Pittsburgh 300
Broadcast Date: November 10, 2008
To cap off DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 series, we asked a few people to take a look into the future and tell us what they think Pittsburgh 300 might look like. To start things off, we spoke with Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt. LISTEN
Roots of Health Care
Broadcast Date: November 3, 2008
The Pittsburgh region is known internationally for the quality of its health care: from the latest research to new, life-saving procedures. As part of DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative, Kevin Gavin looks at the roots of health care in the region.LISTEN
Daylight Savings Time
Broadcast Date: October 27, 2008
This coming Sunday it's time to turn back your clocks by one hour. As part of DUQ'S Pittsburgh 250 Initiative, Kevin Gavin reports that a Pittsburgher played a vital role in establishing Daylight Saving Time. LISTEN
Pittsburgh's Oldest Incline
Broadcast Date: October 20, 2008
Take a ride on Pittsburgh's oldest incline. DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports. LISTEN
Community Connections and Billy Jackson
Broadcast Date: October 13, 2008
Community Connections has awarded grants to 100 projects to encourage civic engagement during the Pittsburgh 250 celebration--including $50,000 to the August Wilson Center for African American Culture to collect the works and oral histories of black artists. DUQ's Charlee Song talked to award-winning documentarian Billy Jackson, who is making a film about the August Wilson Center. LISTEN
More Pittsburgh Innovations
Broadcast Date: October 6, 2008
A look at how Pittsburgh's legacy companies have remained viable for more than 100 years, and at other new Pittsburgh innovations. DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports.LISTEN
Legacy Trail Relay
Broadcast Date: September 29, 2008
A group of nearly 90 riders left Saturday from Washington DC for a leisurely 8-day, 335-mile ride to point state park to celebrate Pittsburgh's 250th. As part of DUQ's celebration of Pittsburgh's first 250 years Mark Nootbaar takes a look at a much more ambitious trek along the same path. LISTEN
A Look at Pittsburgh's Parks
Broadcast Date: September 22, 2008
The International Urban Parks Conference going on now is hosted by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. As part of DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 initiative, Charlee Song looks at why 500 people from ten countries and thirty states thought Pittsburgh's parks were worth seeing up close. LISTEN
Fort McIntosh
Broadcast Date: September 15, 2008
During the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War and beyond, southwestern Pennsylvania was home to many military installations including Fort Ligonier and Fort Necessity. WDUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports on one military structure that became the United States' first federal fort after the colonies won independence. LISTEN
Planned Communities
Broadcast Date: September 8, 2008
The idea of a "planned community" has been both praised and maligned over the years as developers look for new ways to house the nation's growing population. Pittsburgh has often been at the forefront of those new design ideas. LISTEN
A Labor Day Retrospective
Broadcast Date: September 1, 2008
Pittsburgh's historical identity is all wrapped up in steel and steelworkers, but a close look shows labor's heyday was relatively short-lived. As part of DUQ's 250 Initiative, Charlee Song spoke to Steelworkers International Secretary-Treasurer Jim English for this Labor Day retrospective. LISTEN
Food Traditions of Pittsburgh
Broadcast Date: August 25, 2008
Philadelphia has its cheesesteaks and Chicago is known for its deep dish pizza, but what about Pittsburgh? DUQ's Arnie Bernard examines the history of Pittsburgh ethnic foods as part of our Pittsburgh 250 Series. LISTEN
River City Brass Band - Pittsburgh Originals
Broadcast Date:August 18, 2008
Community Connections, an initiative of Pittsburgh 250 and the Allegheny Conference, awarded grants to 100 projects to encourage civic engagement throughout the region. DUQ's Kevin Gavin reports on one of those projects. LISTEN
The Birth of Jeep
Broadcast Date: August 11, 2008
Nearly seven decades ago a small Western Pennsylvania carmaker changed the automotive and military worlds forever. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar reports on the birth of an icon. LISTEN
250 Years in the Hill
Broadcast Date: August 4, 2008
DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 initiative is looking at the history of the region from different perspectives. Today, DUQ's Katherine Fink highlights one of Pittsburgh's 88 neighborhoods: the Hill District. LISTEN
Reunion Weekend
Broadcast Date: July 28, 2008
Major events continue to mark Pittsburgh's 250th birthday: everything from the "Tour of Pennsylvania" to "Robot 250" to the "Parade of Champions." But it all comes down to celebrating Pittsburgh's people. Kevin Gavin reports on "Reunion Weekend." LISTEN
Decoding the Steel Logo
Broadcast Date: July 21, 2008
Pittsburgh is synonymous with steel and when you think "steel" your brain may conjure up a pointy three-colored logo. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar reports on what the symbol is all about. LISTEN
