Lecture: Incredible Penn Avenue—254 Years after General John Forbes’ Victory

Pittsburgh’s Penn Avenue follows the path that British General John Forbes and his troops hacked through the wilderness as they marched westward to take control of the Point in November 1758. The French fled, and the British were victorious.
Two-hundred fifty-four years later, Penn Avenue offers an incredibly rich experience for the biker, hiker, or driver. In this fast-paced presentation or more than 300 photos, you’ll travel along Penn Avenue from Wilkinsburg to Pittsburgh’s Point, past the neighborhoods of Point Breeze, Larimer, East Liberty, Friendship, Bloomfield/Garfield, Lawrenceville, the Strip District, and Cultural District. You’ll see architectural landmarks, historic fences and walls, murals, a wonderful variety of stores and signs––and a diverse cast of characters including Steeler fans, culture buffs, shoppers, yoga enthusiasts, and photographers.

Penn Avenue, more than any other road in Pittsburgh, embodies the feeling of loss, renewal, and opportunity in our 21st-century city. And, it’s a pretty straight eight-mile path, with just a few ups and downs.

This lecture is free and open to the public.

About the presenter: Louise Sturgess is the executive director of PHLF. She works with fellow staff members, docents, and many trustees to raise funds for, create, and implement various educational programs––school tours, architectural design challenges, lectures, membership tours, and publications featuring regional history and architecture. She is the editor of the annual PHLF News, and, as an editor, author, and photographer, Louise creates many of PHLF’s printed materials and presentations. She is a fifth generation Pittsburgher, a graduate of Bucknell University, where she studied English and Economics, and an employee of PHLF since 1981.

RSVPs are appreciated. Contact Mary Lu Denny at marylu@phlf.org or 412-471-5808 ext. 527.