From the Steel City to the White City

Zachary Brodt, author of From the Steel City to the White City, will explore Western Pennsylvania’s representation at Chicago’s Columbian Exposition, the first major step in demonstrating that Pittsburgh was a region of developing culture and innovation. While Pittsburgh’s most famous contributions to the 1893 World’s Fair - alternating current electricity and the Ferris wheel - had a lasting impact, other exhibits provided a snapshot of the area’s industries, natural resources, and inventions. Brodt will explore how the success of these exhibits and the experiences of Pittsburghers at the exposition launched Western Pennsylvania into the twentieth century. 

Registration is required for this program and begins on December 15.  You may register online, in person at the Ask a Librarian Desk or by calling 412-366-8100, extension 113.

Zachary Brodt will have copies of his book for purchase at the event. About the presenter: Zachary Brodt is the University Archivist and Records Manager for the University of Pittsburgh Library System and the author of From the Steel City to the White City: Western Pennsylvania and the World’s Columbian Exposition. He has previously published articles about the 1892 Homestead Steel Strike and Pitt’s hiring of Jonas Salk, among other topics. He is also a council member of the Pennsylvania Historical Association. Brodt holds a B.A. in History and Classics and a Master of Library and Information Science degree, all from the University of Pittsburgh.