All Together We Thrive

It’s no secret that Pittsburghers are proud of their city.

Ask anyone what they love about living in the “Paris of Appalachia,” and they might extol its stunning views from Mount Washington, quirky neighborhoods, globally renowned championship sports teams, fine restaurants, and temples of culture that rival much larger metropolises.

And the beating heart of cultural life in Pittsburgh is always Carnegie Museums.

“We travel a lot, and this is a common experience we have,” says Mark Flaherty, an attorney, arts lover, and longtime supporter of the museums with his wife, Mary McKinney Flaherty. “People will say, ‘Such a small city with such a large footprint in the arts must be a heck of a place to be.’ And my wife and I agree.”

Founded from Andrew Carnegie’s gift to Pittsburgh in 1895, Carnegie Museums—comprised today of Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Kamin Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum—has continued to thrive in the 21st century, annually serving well over 1 million visitors and hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren.

On May 12, Carnegie Museums launched its ALL TOGETHER campaign, unveiling a bold vision to create new visitor experiences and revitalize the museums’ buildings, grounds, and neighborhoods (see page 30); preserve and expand access to world-renowned collections and archives; help grow its educational offerings and support the important work of museum scientists; and continue to make the museums more accessible and welcoming to all.

“This campaign is our opportunity to ensure that our four beloved museums will continue to inspire people of all ages and interests for generations to come,” says Steven Knapp, president and CEO of Carnegie Museums. “The theme of the campaign is an acknowledgment of the collaboration and community-building that’s at the heart of everything we do. And it’s also a very clear call to action, because we can’t accomplish all that we do without the support of people and organizations that believe in our mission.”

In the personal stories that follow, read about people who have found community through their varied experiences with the four Carnegie Museums. Their stories speak to the far reach and deep impact of the family of museums that Andrew Carnegie first built 131 years ago.

All Together we BELONG

Two young women laughing together in a museum setting — TILLY QUINLAN (L) and MAIA RAMIREZ (R) want to help transform the teen experience at Carnegie Museums.

“Here we can be heard, and our ideas can make a difference.”
Maia Ramirez

Read Tilly and Maia’s story

All Together we CREATE

Woman in blue blazer standing in art gallery — JEAN WAINWRIGHT, a London-based art professor, historian, critic, and curator, collaborates with The Warhol to share the impact of Andy Warhol’s art around the world through shows like this one, at Great Britain’s Newlands House Gallery.

“It is such a fabulous resource—The Warhol archives add so much color and life to exhibitions.”
Jean Wainwright, U.K. Art Critic and Curator

Read Jean’s story

All Together we CELEBRATE

Two people standing together in casual clothing — Musician HERMAN PEARL (L) and dancer-choreographer STAYCEE PEARL (R) are co-founders of PearlArts Movement & Sound, a local arts organization that inspires audiences nationwide through expressive multigenre performances.

“It’s the museum saying, ‘Hey, we see the art that you’re doing and we want to promote it here.’”
HERMAN PEARL, PearlArts Movement & Sound

Read Herman and Staycee’s story

All Together we STEWARD

Two men examining tree leaves in forest — Brandon McCracken (l), ecological restoration manager with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and MASON HEBERLING (R), associate curator of botany at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, collaborate to advance environmental stewardship.

“Having these experts as a resource in our community is just huge.”
Brandon McCracken, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Read Brandon’s story

All Together we INSPIRE

Teenagers and teacher in classroom with colorful mural — JUSTIN SICKLES is a Pittsburgh-based science teacher who opens students’ eyes to the possibilities of STEM careers through interactive demonstrations at Kamin Science Center.

“We’re showing kids that they can be the ones creating … the next life-changing innovations.”
JUSTIN SICKLES, Chemistry Teacher

Read Justin’s story

All Together we CONNECT

Two women in black tops sitting at a table with papers and coffee — SUE JOSLYN (L) and CHERYL FASHANDI (R) are dear friends who met and forged a creative bond at Mindful Museum, a program for seniors at Carnegie Museum of Art.

“Mindful Museum has brought so much meaning and joy to my life.”
Sue Joslyn, Mindful Museum Participant

Read Sue and Cheryl’s story

All Together we BUILD COMMUNITY

Woman sitting in front of colorful abstract art — GEOVETTE WASHINGTON, chair of the Carnegie Museums Board of Trustees, finds her zen in the Scaife Galleries at Carnegie Museum of Art.

“The four Carnegie Museums are central to the lifeblood of the city. They belong to Pittsburgh.”
Geovette Washington, Chair, Carnegie Museums Board of Trustees

Read Geovette’s story