Latest news with #NationalHistoricLandmark
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Quindaro Townsite designated as National Historic Landmark
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Park Service on Thursday officially designated the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas City, Kansas as a National Historic Landmark. Quindaro was a short-lived, thriving town and a key stop on the Underground Railroad that helped enslaved people escape to Canada. US is ending penny production: How will you be impacted? Founded in 1857 by both Black and white abolitionists, the settlement offered a safe haven for formerly enslaved individuals and became a vital point of entry into free territory. The town later became home to institutions like Western University, the first Black university west of the Mississippi River. A proposal to build a landfill there in the 1980s led to an investigation of the site and the discovery of multiple buildings' foundations. In 2019, the Conservation Management and Recreation Act established Quindaro as a national commemorative site. 'This designation is a profound recognition of the generations who lived, struggled, and persevered in Quindaro,' said Lucinda Adams, executive director of Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area. 'It ensures that this sacred ground is preserved for future generations to learn from and be inspired by.' See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Former , who died last year, long advocated for the site's restoration and development as a national historic landmark for several decades before he won an open House seat in 2022. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Stretch of Historic Columbia River Highway reopens ahead of schedule
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway has reopened ahead of schedule following a long-term closure. The Oregon Department of Transportation announced the section of U.S. 30 between Larch Mountain Road and the Vista House was ready for use on May 16, more than a week before it was originally expected to open on Memorial Day. Scooter driver dies after being hit by 2 vehicles outside of Vancouver The , a roadway that is considered a National Historic Landmark. The restoration included patching the road's original decorative concrete and other structural reinforcements. However, ODOT warns that the road will still have single lane closures over the summer 'to allow crews to continue cleaning up the site and complete finishing touches on the railings.' It will remain closed to pedestrians, but open to bicyclists. The east viaduct is also expected to close from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 for similar repairs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Braddock Carnegie Library Celebrates Grand Reopening with Community Open House and Ceremony
Celebration marks end of $21 million renovation of the first Carnegie Library in the United States BRADDOCK, Pa., May 22, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Braddock Carnegie Library Association (BCLA), U. S. Steel and the Pittsburgh Penguins hosted a grand reopening celebration for the Braddock Carnegie Library on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The celebration caps off a four-year renovation of the first Carnegie Library in the United States, a National Historic Landmark. The grand reopening marks the beginning of a new chapter in the story of this historic institution which has served area residents across three centuries. The $21 million Carnegie One Capital Campaign has supported the renovation, which included much-needed physical and accessibility improvements to enable BCLA to better fulfill its mission as a responsive, essential place of community learning, development, and enrichment for its neighbors. The celebration kicked off with performances from Woodland Hills High School jazz band and Cheryl Capezzuti's Dancing Puppets, which led into the official ceremony and ribbon cutting. The program was emceed by Josh Getzoff from the Pittsburgh Penguins, and speakers included Lt. Governor Austin Davis, PA State Senator Nick Pisciottano, PA State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Teddy Werner from the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Honorary Campaign Co-Chair U. S. Steel President & CEO David B. Burritt, as well as representatives from the BCLA and the Regional Asset District. "We are so grateful for the support from everyone who has been a part of getting the Library to this day – from our funders and community partners, to local, state, and federal elected officials and our patrons who have been an integral part of this project," said Vicki Vargo, BCLA Executive Director. "The board and staff of the Library are ecstatic to share the renovated, accessible space with our community. It is truly a monumental milestone in the building's 136-year history." In recognition of the Library's status as the first library commissioned and built by Andrew Carnegie in the United States, Vargo unveiled the Library's new name and brand: Carnegie One. The new brand reflects the Library's impact as a true community center for the five municipalities it serves and better equips it to serve the entire community. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Library officially reopened its doors for a community celebration that lasted until 4:30 p.m. The event included the following organizations, performances, and activities: Woodland Hills High School Jazz Band – The band performed to welcome attendees to the official ceremony and again to kick off performances in the Music Hall. Cheryl Capezzuti's Puppets for Pittsburgh – Like the Woodland Hills Jazz Band, Puppets for Pittsburgh performed at the start of the ceremony and again on the Music Hall main stage. Puppets for Pittsburgh also offers a free lending library of giant puppets at the Braddock Carnegie Library plus collaborative making and performance opportunities for everyone. Propel Andrew Street High School Band – The band wrapped up the musical performances with a concert in the Music Hall. Calise Cowans – Cowans, a Woodland Hills High School junior, performed a reading of her original poetry. Calise