The McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center has had an exciting year and there are many new things planned for 2023. They continue to expand our reach into the community through partnerships, programming, exhibitions, and publications. They have also diversified our offerings and plan to host more programming that involves minority communities such as African Americans, American Indians, and LGBTQ+, to name a few.

The McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center is proud to be part of a historic partnership here in our city. Duane Michals, native McKeesporter and world-renowned photographer who made great creative strides in the 1960s and 70s, shared his vision for a new, artistic expression with Mayor Michael Cherepko, Heritage Center President Matthew Gergely, and others.

African Americans have been playing baseball since the 1860s. Teams were formed in Western Pennsylvania as early as then1870s. But the heyday of Negro League or Black baseball was the 20th century – from 1910 to 1950. In Greater Pittsburgh, two significant teams developed – The Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. Both teams where franchises in the Negro National League, formed by Rube Foster in 1920. Both fielded Hall of Fame players. And both teams were the pride of African Americans in Pittsburgh. Join us to hear from Samuel Black, the Director of African American Programs at the Senator John Heinz History Center.