Honoring Legacies Guide Navigating Mc Keesports Legacy Journey

• Steel production (J&L Steel)
• Glass manufacturing (PPG)
• Coal mining
• Railroad and river-based transportation

• Steel (Carnegie Steel, U.S. Steel)
• Aluminum (Alcoa)
• Glass (PPG headquarters)
• Chemicals and pharmaceuticals

McKeesport functioned as a specialized manufacturing center, with a higher concentration of steel and glass production relative to its population. Its industrial base was more homogeneous, relying heavily on a few key industries.

Pittsburgh served as a more diversified industrial hub, with a broader range of sectors including steel, aluminum, chemicals, and later, technology and healthcare. Its economy was less vulnerable to single-industry shocks.

• High unionization rates in steel and coal industries
• Notable labor strikes, including the 1909 McKeesport Steel Strike
• Strong immigrant and working-class communities

• Pivotal labor movements, including the Homestead Strike (1892) and 1946 Steel Strike
• Greater political influence due to larger industrial base
<


Preserving Local Stories: Oral Histories and Community Archives

Documenting McKeesport’s living history through oral histories and archival preservation ensures the city’s cultural and industrial legacy endures beyond physical structures. Oral histories capture the intangible—memories, emotions, and personal narratives—that reflect the city’s evolution, while community archives provide structured access to tangible records. This section outlines a systematic approach to collecting, digitizing, and cross-referencing these materials, emphasizing collaboration with local institutions and engagement strategies for intergenerational participation.


Structuring an Oral History Project

Oral histories serve as the backbone of community memory, offering firsthand accounts of McKeesport’s transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a city navigating reinvention. A well-structured project balances thematic depth with accessibility, ensuring narratives are both meaningful and usable for future research. The following framework guides the collection process, from recruitment to transcription, while preserving the authenticity of participants’ voices.

Key Considerations for Project Design
Thematic focus should align with McKeesport’s documented history, such as labor movements, neighborhood dynamics, or the impact of industrial decline. Prioritize diverse voices—workers, activists, educators, and long-term residents—to reflect the city’s multicultural fabric. Ethical guidelines must include informed consent, anonymity options, and clear communication about how recordings will be used. For example, the McKeesport Area Heritage Association (MAHA) collaborates with local historians to ensure interviews complement existing archival collections, avoiding redundancy while filling gaps in documented events.

Interview Prompts and Thematic Guides
Prompt design should encourage storytelling while steering conversations toward historically significant topics. Use open-ended questions to elicit unfiltered narratives, then follow up with targeted prompts to explore specific themes. Below are categorized examples tailored to McKeesport’s context:

- Industrial Life and Labor
> "Describe a day at work in one of McKeesport’s factories, such as the Jones & Laughlin Steel plant or the American Bridge Company. What were the routines, challenges, or camaraderie among coworkers?" > "Can you share a memory of a strike or labor action in the city? How did it affect your family or neighborhood?"

- Neighborhood and Community
> "What gatherings or traditions defined your neighborhood when you were growing up? Were there parks, churches, or businesses that served as community hubs?" > "How has the physical landscape of McKeesport changed since you moved here? Are there places that no longer exist but hold significance for you?"

- Cultural and Social Movements
> "Were there cultural events, festivals, or organizations (e.g., ethnic clubs, fraternal groups) that shaped your sense of belonging in McKeesport?" > "How did your family or community respond to civil rights movements, environmental changes, or economic shifts in the 1970s–1990s?"

- Personal Resilience and Adaptation
> "McKeesport has faced industrial decline, flooding, and urban renewal. How did your family or community adapt to these changes?" > "What lessons from McKeesport’s past do you think are most important for younger generations to remember?"

Best Practices for Conducting Interviews


• Environment: Choose quiet, comfortable settings (e.g., participants’ homes, local libraries) to encourage openness. Use high-quality recording equipment and backup systems.
• Participant Comfort: Allow interviewees to pause or redirect conversations. Avoid leading questions that impose interpretations.
• Follow-Up: Schedule multiple sessions if needed, and send a summary of key points for review and correction.
• Documentation: Record metadata (date, location, interviewer’s name) alongside audio/video files for future reference.