has attended numerous programs at the library since she was four years old! Woodland Hills School District Student Reading Champions Ambassadors - The Penguins Foundation in partnership with U. S. Steel developed the program Reading Champions to encourage students to be champions of reading. The Ambassadors and other children visitors got creative with craft activities in the new Children's Book Nook. IceBurgh was on hand to mingle with guests. PearlArts Movement and Sound – Herman Pearl, Co-Artistic Director for PearlArts, deejayed "underwater" in the new Book Dive space while visitors enjoyed refreshments and a selfie booth. PearlArts recently moved to Braddock and is located across the street from the library. BCLA staff facilitated activities throughout the Library, including demonstrations and art projects in the Fab Lab, tile painting and decorating in the Bathhouse Ceramics Studio, and jewelry making in the Design Room. Visitors were also invited to share their memories of the Library in the Archives Room. U. S. Steel Community Outreach – Don German, manager of the U. S. Steel's Mon Valley Works Irvin Plant in West Mifflin, was on hand to discuss the family of bald eagles living on property at the plant and share the live webcam of the eagles. In addition, Becky Bloom provided information on workforce development opportunities with the company. "Carnegie believed that libraries should be places where people come together to learn, grow, and build a better future. At U. S. Steel, we're thrilled to carry that legacy forward," said U. S. Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt. "This library is a reminder that knowledge is one of our greatest strengths. Lifelong learning opens doors, creates opportunities, and helps communities thrive. We're honored to support a resource that will continue to inspire and empower generations to come." Penguins alumni and Hockey Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier and David B. Burritt, President & CEO of U. S. Steel, served as Honorary Co-Chairs of the campaign. The Carnegie One Capital Campaign began with a lead gift from Eden Hall Foundation and grew to include funding from: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) National Endowment for the Humanities: Capacity Building Challenge Grant U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Community Project Funding This project is being supported in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior Allegheny Foundation Anonymous Foundation B. K. Simon Charitable Foundation The Burke Foundation Dawn and Chris Fleischner Dollar Bank Foundation Eden Hall Foundation Epic Metals Charitable Foundation The Fine Foundation The Grable Foundation Henry L. Hillman Foundation Jack Buncher Foundation Juliet Lea Simonds Hillman Foundation Martha Mack Lewis Foundation Mon Valley Initiative – NPP Funding Peter C. Dozzi Family Foundation Pittsburgh Foundation Anchor Fund Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh Richard King Mellon Foundation Rita M. McGinley Foundation Transtar, Inc. U. S. Steel Corporation The Werner Family Foundation Key components of the renovation include: Conversion of three separate building entrances into one main entrance, which is now ADA accessible and home to the U. S. Steel circulation desk. This creates a central hub for information sharing (a key role that the BCLA plays in the community) and facilitates more efficient staffing and navigation. Installation of an elevator in the center core allows universal accessibility to all three floors of the library. Full renovation and modernization of the BCLA's historic Music Hall allows BCLA to generate revenue by hosting performances, events, and gatherings for nearly 500 attendees. Conversion of the original swimming pool into a reception space known as the Book Dive. Renovation of previously unusable rooms such as the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation gymnasium, due to extreme heat or cold made possible with the addition of new windows and insulation, masonry repairs, and installation of a new HVAC system, resulting in year-round climate control and improved utilization of the building. "Libraries are places where communities come together – where children can learn and families can find resources," said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. "The Braddock Carnegie Library represents all of that and so much more. It's a part of this region's history, and I'm thrilled it will continue to be an asset for generations to come." More than a library in the traditional sense, the BCLA is a dynamic, ever-evolving center of the community, serving approximately 15,000 residents in five communities – Braddock, North Braddock, East Pittsburgh, Chalfant, and Turtle Creek. The BCLA responds to the needs of the community and serves as a space of growth, self-determination, safety, and healing for the wider area. The BCLA provides a plethora of services such as computer and internet access; a diverse collection of library materials and an innovative alternative lending collection; a variety of literacy and art programs that engage and empower the community; educational and workforce development opportunities that connect patrons to jobs; and meeting spaces for community groups of all types. "This library has served generations of residents across the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries as a place to learn, gather, and grow," said County Executive Sara Innamorato. "With this renovation, the Braddock Carnegie Library is not only preserving its history but creating a sustainable future, with revenue-generating spaces and modern upgrades that will help meet the evolving needs of today's patrons." The Library will begin its normal operating hours on Monday, June 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Learn more about the Carnegie One Capital Campaign in support of BCLA and how to donate to the BCLA here. BCLA is also offering the unique opportunity to purchase a commemorative plaque to be placed on one of the 478 new chairs that will be installed in the renovated music hall. By visiting BCLA's site here, patrons can take part in the history of this beautiful music hall and building and