL ARTS WORKSHOP
Blacksmithing Basics: Hooks and Hairpins
March 23, 2023 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces
Learn to hammer hot metal at the Carrie Blast Furnaces! This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create something unique. Participants will learn the basics of forging steel and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel hook or hairpin to take home.
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE HERITAGE AREA
Be My Neighbor Day in Homestead
March 25, 2023 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Join us for Be My Neighbor Day in Homestead!

Be My Neighbor Day is a free event for families to celebrate kindness and what it means to be a caring neighbor. Visit all four locations to participate in service projects and activities, plus meet Daniel Tiger at one of the following activity hubs: Barrett Elementary School, Carnegie Library of Homestead, Steel Valley Family Center, or Dragon's Den.

Rivers of Steel will be participating in arts and science activities at the partner sites. Plus, we encourage you to look out for special, interactive QR markers throughout Homestead that highlight the history of those street corners!

Brought to you by WQED, PNC Grow Up Great, and Fred Rogers Productions in collaboration with Homestead community partners, including 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.
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