Digitizing and Cataloging Archival Materials

Physical archives—photographs, newspapers, union records, and ephemera—require systematic digitization to prevent deterioration and expand accessibility. McKeesport’s collections, housed in institutions like the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – McKeesport Branch and private holdings, often lack standardized metadata, posing challenges for researchers. This section provides a step-by-step guide to digitization, metadata tagging, and cataloging, ensuring materials are preserved and discoverable.

Preparation and Equipment
Before digitizing, assess the condition of materials to determine handling requirements (e.g., archival gloves for fragile items). Essential equipment includes:


• Scanners: Flatbed scanners for photographs and documents; sheet-fed scanners for newspapers.
• Digital Cameras: High-resolution cameras (e.g., 12+ megapixels) for oversized or three-dimensional objects.
• Software: Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tools (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, ABBYY FineReader) for text-based materials; archival management systems (e.g., ArchiveSpace, CollectionSpace) for database integration.
• Storage: External hard drives or cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) with redundancy backups.

Step-by-Step Digitization Process
1. Sorting and Organization
Group materials by type (e.g., photographs, ledgers, clippings) and date ranges. Create a preliminary inventory list to track progress.

2. Handling and Scanning


• Photographs: Scan at 600–1200 dpi in TIFF format (lossless compression) to preserve detail. Include both front and back for context (e.g., handwritten notes, stamps).
• Newspapers: Scan in color at 300 dpi, ensuring full-page captures. Use OCR to generate searchable PDFs.
• Union Records/Ledgers: Photograph each page individually, noting page numbers and any damage. For fragile items, use a book cradle or weighted scanner lid.

3. Metadata Creation
Metadata is critical for retrieval. Use the Dublin Core standard as a baseline, supplemented by domain-specific fields (e.g., Encoded Archival Description (EAD) for finding aids). Example fields for McKeesport materials:


• Title: Descriptive yet concise (e.g., "Jones & Laughlin Steel Plant Strike, 1937 – Photograph of Picket Line").
• Creator: Individual, organization, or photographer (e.g., "McKeesport Area Heritage Association").
• Date: Specific (e.g., "1953-06-15") or estimated ranges (e.g., "circa 1970s").
• Subject: Keywords (e.g., "industrial accidents", "Italian-American neighborhoods", "McKeesport Flood of 1936").
• Description: Detailed physical and contextual notes (e.g., "Black-and-white photograph showing workers exiting the American Bridge Company gate. Back of photo includes handwritten note: ‘Shift change, 3:00 PM, 1942.’").
• Rights: Copyright status (e.g., "Public domain", "Copyrighted – Contact MAHA for permissions").
• Location: Geographic coordinates or addresses (e.g., "123 Main Street, McKeesport, PA").
• Collection: Source archive (e.g., "Carnegie Library McKeesport Collection – Newspaper Clippings").

4. Cataloging and Database Integration
Input metadata into an archival management system. For example:


• ArchiveSpace: Create a hierarchical structure (e.g., "McKeesport Industrial History" > "Jones & Laughlin Steel" > "Strike Photographs").
• Spreadsheets: For smaller collections, use tools like Google Sheets with columns for each metadata field, linked to digital files via hyperlinks.

Example Metadata Entry for a Photograph

Smith Photography Studio 1968-05-20 education African American history McKeesport High School Color photograph of the 1968 McKeesport High School graduating class.
Includes students from the integrated program following desegregation.
Back of photo includes studio stamp and handwritten note: "Class of '68 – First integrated graduation."
Copyrighted – Contact MAHA for permissions McKeesport, Pennsylvania MAHA Oral History & Photograph Collection /archives/photos/1968_graduation.tif /archives/thumbnails/1968_graduation.jpg

Preservation and Accessibility


• File Formats: Store master files in lossless formats (TIFF, WAV for audio). Create derivative files (JPEG, MP3) for public access.
• Long-Term Storage

Modern Homage: Art, Murals, and Public Spaces as Tributes to McKeesport’s Legacy

McKeesport’s transformation from an industrial powerhouse into a community reclaiming its cultural identity is embodied in its public art and revitalized spaces. These artistic interventions serve as tangible connections to the past while fostering civic pride and economic revitalization. Murals, sculptures, and interactive installations not only beautify the cityscape but also preserve narratives of labor, innovation, and resilience—often through collaborative processes that engage residents, historians, and artists.

