August Wilson’s Hill District

This story will provide a sense of what the Hill District was like during the era when Pulitzer prize-winning playwright August Wilson was growing up there and how this iconic neighborhood inspired his best-known plays, including Jitney, Fences and The Piano Lesson.

Highlights include St. Benedict the Moor Church, Freedom Corner across the street from the church and the old Connelley Vocational School on Bedford Avenue. You will see August Wilson’s former home, located at 1727 Bedford Avenue as well as learn about current and ongoing restoration efforts.

Additional tour locations include:

• A scenic overlook, where you will have fabulous views of downtown Pittsburgh, the Strip District and the North Side

• A large former synagogue which provides evidence of the Jewish community presence in the Hill

• The Crawford Grill

• The New Granada Theater (also undergoing renovations)

• The former Hill House Community Center

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This story was recorded November 1, 2021.