John Woods House
Broadcast Date: July 15, 2008
Boarded-up homes are common in Hazelwood. Many of them are marked for demolition. But a group believes that saving one of those homes could help turn the neighborhood around. DUQ's Katherine Fink paid a visit to the John Woods house. LISTEN
Changing Innovations
Broadcast Date: July 7, 2008
No Examination of Pittsburgh's past, present and future would be complete without a mention of the innovative spirit of the individuals and organizations that have called Pittsburgh home. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar reports. LISTEN
Famous Pittsburghers
Broadcast Date: June 30, 2008
Each Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores important aspects of the region's past, present and future including the accomplishments and contributions of people who have gained fame not just locally, but nationally and some internationally. Kevin Gavin reports on "Pittsburgh Born, Pittsburgh Bred." LISTEN
Tour of Pennsylvania
Broadcast Date: June 23, 2008
When General Forbes built his road from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh the bicycle was not even invented. Now, 250 years later, bicyclists will be racing along much of that same path to Pittsburgh in search of a bit of fame and a piece of a 150-thousand dollar purse. As we continue our yearlong celebration of Pittsburgh's 250th, DUQ's Mark Nootbaar previews the first Tour of Pennsylvania. LISTEN
The Islands of Pittsburgh
Broadcast Date: June 16, 2008
Pittsburgh is known for its natural resources--the parks, hills and rivers are quintessential to its identity. DUQ's Larkin Page-Jacobs explores a less conspicuous feature. LISTEN
Bethel AME's 200th Anniversary
Broadcast Date: June 9, 2008
A church in the Hill District is marking its 200th anniversary just as Pittsburgh observes its 250th. Bethel AME Church is hosting speakers all this week to celebrate. DUQ's Katherine Fink reports. LISTEN
Pittsburgh 250: Rivers 2
Broadcast Date: June 2, 2008
Instead of being exploited for commerce and industry, the rivers today are seen as valuable resources in their own right. Regional planners want it all: working rivers, healthy rivers, vibrant riverfronts. As part of DUQ's 250 initiative, Charlee Song explores a common theme among people who deal with river issues: create the governance to finish cleaning them up and keep them that way. LISTEN
Freshwater Mussel Audio Postcard
Broadcast Date: May 30, 2008
Pittsburghers living beside three rivers have exotic neighbors they hardly know--intricate miracles of survival take place out of our sight. This audio postcard produced by Charlee Song is from the Allegheny River south of Ford City, courtesy of Charles Bier, Senior Conservation Scientist at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. LISTEN
Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial
Broadcast Date: May 26, 2008
Many of DUQ's 250-related stories focus on the contributions from the Pittsburgh area to the nation and the world. One of those contributions is accompanied by pride and sometimes with sorrow. DUQ's Kevin Gavin reports. LISTEN
Forbes Trail - The Book
Broadcast Date: May 19, 2008
To help mark Pittsburgh 250th and to breath new life into an old story, a new book titled "Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail" was released last week. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar took a look at that book and has this report. LISTEN
Sophie Masloff
Broadcast Date: May 12, 2008
Throughout its history, the city of Pittsburgh has had only one woman mayor. Sophie Masloff became Pittsburgh's first female mayor twenty years ago this month. Mayor Masloff, who turned 90 in December, talked with DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos. LISTEN
Pittsburgh's New Immigrants
Broadcast Date: May 5, 2008
1907 was the peak year for immigrants passing through Ellis Island, as well as for new arrivals in Pittsburgh. While Pittsburgh might no longer be a "gateway," immigrants are still coming, but in smaller numbers. DUQ's Kevin Gavin reports on the new immigrants: who are they, why are they coming here, and will they be accepted? LISTEN
Oldest Jewish Congregation in Pittsburgh
Broadcast Date: April 28, 2008
Rodef Shalom, the oldest Jewish congregation in Western Pennsylvania, is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its charter by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports. LISTEN
Pennsylvania Voting Rights
Broadcast Date: April 21, 2008
On this day before the primary election--with both an African American and a woman on the Democratic ballot--DUQ's Charlee Song looks at Pennsylvania's history of voting rights. LISTEN
The Great Pittsburgh Fire
Broadcast Date: April 14, 2008
163 years ago today, an 87-year-old city was still trying to figure out how to bounce back from a devastating fire less than a week earlier. As we continue our year long celebration of Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary, DUQ's Mark Nootbaar looks at the "Great Pittsburgh Fire." LISTEN
To hear the entire Mark Muretisch song "And the City Burned: The Ballad of the Great Fire of 1845", CLICK HERE.