The integration of contemporary art into McKeesport’s landscape reflects a deliberate effort to bridge historical memory with modern storytelling. Public art projects in the city are typically commissioned through partnerships between local government, cultural organizations, and community groups, ensuring that the final works resonate with the collective identity of McKeesport. Below, the processes, existing works, and methodologies for sustaining this legacy through art are explored in detail.


Commissioning a Public Mural Honoring McKeesport’s Industrial or Cultural Past

The commissioning of a mural in McKeesport follows a structured process designed to balance artistic vision with community relevance. The first step involves identifying a thematic focus, such as steelmaking, glassblowing, or the city’s immigrant heritage, which aligns with McKeesport’s historical significance. Artist selection is typically based on criteria including:

• Relevance to local themes: Preference for artists with experience in industrial or labor-related subjects, or those who have demonstrated an understanding of McKeesport’s cultural context.
• Community engagement: Artists must be willing to collaborate with local historians, archivists, and residents to incorporate authentic narratives and visual references.
• Technical expertise: Skills in large-scale mural execution, including preparation of substrates (e.g., brick, concrete, or metal) and durability considerations for outdoor conditions.
• Diversity and accessibility: Inclusion of local artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to reflect the city’s demographic and cultural diversity.

Community input methods are critical to the mural’s success. These may include:


• Public workshops: Hosted at libraries, community centers, or historical sites to gather input on themes, symbols, and stories to include.
• Online surveys: Distributed via social media, local newsletters, and partnerships with organizations like the McKeesport Area Historical Society to collect broader feedback.
• Stakeholder panels: Comprising historians, educators, and long-time residents to review proposals and suggest revisions.
• Pop-up exhibitions: Displaying preliminary sketches or digital renderings in high-traffic areas (e.g., downtown McKeesport or the McKeesport Public Library) for real-time reactions.

Once selected, the artist works closely with a project committee to finalize the design, incorporating archival materials such as photographs, oral histories, and blueprints of industrial sites. The mural’s location is chosen for visibility and symbolic weight, such as along the Monongahela River (a historic transportation and industrial corridor) or near former mill sites now repurposed for public use.


Curated List of Existing Murals and Sculptures in McKeesport

McKeesport’s public art landscape includes over 20 murals and sculptures that celebrate its industrial heritage, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. Below is a selection of notable works, organized by theme and location:

Industrial and Labor Legacy


• "The Steel City" Series (Downtown McKeesport, along 7th Street)
A trio of murals depicting the evolution of steel production, from 19th-century foundries to modern recycling initiatives. The series includes:

• "Foundry to Furnace" (2018): Illustrates the role of immigrant laborers, particularly Eastern European and African American workers, in the steel mills.
• "River of Steel" (2019): Highlights the Monongahela River’s role in transporting raw materials and finished goods, with a nod to the city’s nickname, "The Steel City."
• "Reclaiming the Flame" (2020): Focuses on repurposing industrial sites into community spaces, featuring silhouettes of modern residents engaging with historic machinery.
Location: East side of the McKeesport Public Library and adjacent alleyways.

- "Glasshouse Dreams" (Glassworks Park, 1200 7th Street)
A mosaic mural commemorating McKeesport’s glassmaking industry, which thrived in the early 20th century. The artwork incorporates shattered glass fragments from local studios, arranged to depict a glassblower at work. The mural’s title references the McKeesport Glass Company, once a major employer in the region.
Symbolism: Represents both the fragility and resilience of artisanal craftsmanship, with a hidden QR code linking to oral histories of glassmakers.

