Author: Rick Sebak
A Unique Honor for the King of Dukes
Duquesne basketball legend Chuck Cooper broke the NBA’s color line in 1950; next year, he’s getting a posthumous, one-of-a-kind honor at his former campus.
This Brit Fell in Love with Pittsburgh's Dirt
During the Civil War, a British writer was enchanted by Pittsburgh’s dirt and soot.
5 Best Pittsburgh-Area Diners Where You Could See Rick Sebak
Sebak is the foremost expert on the diners of the Pittsburgh region — he made the documentary “Pennsylvania Diners and Other Roadside Restaurants” in 1993 and has been frequenting local greasy spoons ever since. We asked him to share his picks for the area’s five best.
Remembering Some of Mister Rogers' Famous Houseguests
A world renowned French pantomime artist, an astronaut, a TV news anchor and a beloved chef are among the notable visitors to Mister Rogers' neighborhood.
The Famous People Who Visited WQED in its First 65 Years
The parade of prominent people started early and continues today.
Scrapbooks Share Pittsburgh's Subterranean Secrets
Beneath a longstanding Strip District church, visitors could once descend into catacombs.
What Brought Walt Disney to Pittsburgh
A futuristic attraction at the Allegheny County Fair drew a curious Walt Disney to Pittsburgh — and had a lasting impact on modern transportation.
Our 50 Years: Why I Hate Nostalgia
Enjoying memories is fun – but a far cry from pining for the past.
Theirs was a Starry-Eyed Pittsburgh Romance
John Brashear dedicated his life to science — and his wife, Phoebe.
The Pittsburgh Connection to “Good Morning Vietnam”
Robin Williams’ character in the hit movie was based on an accomplished Pittsburgh DJ.
Rick Sebak Introduces You to Pittsburgh's Circus King
Multi-talented performer Dan Rice may be “the most famous man you've never heard of.”
Rick Sebak Details the Town Named for Eleanor
The First Lady's many area trips endeared her to the region — and one community in particular.
Czechoslovakia was Forged in Pittsburgh
Rick Sebak details how the establishment of the European nation began with a meeting Downtown.
Remembering Bruno Sammartino: “The Italian Superman”
The storied grappler captured the imagination — and the hearts — of generations of Pittsburghers.
Four Soldiers from McKeesport Carried Lincoln at the End
A quartet of local soldiers played a role in Lincoln’s final hours.
Rick Sebak Digs Up Distant Carnegie-Trump Connection
Research into Andrew Carnegie’s marriage reveals an unlikely, albeit tenuous, connection between the Pittsburgh icon and the 45th President.
A Pittsburgh Councilman Is the Father of Daylight Saving Time
Robert Garland helped initiate the shifting of time in America.
Jack Kerouac: Manager of the Pittsburgh Plymouths
In a league of his own making, the famous writer cast himself as the skipper of a (fantasy) Pittsburgh ball club.
Billy Strayhorn Wasn't Born Here, but that Doesn't Matter
A look back at the the Pittsburgh journey of jazz great Billy Strayhorn.
Why Pittsburgh Used to Hate Alexander Hamilton
The musical “Hamilton” made its subject a hero again, but Alexander Hamilton wasn’t always beloved in western Pennsylvania.
For You the Red Sky Shone
Exploring the role Pittsburgh played in the life of the quirky songwriter Loudon Wainwright III.
The Time Harry Truman Got Pulled over on the Pa. Turnpike
President Harry S. Truman's trips through Western Pennsylvania.
Historic Men on an Ordinary Roadtrip Through Pittsburgh
Following the trail of the Vagabonds, a quartet of prominent travelers who journeyed to Pittsburgh and beyond.
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