Alfred M. Oppenheimer Memorial Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation Provides Essential Support for Education

On March 22, the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation received a third consecutive grant from the Alfred M. Oppenheimer Memorial Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation, thus fulfilling a three-year $45,000 grant in support of its educational programs.

“We are grateful to PHLF Trustee Chuck Half for making this generous grant possible,” said Louise Sturgess, executive director of PHLF. “Funding from the AMO of The Pittsburgh Foundation has given us the ability to expand our educational programming and to provide––on demand––programs that teachers and students want. We have hosted architectural design challenges, school tours year-round, and published several student-made books, among many other programs, thanks to the Oppenheimer grant.”

In April, PHLF will offer a new career education program––People Who Work to Improve Our Communities––to fourth grade students at 13 different Pittsburgh Public Schools, thanks in part to funding from the AMO. Through full-color posters and tools of the trade, PHLF’s staff and docents will help students understand how architects, engineers, landscape designers, urban planners, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, carpenters, stonemasons, contractors, developers, bankers, lawyers, small-business owners, public officials, and preservationists work together on a real project that benefits the community.

Funding from grants awarded to PHLF in 2010 from The Fine Foundation and McSwigan Family Foundation are also underwriting the career education program. “Without funding support from private foundations and our members,” said Louise, “we would not be able to provide such creative, affordable, quality programming for more than 10,000 people each year. All of our programs help people see the beauty and value of architectural landmarks and build pride and encourage community involvement.”

Click here for a list of major contributors to PHLF’s educational programs.