Cultural and Immigrant Narratives


• "Voices of the Valley" (Immigrant Heritage Plaza, 5th Avenue)
A series of three murals created in collaboration with the South Hills Backyard organization, featuring:

• "The Long Road" (2017): Chronicles the journeys of Italian, Polish, and Slovak immigrants who settled in McKeesport, using symbolic imagery like ships, trains, and tools.
• "Bread and Brotherhood" (2018): Depicts the role of labor unions in improving workers’ lives, with references to the United Steelworkers and local churches as community hubs.
• "Festivals of the Forge" (2019): Celebrates cultural festivals like the McKeesport Italian Festival and Polish Heritage Days, blending industrial and folk motifs.
Location: Sidewalks near the McKeesport Area Historical Society museum.

Nature and Community Revival


• "The Mon’s Song" Sculpture (McKeesport Riverfront Park)
A stainless-steel installation by local artist Eleanor Voss, designed to mimic the flow of the Monongahela River. The sculpture incorporates repurposed industrial metal and features engraved lines of poetry submitted by residents during a citywide contest. The work serves as a metaphor for McKeesport’s transformation from an industrial hub to a place of environmental and cultural renewal.
Location: Near the McKeesport Boat Launch, adjacent to the river.

- "Garden of Remembrance" (St. Mary’s Cemetery, 11th Street)
A collaborative project between the McKeesport Cemetery Association and artist Marcus Johnson, consisting of 12 bronze plaques embedded in a landscaped garden. Each plaque bears the name and occupation of a notable McKeesporter (e.g., steelworkers, teachers, and activists) alongside a short epitaph. The garden also includes native plants historically used in local folk medicine.
Theme: Honors the contributions of everyday residents while preserving the cemetery’s Victorian-era layout.


Organizing a "Legacy Walk" Tour Combining Historical Sites and Contemporary Art

A "Legacy Walk" in McKeesport integrates physical landmarks with public art to create an immersive narrative experience. The tour’s route is designed to highlight the city’s evolution from an industrial center to a culturally vibrant community, with stops at both preserved historical sites and modern installations. Below are key components for planning such a tour:

Route Planning
The ideal Legacy Walk spans approximately 2–3 miles, beginning at a central hub (e.g., McKeesport Public Library or Downtown McKeesport’s Riverfront Park) and branching into thematic circuits. Example routes include:


• Industrial Heritage Circuit: Starts at the McKeesport Area Historical Society (featuring exhibits on steel and glass industries), proceeds to "The Steel City" murals, and ends at the McKeesport Riverfront Park with "The Mon’s Song" sculpture.
• Immigrant and Labor Circuit: Begins at the St. Stanislaus Church (a Polish Catholic landmark), visits "Voices of the Valley" murals, and concludes at the McKeesport Labor History Museum (if available).
• Nature and Revival Circuit: Trails along the Monongahela River Trail, stopping at "Glasshouse Dreams" and "The Mon’s Song" before reaching Glassworks Park.

Narrative Scripting for Guides
The tour’s script should blend historical context with artistic interpretation, using a mix of storytelling, multimedia, and interactive elements. Guides can employ the following techniques:


• Thematic anchors: At each stop, provide a 3–5 minute overview of the site’s history and the art’s significance. For example, at "Foundry to Furnace", discuss the role of immigrant laborers while pointing out specific symbols in the mural (e.g., hammers, anvil shapes).
• Oral history excerpts: Play short audio clips from interviews with former steelworkers or glassblowers, sourced from the South Hills Backyard or McKeesport Area Historical Society archives.
• QR code scavenger hunts: Direct participants to scan codes linked to archival photos, artist statements, or resident testimonials related

Economic and Social Revitalization Through Legacy Awareness in McKeesport

McKeesport’s transition from a thriving industrial hub to a post-industrial community presents an opportunity to leverage its rich heritage as a catalyst for economic revitalization. Legacy tourism—an approach that integrates historical preservation with modern tourism—can transform underutilized sites into economic drivers while fostering community pride. By strategically repurposing abandoned industrial landmarks, forging partnerships between heritage organizations and local businesses, and securing targeted funding, McKeesport can replicate successful models from other post-industrial cities. This section outlines actionable strategies to develop a sustainable legacy tourism framework, including site identification, marketing narratives, collaborative experiences, and funding acquisition.

