We’ve catalogued all of the DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh virtual storytelling events so that you can continue to explore the history of Pittsburgh’s remarkable landmarks and neighborhoods. Enjoy the stories!
Note: Like our live streamed storytelling events, these archived version are pay-what-you-can ($5 minimum). The “Get Tickets” links will take you to gopassage.com, our online ticketing partner.
Finding Solitude: George Westinghouse — Recorded 6/6/2020
What happened to the mansion called Solitude – the Pittsburgh home of one of the world’s greatest inventors? Why can’t we visit it today…or can we? Get tickets
Development of Oakland — Recorded 6/13/2020
Oakland is home to museums, universities, and medical centers, but do you know how it all started? Get tickets
Painting Pittsburgh Neighborhoods, by Artist Ron Donoughe — Recorded 6/20/2020
Join DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh for a virtual visit to the studio of artist Ron Donoughe. He has been painting Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania for the last 30 years. Get tickets
When George Washington Almost Lost His Head — Recorded 6/27/2020
One July 4th proved to be nightmare morning for George Washington. The Virginia soldier was just 22 years old when he inadvertently started what is often called the first world war. The conflict began in what is now called Jumonville Glen in Fayette County. Get tickets
Multi-Stories: Skyscrapers and the Tycoons that Built Them — Recorded 7/11/2020
Back when skyscrapers were a new invention, business tycoons in Pittsburgh and across the country invested in this new form of high tech to proclaim their power. Get tickets
Pittsburgh’s First Pandemic: The White Plague – Recorded 7/25/2020
Join DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh for the inside story behind the White Plague that ravaged Pittsburgh at the turn of the century. Get tickets
“Votes for Women” in Western Pennsylvania — Recorded 8/17/2020
Join Doors Open as we explore women’s battle for the ballot in western Pennsylvania. Meet Pittsburgh suffragists who paraded, protested, and rallied their way to the ballot box. Get tickets
Behind The Stage Doors: A Promoter’s Life — Recorded 11/2/2020
Do you enjoy large-scale concerts in the 70’ and 80’s here in Pittsburgh? Ever wonder who makes that happen? Meet one of Pittsburgh’s prominent concert promoters, Rich Engler, of DiCesare-Engler Productions. Rich will give you the “real” stories about the concert business – including anecdotes about some of the most iconic bands and solo artists in the industry. Get tickets
Behind The Stage Doors: If These Walls Could Talk — Recorded 11/4/2020
Go inside Pittsburgh’s only “juke joint” and meet Moondog’s owner, Ronnie Esser. Moondog’s is one of the region’s most significant stages for Blues music over the last 30 years, consistently featuring top Blues artists like Kip London, who will also perform for you! Get tickets
Behind The Stage Doors: Rocking at the T-Bird — Recorded 11/5/2020
The Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall had humble beginnings. In 1933 this space was known as Michalski’s Café and was granted the 2nd liquor license in city of Pittsburgh after prohibition. Fast-forward, what we all know now as the Thunderbird, in Lawrenceville. Learn more about this venue and the blues and rock performers who have graced this stage from current owner John Pergal, and relax and enjoy a live acoustic performance by Ric Proudfoot. Get tickets
Behind The Stage Doors: Shama Lama Ding Dong — Recorded 11/6/2020
If you are a music fan who grew up in Pittsburgh over the last 50 years, you know the name Johnny Angel. Johnny invites you into his museum, Ginchy Stuff, to take a stroll through music history where you will recognize Chubby Checker, Little Richard, many performers from the Motown era, and Pittsburgh legends as well like the Skyliners. Get tickets
H. J. Heinz: Secrets of a Pickle King – Recorded 11/16/2020
We all know about the ketchup and pickles. But what do we know about H.J. Heinz the man? Sunday schools and opulence, alcohol and purity, love, and betrayal. This is that story. Grab a pickle, take a seat, and join us for the story behind the man. Get tickets
City Stairs: Stepping Back Into Pittsburgh’s History One Staircase at a Time – Recorded 11/23/2020
City steps were the first mass transportation system, designed to bring workers from the hills to the mills. Did you know that Pittsburgh has the most stairways of any other city in the U.S? Step back through Pittsburgh’s history of these staircases with author Laura Zurwoski. Get tickets
Daniel Burnham: Made No Little Plan in Pittsburgh – Recorded 11/30/2020
Did you know that, outside Chicago, no other city has more Burnham buildings? Learn more about this man and the buildings he built in Pittsburgh from local author and historian, Mark Houser. Get tickets
To Pittsburgh, with Love from Germany: Holiday Market – Recorded 12/7/2020
German Christmas markets date back to the 1400’s. Did you know that many of our beloved Christmas traditions evolved from these markets?We uncover the stories and magnificence of these traditions, igniting the Holiday spirit in all of us! Get ickets
Bayernhof Museum: Music Boxes and Other Obscure History – Recorded 12/14/2020
We invite you for an on-location peek inside one of Pittsburgh’s most unusual mansions – the Bayernhof Museum. This mansion contains a world-class collection of music boxes and other antique automatic music machines, as well as many other fascinating items. Join us for this truly one-of-a-kind adventure, that will leave you wanting to see more in-person later! Get tickets
Holiday Cheers! A Unique Winery Experience – Recorded 12/21/2020
Join head vintner, Duane Rieder, on-location at the Engine House 25 Wines, a discreet and private wine cellar under the Clemente Museum. DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh takes you on-location virtually inside this unique space. Learn about their winemaking process, the varietals, and how this amazing winery came to be! Participate in the virtual wine-tasting if your choose!
Join in on the tasting by pre-ordering the wine sampler. Instructions for ordering the sampler will be provided on the email confirmation you will receive upon completing this registration. The DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh Blind Tasting Trio sampler is priced at $95 (a $20 discount) – this offer expires on January 10, 2021. Get tickets
Abandoned Pittsburgh, by Chuck Beard – Recorded 1/4/2021
Join photographer Chuck Beard for a look inside some of Pittsburgh’s iconic and historic sites, including Duquesne Steel Works, Carrie Furnace, St Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church, Overholt Distillery, Hazelwood Brewery, J&L Roundhouse and Pumphouse, Western Penitentiary and more.
This will be a curated presentation by Chuck of some of the most popular and interesting photos and sites from the Abandoned Pittsburgh project. Get tickets
Western Penitentiary: Life Behind the Wall – Recorded 1/11/2021
This is a story of life and death inside Western Penitentiary, also known as “Western Pen” and “The Wall.” Thousands of convicted persons through the years have lived and worked in this sprawling 21-acre, high-walled, barb-wired city within the city of Pittsburgh, yet most Pittsburghers would be hard pressed to tell you where it’s located. Stories of escape, madness, and brutality are part of its legacy. Get tickets