help secure the future of the Braddock Carnegie Library Association. About U. S. Steel Founded in 1901, U. S. Steel delivers profitable and sustainable steel solutions. Propelled by its talented employees and an unwavering focus on safety, U. S. Steel serves the automotive, construction, appliance, energy, containers, and packaging industries with high value-added steel products. Steel production begins with our competitively advantaged iron ore production capabilities which fuel our integrated steelmaking facilities and investments in electric arc furnaces. To help our customers create the best products with the fewest emissions, we are committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. U. S. Steel is at the forefront of creating steels that are stronger, lighter, and better for the environment. This includes our proprietary XG3® advanced high-strength steel, verdeX® steel produced with 70-80% lower CO2 emissions with a recycled content of up to 90%, and ultra-thin lightweight InduX™ steel for electric vehicles, generators, and transformers. U. S. Steel maintains operations across the United States and in Central Europe and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit and follow U. S. Steel on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X. Braddock Carnegie Library Association A National Historic Landmark, the Braddock Carnegie Library opened in 1889 as the first U.S. public library Andrew Carnegie dedicated to his workers. For over 130 years, the Braddock Carnegie Library has served as an anchor to an evolving community, providing residents with tools for dynamic, engaged learning, and resources for meeting life's challenges. Today, BCLA serves approximately 15,000 residents in five communities - Braddock, North Braddock, East Pittsburgh, Chalfant, and Turtle Creek. Upon completion of BCLA's Capital Campaign - The Campaign for Carnegie One - all facets of the building, including the Gymnasium, Rotary Room, Book Dive, and Music Hall will be universally accessible and climate-controlled. The BCLA anticipates being able to host graduations, artist showcases and performances, community forums, weddings, and other special events—all without interfering with regular programming space. BCLA Board of Trustees: Andrew McGhee, President; Chardae Jones, Secretary; Mandy Merchant, Treasurer; Jack Howell; Jaime Glasser; David Landis; Traci Jackson; Peter Kubiska; and Alaina Webber. View source version on Contacts Mulberry Public Affairs(412) 512-0302amy@
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'A national treasure': Ribbon-cutting marks completed Cheyenne Depot renovations
CHEYENNE — Local leaders hope that newly completed renovations to the historic Cheyenne Depot will bring in more local residents and encourage tourists to spend more time downtown. The project was completed only a few months after being approved in September, and was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on the newly updated pedestrian patio on May 13. 'These renovations will help ensure the Depot continues to meet modern needs while retaining its importance as a major historic building in Cheyenne,' said Jason Sanchez, Community Recreation and Events director. Sanchez and his team were major contributors to this project, and have handled several other beautification projects in town. He noted that most buildings experience wear and tear over time, later requiring repairs. By focusing on restoring original features and repairing attractive features, he hopes more people will use the building. 'This is a national treasure here,' Sanchez said. '... With the support of the taxpayers, to get ($1.4 million) to do this renovation, it was exciting to be able to bring something kind of back to life.' The project, approved by City Council in September 2024, was allocated funding from sixth-penny sales tax funds earmarked for projects in downtown Cheyenne. The sixth-penny tax is approved by voters, with the funds allocated to specific projects. Mayor Patrick Collins noted in his speech before the ribbon cutting that the voters who saw value in refurbishing downtown made this project possible. 'We have a beautiful downtown, we have beautiful bones,' Collins said. 'But we have curbs and gutters that needed work, we had garbage cans that needed to be worked on. We had this beautiful building that needed to be refreshed, and (voters) saw that vision.' The $1.4 million project updated the patio on the southwest side of the depot, adding brick pavers, shade structures, tables, benches and an ornamental fence replacing the older chain link fence that used to separate the patio from the rail yard. Renovations have also been made to the first-floor restrooms, the main lobby doors were repaired or replaced, and the kitchen has been updated to accommodate catering or concessions. One of the major changes is the new ornamental fence that should provide security to the patio while allowing visitors to observe the rail yard. 'With people sitting out back, I didn't want them looking through a chain link fence anymore or barbed wire, so we put this ornamental fence up,' Sanchez said. 'It's a tourist destination. We're a few feet away from a rail yard, and not many people can boast that. It's a cool amenity for Cheyenne, and I think it'll boost our tourism dollars.' The depot is designated a National Historic Landmark due to its status as a former Union Pacific train station. Its construction began in 1886, and after it was built, the Depot served as the main passenger station for Cheyenne. The depot's role in the history of the transcontinental railroad, transportation in the West and the influence of the Union Pacific Railroad make it a prime tourist destination. In the 1990s, after passenger service ended at the depot, the Union Pacific donated the building to the city of Cheyenne. After a decade or so of renovations, the Cheyenne Depot became a focal point in downtown Cheyenne and was declared a National Historic Landmark. 'We have people that come to Cheyenne, and they know about rail heritage,' Collins said. '... I think people want to come out here on this patio to watch the trains. And it wasn't a very hospitable place. Now, you look around, and it's gorgeous.'
