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Hill District Community Archive

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has been an anchor in the Hill District community since the first location on Wylie Avenue opened in 1899. A newly constructed library, CLP – Hill District, was opened on Centre Avenue in 2008.

The Hill District Community Archive is housed at CLP – Hill District. It contains neighborhood-focused newspaper articles, photographs and other historical items. Coverage is strongest from 1930 –1990.

Scope and Content

  • African American Pennsylvania History
  • African American Pittsburgh History
  • Arts and Culture: music, cultural activities and fine arts
  • August Wilson
  • Biographies and obituaries of prominent residents of the region
  • The “Books by Bus” Program
  • Business and Commerce: saving and loans, the Credit Union, Phoenix Hill Mall, new business openings and business development
  • Carnegie Library – Wylie Avenue Branch (former name of CLP – Hill District): photos and programs
  • Community newsletters and publications
  • Demographics of the Hill District: census information, statistics and maps
  • Education and Youth: schools, clubs and social programs. Included are a series of articles from the 1930s – 1950s about Hill City, a mock municipality run by and for Hill District youth with the goal of instilling civic virtue and responsibility
  • Flyers and articles relating to the Carnegie Library’s involvement in the Hill District (Wylie Ave. Branch, MLK Reading Room)
  • Government and Politics: Hill District government and politics and other civic associations, including the Model Cities program active from 1960-1970
  • Health: articles and pamphlets pertaining to health issues affecting Hill District residents
  • Hill District general history
  • Housing and Urban Renewal: housing, redevelopment, Urban Housing Authority, Model Cities program
  • Magazines, pamphlets, reference and history books from the 1950s-1980s
  • Photos from Library programs
  • Religion and Social Service: Hill District churches, religious groups and social service organizations, including the Hill House Association

CLP – Hill District also has a large map of the neighborhood on display, highlighting significant places and events from playwright August Wilson’s life and works.

Please contact CLP – Hill District for more details at 412.281.3753 or hilldistrict@carnegielibrary.org.

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