During the Great Depression, a work-based program helped fix Pittsburgh infrastructure, build new schools, hospitals and highways.

The massive Mellon Institute in Oakland has long been a staple of industrial research. Local folklore suggests there’s a mystery column buried nearby — is it true?

A building along the Ohio riverfront trail seems blighted, but actually has a history connected to a prominent Pittsburgh industrialist. The land on which it stands could one day be the site of a Ferris Wheel.

The West End neighborhood has an enchanting name. Learn why it was given such a moniker, and how the community’s evolved over the years.

Even if you live outside of the city’s limits, the U.S. Postal Service will still recognize Pittsburgh, based on ZIP codes and established routes.

Pittsburgh’s East End has some of the city’s largest parks, historic buildings and has long been home to trailblazers in city government. We’ll visit Squirrel Hill and answer some of your questions about the community’s past; we’ll hear the stories of two firsts in Pittsburgh City Council: Paul Jones, the first Black councilor, and Irma D’Ascenzo, …

From streetcars to scenic Sunday drives, this episode looks at the transit projects that continue to shape our region. Episode four explains why the 40th Street Bridge has colorful seals; how the East Busway was routed and what led to those decisions; and we take a trip along Allegheny River Boulevard, complete with picnic pull-offs with picturesqu…

If you’ve spent any time in Pittsburgh, you’ve likely been on or near its three rivers. Follow along with WESA’s Good Question podcast as we walk along the riverfront trails and remember the bustling wharfs that once occupied the space; take a dive into how river depth is measured; and, did you know the groundwork for the creation of the country Cz…

Turn right where the Isaly’s used to be! Sound familiar? Pittsburgh loves to remember things that aren’t there anymore. For this episode, we learn about actual panthers that once roamed this region and how they live on at Pitt and throughout Oakland; we travel to the woods of Stanton Heights to find the remnants of a Civil War fortification; and we…

Welcome back to 90.5 WESA’s Good Question! podcast. We’re thrilled to launch season two and bring you even more stories about Pittsburgh history and culture. Our first episode highlights city staples. We’ll visit the mind behind the colorfully painted benches in Schenley Park; we’ll look into how the Pirates got their marauding moniker and the team…

And was there ever a beacon on Beacon Street? We answer your questions about the hilly East End community.

Pirates games are a staple for many city residents. Learn how the team earned their name, how many balls are used at each game and if hot dogs launched into crowds are edible.

90.5 WESA's "The Confluence" for Thursday, December 10, 2020

generic

90.5 WESA's The Confluence for Monday, November 30, 2020

generic

generic

generic

generic

generic

generic

Brunot Island is inaccessible by car, but it once held auto races. Listen to the history of this 129-acre island.

90.5 WESA's "The Confluence" for Friday, June 21, 2019

Where were Pittsburgh's Underground Railroad stops? Listen to this story to find out.

Before Pittsburgh became the Steel City, the region was known for glass manufacturing.Just 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, Jeannette was once home to…

A Gibsonia-based manufacturer produces a type of bed that keeps kids from wandering at night.The Safety Sleeper looks a lot like a tent that fits over a…

For 90.5 WESA's Built in PGH series, An-Li Herring reports that, while Edgar Snyder might be the region's most famous attorney, he is more of a businessman than a legal practitioner.

Listen to this story.

What happened to Pittsburgh's Chinatown? 90.5 WESA's Kathleen Davis finds out.