The People of Pittsburgh
Broadcast Date: April 7, 2008
Pittsburgh was the original "Gateway to the West." But what about the people who stayed here? As part of WDUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative, Kevin Gavin reports on the people who built the region over the last quarter millenium. LISTEN
The Noble Quartet
Broadcast Date: March 31, 2008
You have at one time no doubt noticed the sculptures of four men on Forbes Ave. outside of the Carnegie Library in Oakland, but have you ever noticed what they are doing or what is going on above them? As we continue our yearlong series celebration of Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary, DUQ's Mark Nootbaar takes a pause in front of the Noble Quartet. LISTEN
The Sacred Ground
Broadcast Date: March 24, 2008
Every Monday DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a signficant element of our region's past, present and future. A plot of land in downtown Pittsburgh is the final resting place for Native Americans, French, English and Revolutionary War soldiers...and some of Pittsburgh's earliest historical figures. DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports. LISTEN
The St. Patrick's Day Flood
Broadcast Date: March 17, 2008
DUQ's Stacy Moniot takes us to a joyless St. Patrick's Day that changed the course of the city's future. LISTEN
History of Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Broadcast Date: March 10, 2008
This year's St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held Saturday, March 15. DUQ's Blake Plavchak reports that Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day Parade has had a long and sometimes interrupted history. LISTEN
More About Pittsburgh's Musical Heritage
Broadcast Date: March 3, 2008
DUQ's Bob Studebaker reports on Pittsburgh's influence on the national music scene, including an interesting story about a song rescued from obscurity by Pittsburgh radio and Pittsburgh teenagers. Also, some thoughts on Stephen Foster, Jim Crow, and Pittsburgh's African American Musicians Union. LISTEN
Pittsburgh's Role in the Underground Railroad
Broadcast Date: February 25, 2008
DUQ's Alexandria Chaklos reports on how Pittsburgh played a role in helping African-American slaves escape to freedom. LISTEN
Freedom House Enterprises Ambulance Company
Broadcast Date: February 18, 2008
In the 1960s and 70s, Pittsburgh was a national model for emergency medical care. The Freedom House Enterprises Ambulance Company was among the first to have staff trained in CPR. The company stood out even more because it was run and staffed by African-Americans. DUQ's Katherine Fink reports. LISTEN
African American Steelworkers
Broadcast Date: February 11, 2008
As part of DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 initiative and in recognition of Black History month, DUQ'S Charlee Song gives us Carnegie Mellon History Professor Joe Trotter's story of Pittsburgh's African American steelworkers, who first came to the city in the late 1800s. LISTEN
250 Years of Architecture Downtown
Broadcast Date: February 4, 2008
Every Monday WDUQ is Celebrating Pittsburgh's 250th Anniversary by exploring the city's past, present and future. DUQ's Mark Nootbaar looks at Pittsburgh's story as told through architecture in the Golden Triangle. LISTEN
To hear a full audio architecture tour of downtown Pittsburgh, click here. (This runs approximately 40 minutes.)
