The Senator John Heinz History Center – the Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh – will host Russell Shorto, author of the recently published book “Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob,” for an in-person talk on Thursday, June 9 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Using his grandfather’s career as a numbers runner in Johnstown as a starting point, the New York Times best-selling author will share the history of small-town organized crime in Western Pennsylvania. Shorto places his family story in the context of American history, and by considering the impact that this illicit business had on his family, he sensitively examines a compelling yet taboo subject for many families in this region and throughout the country.
Beyond its fascinating subject, the talk promises to be revelatory and inspiring for anyone who is interested in sharing family history in an engaging way. Shorto brings together the insights of a trained historian, the dogged research skills of a genealogist, and the talent of a master storyteller, giving attendees a rare opportunity to learn new ways of illuminating murky corners of the past.
He will share behind-the-scenes reflections about the creation of his book and offer tips and techniques for busting through research roadblocks and enlivening any family history.
Shorto will also participate in a book signing directly following the event, which is co-presented by the History Center’s Italian American Program and Detre Library & Archives.
The hybrid event will be offered both in-person at the Heinz History Center and online. Please register online.
ABOUT RUSSELL SHORTO:
Russell Shorto is the author, most recently, of “Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob,” and of six earlier books, including “Amsterdam: A History of the World’s Most Liberal City” and the national bestseller “The Island at the Center of the World.” He is the executive director of the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Institute at the New-York Historical Society, a contributing writer at the New York Times Magazine, and Senior Scholar at the New Netherland Institute in Albany, New York. From 2007 to 2013, he was director of the John Adams Institute in Amsterdam. In 2009, he was awarded a knighthood from the Dutch government for his work in increasing historical understanding between the Netherlands and the United States. In 2018, he was inducted into the New York State Writers Hall of Fame. He was born and raised in Johnstown, Pa.