The foundation of legacy tourism lies in repurposing McKeesport’s industrial and cultural assets into attractions that tell authentic stories while generating revenue. This requires a systematic approach to identifying underutilized sites, crafting compelling narratives, and aligning them with economic development goals. Successful implementations in cities like Youngstown, Ohio, demonstrate how abandoned factories and rail yards can evolve into cultural hubs, drawing visitors and revitalizing local economies. Below, structured steps and partnerships are detailed to guide McKeesport’s adaptation of these models.


Identifying and Assessing Underutilized Historical Sites

McKeesport’s industrial and cultural legacy includes numerous underutilized or abandoned sites with potential for repurposing. A structured assessment process ensures that selected sites align with both preservation goals and economic viability. Key criteria for evaluation include historical significance, architectural integrity, accessibility, and proximity to existing attractions or transportation hubs.

Steps for Site Identification:


• Inventory and Documentation: Compile a comprehensive database of abandoned or underutilized sites using historical records, municipal archives, and community input. Prioritize sites with documented industrial or cultural importance, such as former steel mills, rail depots, or labor union halls.
• Condition Assessment: Evaluate structural integrity, environmental hazards, and preservation risks. Sites with moderate deterioration may require adaptive reuse, while those in severe disrepair could be demolished for new development with historical markers or interpretive signage.
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct public workshops or surveys to gauge interest in potential repurposing projects. Involve local historians, preservationists, and residents to ensure alignment with community values.
• Feasibility Analysis: Assess the economic potential of each site, including estimated renovation costs, potential revenue streams (e.g., tours, events, retail), and compatibility with existing tourism infrastructure.

Example Sites for Repurposing in McKeesport:


• The McKeesport Works (Former Jones & Laughlin Steel Mill): A National Historic Landmark with potential for industrial heritage tours, artisan workshops, or a steel-making museum.
• The McKeesport Railroad Station: A preserved early-20th-century depot that could serve as a transportation history center or event space.
• The McKeesport Public Library’s Historic Carnegie Branch: A landmark building suitable for cultural programming, archives, or a makerspace.
• Abandoned Church or School Buildings: Adaptive reuse for community centers, galleries, or co-working spaces with historical exhibits.

Developing Marketing Narratives for Legacy Tourism

Effective marketing narratives for legacy tourism must balance authenticity with appeal to modern audiences. McKeesport’s stories—of industrial innovation, labor movements, and cultural resilience—should be framed to attract tourists, historians, and economic developers. Themes should emphasize the city’s role in shaping regional and national history while highlighting its contemporary revitalization efforts.

Key Elements of a Legacy Tourism Marketing Strategy:


• Thematic Branding: Develop a cohesive brand identity that ties McKeesport’s past to its present and future. Example themes include:
• "Steel City Stories: From Foundries to Futures" – Highlighting industrial heritage and modern manufacturing.
• "Labor and Legacy: The Fight for Fairness" – Showcasing McKeesport’s role in labor history.
• "Arts of the Valley: A Creative Revival" – Featuring murals, galleries, and craft workshops.
• Digital Storytelling: Create multimedia content, including virtual tours, podcasts, and interactive maps, to engage remote audiences. Partner with platforms like Google Arts & Culture or local media outlets to amplify reach.
• Seasonal and Event-Based Campaigns: Align marketing with existing events, such as:
• Industrial Heritage Month (e.g., factory tours, reenactments).
• Labor Day Celebrations (e.g., union history panels, worker storytelling sessions).
• Holiday Markets (e.g., "Steel Town Crafts" featuring locally made goods).
• Target Audience Segmentation:
• History Enthusiasts: Offer deep-dive experiences like guided mill tours or archival research workshops.
• Families and Educators: Develop school programs or scavenger hunts tied to local history.
• Creative Professionals: Promote residency programs or workshops in repurposed industrial spaces.
• Corporate Retreats: Market heritage sites as unique venues for team-building or conferences.

Sample Marketing Taglines:


• "Walk Through History, Step Into the Future."
• "McKeesport: Where Industry Built America—and Innovation Continues."
• "Discover the Heart of the Steel Valley—One Story at a Time."

