About

Red Pittsburgh is a blog covering the history of left-wing politics and labor in Western Pennsylvania. I aim to discuss lesser-known movements, archive curiosities and forgotten sites in the region’s organizing history.

Who runs the site? I’m Ryan C. Brown, an author and freelance writer living in the Pittsburgh area (check out my book on the Great Steel Strike of 1919).

Why this topic? Sadly, most of us know very little about the struggles that led to our present conditions. While we have wonderful groups like the Battle of Homestead Foundation to preserve this history, many local stories are forgotten or covered only in passing.

How do you decide what to cover? I post about any interesting topics I come across in archives, books or press clippings. While I’m particularly interested in radical politics and labor struggles in the early-to-mid-20th century, I’d like to cover a wider period! I welcome tips and ideas.

Where can I reach you? Email questions, observations or ideas for future stories at redpghblog@gmail.com. And follow on Facebook and Twitter for updates, as well as photos, clippings and “this day in history” posts.

Thanks to Julie McConnell for the Red Pittsburgh social media logo.