1. HUMANITIES ON THE ROAD SHOW and Tom Breiding, folk singer & artist
brings nostalgia & story-telling to the Pump House
One of the highlights of my internship with Rivers of Steel was the June 4th
taping of PCN-TV’s Humanities on
the Road show. The historic Pump House in Munhall was the site of the 1892 Battle of Homestead and provided
an ideal setting for the premise of the show. The Pennsylvania Humanities Council is a non-profit organization
that works to encourage individuals to enjoy and share a life of learning. In its second season, Humanities is an
arts and culture themed television show produced by PCN-TV
The featured guest was West Virginia native Tom Breiding. An artist, song writer and speaker, Tom is a
Commonwealth speaker with the Humanities Council and a teaching artist at the Gateway to the Arts in
Pittsburgh. Armed with his guitar, banjo and harmonica, he described the generations of workers in the steel
industry. Tom provided a warm blend of folksy humor and genuine affection for the people he sang about. His
knowledge of the steel, coal and glass industries comes from the years he spent growing up and living in WVA
and near Pittsburgh.
What struck me most was the response of the audience. Comprised of former steelworkers, invited guests and
the public, the mood was casual, despite the cameras. With the question and answer format of the show, people
were more than willing to stand up and be heard: asking questions or relating stories from the past. I believe this
was partly due to the show’s host Tracy Matisak, whose style and tone was that of an old friend. She was skilled
at making the audience feel at ease; describing for us in advance exactly what would take place in the taping,
and what our responsibilities were in creating a successful show.
“Engaging and energetic, love the
homespun, yet artful quality of the
performance. Great for children
and adults!”

2. It was interesting to observe the technical aspect of the taping as well. The crew worked like a well-oiled
machine, start to finish. They did some rearranging of our initial set-up from the day before, knowing how the
light and sound would or wouldn’t work inside the building.
This was my first time to participate in a live taping for television. Being able to experience both sides of the
camera was insightful and informative, and proved to be an invaluable aspect of my internship.
The event, hosted by Rivers of Steel, is part of their on-going effort to conserve and promote the historic and
cultural resources of the steel region.
CONTACT RIVERS OF STEEL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE
PUMP HOUSE & THEIR VARIOUS PROJECTS, EVENTS AND
OPPORTUNITIES AT 412.464.4020
LEARN MORE ABOUT
HOW YOU CAN PROMOTE
& PRESERVE THE PROUD
PITTSBURGH STEEL
LEGACY!