“Western Pennsylvania is dotted with what are known locally as mill towns, but few of these communities epitomize this definition more than the municipalities of Homestead, West Homestead, and Munhall. Commonly referred to as the Steel Valley, these towns were home to some of the greatest steel-producing operations in the world. As the Mon Valley’s steel production answered the nation’s call during two world wars, so did the workers who unloaded countless barges of coal and fed the mills’ great furnaces that produced the material needed for weapons, armament, and tanks. Workers emigrated from every country in Europe to make their mark in America. Many of these people spoke little or no English and endured long hours of labor in often hazardous conditions. Their families brought with them the traditions of their varied European cultures, filling their communities with ethnic diversity.

Through 200 photographs, Homestead and the Steel Valley conveys the proud heritage of three communities and their role in the nation’s history.

Author Dan Burns, MTHS President, is a police officer, and a freelance writer. He has written many historical and law enforcement articles, and also authored “Duquesne,” “Bedford and Its Neighbors,” and “Pittsburgh’s Rivers.”

All of Dan’s books are available through the MTHS Marketplace.

Other recent books authored by MTHS members and sponsors

“Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh,” a new book by MTHS Treasurer Mary Ann Knochel, is a result of researching her own family’s Catholic heritage.

Formally established in 1843, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh traces its history back to April 1754, when the first Eucharistic Liturgy was celebrated within what is now Pittsburgh. Franciscan friar Denys Baron established the first Catholic house of worship in this part of the world and dedicated it in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He constructed his small parish at the forks of the Ohio River, and from his meticulous records of baptisms, births, and deaths, there is evidence that he ministered not only to the soldiers of Fort Duquesne, but to people of Native American, Irish, and English descent as well. Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh illustrates how the seeds planted by this first humble faith community grew a rich Catholic tradition nurtured by émigrés from myriad European countries, who brought with them traditions and an unwavering faith that has enriched the southwestern area of Pennsylvania for more than 250 years. Ms. Knochel partnered with the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Archives and Records Center to present this collection of images that reflect the ethnic diversity, traditions, and faith of the local Catholic community.

MTHS Sponsor Lisa Alzo partnered with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, which serves the dynamic and diverse needs of people living in western Pennsylvania, for her recent book “Pittsburgh’s Immigrants.”

Since the mid-1700s, Pittsburgh has welcomed generations of immigrants. This region in southwestern Pennsylvania was once a magnet for European immigrants who carved out livings in steel, iron, glass, and other factories along its famous three rivers. Those immigrants built the city’s ethnic neighborhoods: the Irish North Side, the Polish South Side, the Italian Bloomfield, as well as other immigrant enclaves in smaller cities and towns in the surrounding areas. The diversity of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods symbolizes a city truly rich in history and culture. Many notable Pittsburghers in business, the arts and entertainment, and sports were either immigrants themselves or children of immigrants. Pittsburgh’s Immigrants pays tribute to the hardworking men and women who made significant contributions to the growth and development of western Pennsylvania and left a legacy of rich and vibrant ethnic culture that endures to the present day.

Order copies of both books from the MTHS Marketplace.

About the Mifflin Township Historical Society

The Mifflin Township Historical Society relies on contributions from thoughtful members and friends. Private donations to our Society are vital to continue sustaining and preserving our local items of historical significance for generations to come. No matter what the size, all gifts are meaningful and gratefully accepted to guarantee the mission of our Society to preserve your heritage. All monetary gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Keep in mind that you might also give your donation in honor or memory of a person of your choice. The Mifflin Township Historical Society is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) Corporation.

The Mifflin Township Historical Society covers 14 communities which accounts for over 10% of all Allegheny County municipalities, over 50 square miles, has 80,000 residents and is the second largest historical society in Western Pennsylvania after the Western Pa. Historical Society/Senator John Heinz Regional History Center. The present day communities of Baldwin (part), Clairton, Duquesne, Dravosburg,  Hays, Homestead, Jefferson Hills, Lincoln Place, Munhall, Pleasant Hills,  West Elizabeth, West Homestead, West Mifflin & Whitaker are in this area.