Saturday, April 20, 2024

A tour at the Carrie Blast Furnaces.

It's an exciting time at Rivers of Steel—the beginning of our tour season! Not only that, we have some special program opportunities and news to share, as well.

If you are reading this on Saturday morning, there is still time to head down to the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop, located an hour south of Pittsburgh, for the free Hammer-In Festival. If you can't make it today, Guided Machine Shop Tours begin on April 28!

Industrial Tours of the Carrie Blast Furnaces begin later that week on May 3. Tours are offered Friday through Sunday in May. Beginning in June, tours will now be offered Thursday through Monday!

We are expanding the opportunity to enjoy The Black Experience at the Carrie Blast Furnace. This specialty tour, which explores the connection of the mill's workforce and legacy with the Great Migration, is now offered monthly, plus each Sunday in June!

If you're looking to understand the postindustrial stories associated with Carrie, there are two opportunities to choose from: Learn all about the creative uses of the site during the Arts & Grounds Tour, or get a little creative yourself with the Hands-On Graffiti Tour.

Last fall, we introduced the Rebellious Spirits Day Trip, a Whiskey Rebellion excursion through Allegheny and Washington Counties. It filled quickly, and folks asked when we would offer it again—well, now you can join us for a return of this special program on Sunday, June 9!

In other news, this week we announced the recipients of the latest round of Mini-Grants. There are eleven organizations whose projects we are able to support this year!

Plus, our Things to Do in the National Heritage Area includes the Vanka Block Party on April 28 and Legacy and Vision: A Conversation with Leaders and Artists of the Westmoreland on May 2.

So much to do, including many of our metal arts workshops that are listed below. We hope to see you soon!

FEATURED PROGRAM

Rebellious Spirits Day Trip

Join Rivers of Steel for a daylong adventure that expertly blends the region’s whiskey and history, served up with an interactive cherry on top! It's a Whiskey Rebellion-themed day trip that explores heritage sites and whiskey distilleries in Allegheny and Washington Counties.

Rivers of Steel Tours

Discover the artistry and innovation of southwestern Pennsylvania’s rich heritage on a Rivers of Steel tour. At the Carrie Blast Furnaces, the tour options highlight different ways to experience this National Historic Landmark. The Machine Shop in Greene County is not only a National Historic Landmark, too; it is the only remaining line shaft-driven, small-job shop in the country!

NEWS

Mini Grants Awarded

Rivers of Steel recently awarded $60,000 to eleven nonprofits and community organizations within the eight-county region of southwestern Pennsylvania that the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area represents. Funded projects support heritage tourism, enhance preservation efforts, involve the stewardship of natural resources, encourage outdoor recreation, and include collaborative partnerships. 

BLACKSMITHING WORKSHOP

Blacksmithing Basics: Hooks and Hairpins

Sunday, April 21, 2024, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces

Forget what you think you might know about blacksmithing—as a practice, it is easy and fun for anyone to get started. You don't need a Forged in Fire pedigree or a Popeye-sized bicep. Get started today with a Hooks and Hairpins workshop.

ALUMINUM CASTING WORKSHOP

The Doodle Bowl Experience

Thursday, April 25, 2024, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces

Not your typical “sip and paint” party, this workshop has quickly become one of Rivers of Steel’s most in-demand programs. With guidance from Rivers of Steel’s metal arts team, you’ll design and carve a bowl that is cast in solid aluminum. Take home your new, functional work of art at the end of the night. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity, a friend, and your own beverage.

METAL ARTS WORKSHOP

Sculptural Aluminum Casting

May 7 – 9, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces

This workshop introduces the process used to create three-dimensional sculptural forms in cast aluminum—pattern making, mold making, and casting. Participants create small- to medium-sized castings and discuss various surface treatments and finishing options. 

THINGS TO DO IN THE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

Support Rivers of Steel's work in communities throughout the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. Your tax-deductible contribution will help champion community collaborations and 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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