African-American Attractions

• African Heritage Classroom

  One of 26 Nationality Rooms located in the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning. A reproduction of an 18-century Asante temple. Carved plaster forms symbolize the religions, languages, music, science and literature of Africa.

• Annual Soul Food Dinner and Gospel Concert

  Annual dinner at the Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts. Call for reservations: 724.652.2882

• August Wilson Center for African-American Culture

  Under construction, opening in 2008. The Center will feature Pittsburgh’s contributions to African-American culture and include exhibitions about topics from jazz to Negro baseball leagues. State-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary venue will be built in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.

• Fort Duquesne / Fort Pitt Museum

  African-American soldiers were with British General John Forbes when he confronted the French at Fort Duquesne in 1758. Others served under Colonel George Washington during the same French + Indian War. By 1761, freed and enslaved African-American artisans, trappers and wagon makers were settling around the Fort Pitt area.

• Freedom's Call Standing Exhibit

  Bus tour and lunch from the Lawrence County Historical Society and Little Beaver Historical Society. T-Sa: 9am-5pm

• Kuntu Repertory Theatre

  Theater performances through the University of Pittsburgh that introduce the next generation of African-American playwrights, directors and actors.

• LeMoyne House

  The LeMoyne House is Pennsylvania's first National Historic Landmark of the Underground Railroad. Only about six or seven other such sites exist in the entire United States.

  The stately stone house in downtown Washington, PA, was built in 1812 by John Julius LeMoyne, the father of Francis Julius LeMoyne. Both father and son were practicing physicians, but it was the courageous Francis Julius LeMoyne who, despite the strict Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, risked his personal freedom and fortune to do what he knew was morally right—take a stand against the institution of slavery. This successful 19th Century doctor, reformer and builder of the first crematory in the western hemisphere, opened his home and properties as stops along the Underground Railroad, the series of safe hiding places for runaway slaves as they trudged north on their precarious journey to Canada and freedom.

• Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG)

  Located on the North Side, MCG preserves and promotes jazz and the visual arts. World-renowned jazz artists perform in the Music Hall.

• Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center

  The History Center's Points in Time exhibit includes information about the Underground Railroad. Displays and exhibits a timeline of African-American history in Western PA.

  The History Center's Underground Railroad: Journey to Freedom tour examines the institutionalization and economy of slavery, the rise of abolitionist activism, and the roots of the Underground Railroad. Important Underground routes through the region, conductors on the Railroad, and notable historical sites are also presented.

• Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
  

  A highlight of the Civil War collection is the exhibit depicting Martin Delaney. Delaney was the first African-American to become an officer in the Civil War. He lived in Pittsburgh before the war and started the first black newspaper in the city called The Mystery. Delaney was an active abolitionist and participant in the Underground Railroad. His is a very unique story to the city of Pittsburgh.

  African Americans in the Civil War Exhibit highlights Alexander Kelly, from Pittsburgh, who was one of only 24 African Americans to receive the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. The exhibit also examines Frederick Douglass' contributions during the Civil War and the story of the desegregated US Navy.

• UMOJA African Arts Company

  Preserves the music and dance of Africa in performances throughout the city. Annual African Arts in the Park Festival is held for one weekend in July and features steel drummers, jazz, gospel, African drumming/dancing/storytelling, arts/crafts, food and performances.