Otago Daily Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Oamaru bid for heritage status no sloppy call
As an enthusiast for Oamaru's historic town centre, Civis was pleased to read about progress toward achieving National Historic Landmark status. The 15 buildings in the Harbour St-Tyne St precinct, and the life around and within many of them, create a unique and impressive New Zealand ambience. They are worth visiting just about every time you pass through Oamaru. Both the visionaries and the hard sloggers who did, and still do, so much to retain and develop the area deserve thanks and praise. The Landmark process began in 2022, and earlier this month, the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust gave Heritage New Zealand formal assent to include the buildings in a proposal for Landmark status. If the government approves, the area will join the Treaty of Waitangi grounds in holding this premier standing. Others are also lining up for approval. The Wellington National War Memorial's application is with the heritage minister, and work is under way for the Christchurch Arts Centre and Kerikeri Basin. If too many sites gain landmark status, however, exclusivity will be lost. ★★★ Discussion of the word fulsome a few weeks ago received, dare Civis say it, a "fulsome" response (to use one of fulsome's meanings) from Oamaru reader John Chetwin. He said he found himself shouting in agreement about the unfortunate evolution of the word. John finds the word "impact" causes him as much anguish because it has almost completely usurped the roles of the verb to affect and the noun effect. "As a consequence, we have lost the use of three words in one hit: affect, effect and impact. In this case, I believe journalists have a lot to answer for." Craig Radford, of Dunedin, reported that, while unaware of fulsome's origins, he also avoided the word because of its ambiguity. He eschews "decimate" for the same reason. It was a Roman army punishment; the execution of one-tenth of a unit in response to a mass infringement. Later, as Craig also says, it was used to wipe out a tenth or a significant portion of an army. But now it is widely used to mean the almost total destruction of anything. While Craig notes that shifts in meanings are not new, sometimes the process now happens within a few years. Gay and woke are two prime examples. ★★★ Elly Kennedy wholeheartedly agrees about the superiority of curved sinks over the modern square variety. She believes many new inventions are more awkward than they need to be. She prefers the old method of manual dialling to the modern approach of punching in numbers, and she laments that so many things are designed to be thrown out rather than fixed. Janet, no surname supplied, still regularly uses the Kenwood mixer she received in 1974 as an engagement present. Civis suspects many even older Kenwoods are still chugging away. ★★★ Words have a way of quickly becoming fashionable. Recently, Civis read twice about "slop" within five minutes from two different news sources. Civis heard the word again just before writing this column. Two of the three uses referred to AI slop. The third was "slop" as the stream of disposable objects consumed. Peak use of slop as a noun was about 1910. It's quickly on the rise again, aided no doubt by sloppy uses of the word. ★★★ Civis' gripe a few weeks back with "American" to mean from the United States came to prominence last week. TVNZ's news was not the only outlet to proclaim the election of the "first American Pope". Also "sloppy", perhaps. Where the heck did Pope Francis come from if not Argentina, part of South "America"? Some outlets corrected themselves to the first North American Pope, although they might have wanted to specify the United States. civis@
