Riding the 82
This tour draws your attention to the historically-significant sites along your trip between downtown and several city neighborhoods.
Start at the historic site that’s closest to you! If you’re traveling outbound on the 82 route, click “Next” to follow along. If you’re traveling inbound, click “Previous.”
Freedom Corner
A Rallying Point for Pittsburgh Activism
In the 1950s, city planners across the country labeled neighborhoods as "sub-standard" and moved to replace them with new houses and gentrified communities. Eradication disguised in the name of "urban renewal" threatened to destroy the Hill District and the lives of the people that called it home.…
View Story Show on Map
Hurricane Lounge
Influential Incubator for Pittsburgh Jazz
In the 1950s and '60s, the Hurricane served as an upscale jazz lounge that nurtured young musicians, a vision of its dynamic co-owner "Birdie" Dunlap.
View Story Show on Map
New Granada Theater
A Pillar of Pittsburgh Black Culture
The New Granada, located in the Hill District at 2007 Centre Avenue, tells a story that is still being created today. The three-story building has served various roles in the community throughout the decades. From ballroom dancing, star-studded music performances, weekly cinematic features, and…
View Story Show on Map
Freedom House Ambulance Service
Transforming Emergency Medical Services Against All Odds
In the blistering summer heat of 1968, the first ambulance of its kind wails down the street, and as it comes to a screeching halt, out hops emergency medical service professional John Moon. Like the ambulance, Mr. Moon is also a first of sorts. He is one of the first professionally medically…
View Story Show on Map
Mrs. Frankie Pace
Hill District Activist, Businesswoman, Leader
Franklin Wilhamina “Frankie Mae” Scott was born in 1905 in Clinton, Louisiana, near Baton Rouge, to Henreatta and Louis Scott. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, with her nine older siblings and moved to Pittsburgh in 1936 with her husband, Charles H. Pace.
The couple owned a gospel music store,…
View Story Show on Map
Robert R. Lavelle
Building Communities and People
In a time when banks regularly refused mortgages to Black applicants, Robert R. Lavelle invested in Black homeownership in the Hill District community.
View Story Show on Map