The History Center’s annual Treasures in the Archives event will feature two stories related to the historic experiences of people with disabilities in Western Pennsylvania.
Eric Lidji, director of the Rauh Jewish History Program and Archives, will tell the story of a Jewish couple who met through the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf before World War I. A remarkable collection of family photographs provides a rarely seen glimpse into the educational, recreational, and social lives of some deaf community members living between Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
Sierra Green, archivist and WPDHAC steering committee member, will share reflections on her role in preserving the story of Paul Dick, a lifelong advocate for accessbility. She will explore how a recorded interview along with original documents and photographs saved by his wife, Holly Dick, strikingly reflect his life, including the contributions he made to accessible transportation on a local and national scale. This collection was added to History Center’s holdings as a direct result of the organization’s partnership with the Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium.
Paul Dick being lifted up staircase in between classes by fellow students Lamoyne Clark, Tom Sell, Charles Weyandt, and Dennis Close. After recovering from polio, Paul was able to rejoin his classmates and graduated as a National Merit Scholar from Greenfield-Kimmel High School in 1958.
Lidji, Green, and other archivists who work with the original records of history every day will share the rarely-heard stories behind these and other fascinating collections.
Admission to this event is FREE and open to all. Please register in advance.
Accessibility: ASL interpretation will be provided. Other accommodations available upon request. Please request by contacting Sierra Green at sgreen@heinzhistorycenter.org or 412-454-6361 no later than November 7th.
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