One hundred and fifty years ago, the first Bessemer Furnace ignited a wave of industrial innovation, setting into motion a spirit of resilience and creativity that defined southwestern Pennsylvania, powering the world. That spirit lives on today in Rivers of Steel—a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and celebrating this unique legacy, while building a vibrant future for our communities.
Rivers of Steel
For nearly 35 years, Rivers of Steel has been led by our visionary president and CEO, August R. Carlino. With quiet determination, Augie has guided us toward revitalizing the region while blending the industrial might of our past with the promise of a new era. His leadership has transformed Rivers of Steel into a dynamic force for community renewal, heritage tourism, and cultural preservation across the eight counties of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. As he prepares for retirement, we invite you to celebrate the tremendous impact he has had on our organization—and our region.
Rivers of Steel’s journey began modestly – capturing the voices of our region’s workers and families, preserving important stories, memories, and artifacts. Over the years, while remaining grounded to our mission, our accomplishments grew. Rivers of Steel restored historic structures that embody these stories, including the Bost Building, the Pump House, the Carrie Blast Furnaces, and the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machines Shop. Thanks to your support, iconic symbols of Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania, once destined for demolition, now stand as National Historic Landmarks, drawing visitors from around the nation and the world, illuminating Pittsburgh’s indispensable role in America’s industrial story.
Rivers of Steel’s Projects
Today, Rivers of Steel carries this legacy forward with educational programs on Explorer, a world-renowned environmental S.T.E.M. education boat that attracts students from around the region to learn about our rivers’ health in a postindustrial era. Rivers of Steel’s creative placemaking program also brings together community members, artists, arts and culture organizations, developers, and other stakeholders using arts and cultural strategies to implement community-led change. Our grants program, workshops, and technical assistance provide important seed investment and training to our heritage partners as they grow capacity and build investment in their historic communities. Our tours and community events create economic opportunities while inspiring a love for our heritage. Not to mention, with our newest workforce development program, we’re training local residents in preservation skills, offering pathways to work that respect our industrial heritage and build our future.
How You Can Help
As stewards of the Carrie Blast Furnaces, Rivers of Steel is breathing new life into this National Historic Landmark, transforming it into a place of discovery, connection, and creativity. With each step, Rivers of Steel is emboldened to move forward, evolving to meet our region’s future needs.
As we enter this exciting new chapter, please support our work and celebrate Augie Carlino’s legacy. Your gift today will honor his dedication and also ensure that we continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration and resilience. Help us build a future that preserves the past while creating new possibilities for our communities.
Story and Photograph by Rivers of Steel
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