Casino Garage and the Rivers
Broadcast Date: January 28, 2008
Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present and future. Today DUQ's Charlee Song looks at the controversy over the design of the new casino garage on the North Shore: an issue of the city's relationship to its rivers with historical undercurrents. LISTEN
Photography & Poetry from Along These Rivers
January 21, 2008
The city has long inspired artists, but a new collection shows how today's poets and photographers see the world from a Pittsburgh perspective. DUQ's Stacy Moniot reports. LISTEN
Robert Burns
Broadcast Date: January 14, 2008
Every Monday DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present and future. What happens when a rich and powerful man asks for a list of the world's most influential scientists, musicians, writers and artists and his favorite poet is not on the list? The answer can be found in Oakland. LISTEN
America's Most Musical City?
Broadcast Date: January 7, 2008
Every Monday DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 initiative explores a significant element of our regions past, present and future. Today DUQ's Bob Studebaker begins a look at Pittsburgh's rich musical tradition, and how our region's music influenced america, and the world. LISTEN
Pittsburgh 250 Calendar
Broadcast Date: December 31, 2007
Every Monday DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a signficant element of our region's past, present and future. A guide to mark the 250th has become part of the celebration, a calendar. DUQ's Kevin Gavin explains. LISTEN
Pittsburgh Christmas Traditions
Broadcast Date: December 24, 2007
Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present, and future. During the holiday season, friends, family, and whole communities gather to celebrate Pittsburgh holiday traditions around the area, some spanning and bridging generations. DUQ's Stacy Moniot reports. LISTEN
Changing Pittsburghese
Broadcast Date: December 17, 2007
Every Monday, DUQ presents a story celebrating Pittsburgh's 250th birthday. Pittsburghers have their own way of talking. The Pittsburghese accent and many words have been traced back to the region's first Scots-Irish immigrants. But accents can change over time, and linguists say that's happening here. DUQ's Katherine Fink reports: LISTEN
Great Allegheny Passage Completion
Broadcast Date: December 10, 2007
Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present and future. DUQ's Kevin Gavin reports on one of the signature events to celebrate the 250th. LISTEN
Allegheny City
Broadcast date: December 3, 2007
Next November, Pittsburgh celebrates its 250th birthday. Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative will explore a significant element of our region's past, present and future. When you hear the term “twin cities,” you might think of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. But Pittsburgh once had its own twin: it was called Allegheny City, and it occupied the land now known as the North Side. 100 years ago this week, Pittsburgh won a long-standing battle to annex Allegheny. And as DUQ's Katherine Fink reports, some of the resentment Allegheny residents felt back then influenced what the North Side is today: LISTEN
Hidden Bridge
Broadcast Date: November 26, 2007
Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element or our region's past, present and future. You know that Pittsburgh has many bridges and many that are gone. There's also one that on the surface isn't there but if you dig deeper, it's still around. DUQ's Peter Holm reports. LISTEN
How Pittsburgh Got Its Name
Broadcast Date: November, 19, 2007
Every Monday DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present and future. Today DUQ's Kevin Gavin reports on how Pittsburgh got its name. (By the way, there is only one other "Pittsburg(h) with an "h" at the end: Pittsburgh, North Dakota) LISTEN.
First Mayor of Pittsburgh
Broadcast Date: November 12, 2007
Every Monday, DUQ's Pittsburgh 250 Initiative explores a significant element of our region's past, present and future. In this report, DUQ's Jeff Cech tells us about Pittsburgh's first mayor, Ebenezer Denny. LISTEN
Pittsburgh 250: Rivers 1
Broadcast Date: November 5, 2007
In November, 2008, Pittsburgh celebrates its 250th birthday. Every Monday til then, DUQ'S "Pittsburgh 250 Initiative" will explore a significant element of our region's past, present and future. The three rivers have always been central to the human presence in the Pittsburgh area. Both Native Americans and Europeans came because the rivers offered things they needed: food and water, transportation, economic opportunity. DUQ's Charlee Song has a look at how the rivers' relationship to residents has changed through evolving economic realities. LISTEN
Nine Mile Run: Microcosm of Pittsburgh
Broadcast Date: November 2, 2007
In November 2008, Pittsburgh marks its 250th birthday. Today, WDUQ begins a year-long look back, and ahead to our region's future. DUQ's Kevin Gavin visited with Dr. Joel Tarr, the Richard S. Caliguiri Professor of History and Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. LISTEN