Partnerships Between Local Businesses and Heritage Organizations

Collaborations between heritage organizations, local businesses, and cultural institutions create themed experiences that honor McKeesport’s past while stimulating economic activity. These partnerships can take the form of joint programming, shared marketing, or co-located ventures that blend education with commerce.

Strategic Partnership Models:


• Themed Tours and Experiences:
• Factory Tours with Artisan Workshops: Partner with former industrial sites to offer hands-on experiences, such as blacksmithing or metalworking classes, led by local artisans. Example: A tour of the McKeesport Works followed by a welding demonstration at a nearby maker space.
• Historical Pub Crawls: Collaborate with local breweries or restaurants to host themed dinners or tastings paired with historical storytelling. Example: "Steel Town Sips" featuring local craft beers with narratives on McKeesport’s brewing history.
• Pop-Up Retail and Markets:
• Heritage Craft Fairs: Host seasonal markets in repurposed spaces, featuring goods made from locally sourced materials (e.g., steel jewelry, handmade tools). Partner with the McKeesport Arts Council or historical societies to curate vendors.
• Antique and Collectible Shops: Lease space in preserved buildings to antique dealers specializing in industrial-era artifacts, such as vintage tools or labor union memorabilia.
• Educational and Cultural Collaborations:
• School Partnerships: Develop curriculum-aligned programs with local schools, such as field trips to historical sites paired with hands-on projects. Example: A partnership between the McKeesport Area School District and the Carnegie Library for a "History Detectives" program.
• Corporate Sponsorships: Engage local businesses to sponsor preservation projects in exchange for branding opportunities. Example: A steel company sponsoring a "Steel Legacy Trail" with interpretive signs and a branded walking tour.

Case Study: Youngstown, Ohio’s "The Campus of the Future"
Youngstown’s Mahoning Valley Heritage Corporation partnered with local businesses to repurpose the former Youngstown Sheet & Tube into the Campus Martius, a mixed-use development featuring:


• Industrial Heritage Tours (led by former workers).
• Culinary Experiences (e.g., "Steel Town Eats" food tours).
• Art Installations (e.g., the Campus Martius mural project).
This model generated $20 million in economic impact within five years and served as a template for McKeesport’s potential projects.


Repurposing Abandoned Sites: Lessons from Post-Industrial Cities

Cities like Youngstown, Ohio; Gary, Indiana; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have successfully transformed abandoned industrial sites into cultural and economic assets. McKeesport can adapt these models by focusing on adaptive reuse, mixed-use development, and community-driven initiatives.

Key Strategies from Successful Repurposing Projects:


• Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Buildings:
• Youngstown’s "The Campus of the Future": Converted a 1.2-million-square-foot steel mill into a public space with museums, offices, and event venues.
• Gary’s "The History Center": Repurposed a former railroad station into a museum and research hub for Indiana’s industrial history.
• Pittsburgh’s "The Strip District": Transformed a meatpacking district into a food hall and cultural marketplace.
Actionable Steps for McKeesport:
1. Pilot a "Steel Valley Innovation Hub" in a repurposed mill, combining maker spaces, co-working offices, and historical exhibits.
2. Create a "Labor History Walk" linking key sites (e.g., union halls, strike locations) with QR-guided audio tours.
3. Develop a "Heritage Loft District" in preserved industrial buildings, offering affordable housing for

Honoring McKeesport’s legacies is more than a tribute to its industrial and cultural past—it is an investment in the city’s resilience and identity. Through oral histories that capture personal connections to vanished factories, murals that immortalize the labor of generations, and revitalized spaces that repurpose heritage into economic assets, the community demonstrates how legacy preservation can foster unity and innovation. The lessons from McKeesport’s journey—from documenting forgotten stories to transforming abandoned sites into vibrant hubs—offer a blueprint for post-industrial cities seeking to redefine their narratives. By embracing these strategies, stakeholders can ensure that McKeesport’s contributions to history are not just preserved but dynamically woven into the fabric of its ongoing story, inspiring both locals and visitors alike.