Rivers of Steel

06/18/2026

What does the future of steel look like in Western Pennsylvania?

In this second America250 segment, WTAE-TV Pittsburgh's Shannon Perrine WTAE explores the investments, the people who will carry these skills forward, and opportunities shaping the next chapter of manufacturing in our region.

We're proud to share how Rivers of Steel is helping preserve the stories of the past while creating pathways for the next generation through traditional trades and workforce training.

Thank you to Shannon Perrine and the WTAE team for the thoughtful coverage!

Watch the segment below.

Future of the steel industry in Western PennsylvaniaPittsburgh’s ...

06/18/2026

How did Pittsburgh help build America?

As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, WTAE-TV Pittsburgh's Shannon Perrine WTAE takes a closer look at the history of steel in Western Pennsylvania—and the workers, communities, and innovations that helped shape the modern world.

We're grateful to be included in this story and thankful to Shannon Perrine and the WTAE team for highlighting the people whose labor and ingenuity helped make Pittsburgh the Steel City!

Watch the segment below.

As America celebrates her 250th birthday this year, the American st...

06/17/2026

History. Art. Fire. Photography. Pittsburgh stories.

Whether you're interested in exploring the Carrie Blast Furnaces, learning a new metal arts skill, visiting the gallery, or experiencing one of our specialty tours, there's plenty happening at Rivers of Steel this weekend—and even more on the horizon next week.

Take a look and reserve your spot before sessions fill up.



Link in comments for tours, workshops, and exhibitions.

06/17/2026

When most people think about Pittsburgh steel, they think about furnaces, mills, and industrial giants.

But behind every ton of iron and steel were workers whose stories are too often left out of the conversation.

This June, the Black Experience Tour at Carrie Blast Furnaces explores the lives, labor, migration, resilience, and organizing efforts of Black workers who helped build Pittsburgh's industrial might while navigating segregation, dangerous working conditions, and unequal opportunity.

Through stories of figures like Captain Cumberland Posey Sr. and longtime Carrie worker and union leader John Hughey, visitors gain a deeper understanding of how Black workers shaped the Steel Valley—and how their contributions continue to resonate today.

Read more about the tour on our blog and join us Fridays and Saturdays throughout June.

🎟️ Tickets available at https://riversofsteel.com/experiences/tours/the-black-experience-at-the-carrie-furnaces/

06/16/2026

She packed lunches before dawn while her husband worked a 12-hour shift at the mill.

He arrived in Homestead speaking no English and spent decades helping build one of the most important steel-producing communities in America.

Their stories rarely make the history books—but they helped build Pittsburgh.

On Friday, June 26, join Rivers of Steel for Babushkas & Hard Hats, a one-day journey through the places where these stories unfolded.

https://riversofsteel.com/babushkas-and-hard-hats-tour-launch-new-specialty-tour-puts-the-human-heart-of-the-steel-story-at-center-stage/

06/12/2026

What can a blast furnace tell us about America’s future?

In a new article for the Alliance for American Manufacturing, Scott Paul reflects on a visit to the Carrie Blast Furnaces and a conversation with Rivers of Steel’s Ron Baraff about the workers, innovations, and industries that helped build our nation.

As America marks its 250th anniversary, we're proud to see the Carrie Blast Furnaces recognized as a place where history, labor, and manufacturing continue to inspire future generations.

Read the article below—and tune in June 15 for the latest episode of The Manufacturing Report featuring Ron Baraff and the Carrie Blast Furnaces.

https://www.americanmanufacturing.org/blog/this-blast-furnace-helped-build-america/

Ron Baraff, the director of Historic Resources and Facilities for the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation, shares the history and legacy of the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historical Landmark with Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul. The tour will air in the second episode o...

06/10/2026

Spend three uninterrupted hours exploring one of Pittsburgh's most iconic industrial landscapes and discover endless opportunities to capture light, texture, and history.

The first sunset photo safari of the season is coming up on Sunday, June 28.

It's giving post-industrial.

Book now. https://riversofsteel.com/events/list/?tribe-bar-search=safari&hide_subsequent_recurrences=1

06/09/2026

Real talk: the lunch alone might be worth it.

Babushkas & Hard Hats includes a catered, immigrant-inspired lunch at the historic Pump House — pierogies, halushki, stuffed cabbage, and dessert.

Because the steel story is also a food story. An immigration story. A 'we came from far away and built something together' story.

That's a culture that still exists here in the Pittsburgh region today.

Book now! The first tour is launching on Friday, June 26 at 9am.

Get to the heart of the steel town story, getting to know the people, places, and events that made Pittsburgh the steel-making capital of the world.

06/04/2026

Commit Art.

Tour one of Pittsburgh's most unexpected outdoor galleries, create your own graffiti-inspired design, and learn techniques from working artists.

All summer long. Carrie Furnaces. All ages and levels are welcome.

Check out the workshops at the link in the comments. ✌

06/03/2026

This summer, touch metal.

Trade screens for sparks in our hands-on metal arts
workshops. Learn to forge steel, cast aluminum, shape
copper, and create something you'll keep long after
summer ends. All at the Carrie Blast Furnaces.

BLACKSMITHING
6.18: Blacksmithing Basics - Hooks & Hairpins
6.20: All Levels - Bladesmithing 1
6.28: All Levels - Copper Bowl

ALUMINUM WORK
6.23: Sculptural Aluminum Casting
6.28: All Levels - The Doodle Bowl Experience

https://riversofsteel.com/events/