Panel Discussion: Preserving Gilded Age Pittsburgh
November 6, 2025
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Members of The Frick Societies receive complimentary admission
In the Gilded Age, Pittsburgh reigned supreme as an industrial powerhouse. While echoes of that legacy inform Pittsburgh’s identity today, little of that history survives intact and accessible to the public. Two organizations, The Frick Pittsburgh and Rivers of Steel, exist to preserve those stories through the stewardship of their respective historic sites, Clayton, the home of Henry Clay Frick, and Carrie Blast Furnace. Both sites are currently in the middle of largescale, multi-year preservation projects that will ensure their survival into the future.
During this special panel discussion, staff from each organization will share the stories of how their sites were saved for public benefit and discuss their current preservation projects. The conversation will also explore the unique challenges of caring for these structures and the importance of preserving these historical treasures for the future. A short Q&A will follow the panel discussion.
About the Panelists
Ron Baraff, Director of Historic Resources and Facilities at Rivers of Steel:
Ron oversees Rivers of Steel's Museums, Archives, and Historic Preservation projects, including the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark site and the Historic Pump House, site of the 1892 Battle of Homestead during the Homestead Lockout and Strike.
Dawn Brean, Chief Curator and Director of Collections at The Frick Pittsburgh:
Dawn oversees the care, exhibition, and interpretation of the Frick’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, including Clayton, the Frick’s largest collection object.
Ryan Henderson, Grant Writer and Interpretive Specialist at Rivers of Steel:
Ryan works as a part of Rivers of Steel's Museum, Archive, and Historic Preservation teams, assisting with public interpretation, site management, project implementation, and fundraising.
Rob Henninger, Director of Operations at The Frick Pittsburgh:
Rob manages operations across the Frick’s 10-acre site and guides all capital projects, including the current multi-year exterior restoration of Clayton.
