The Rhode Island Historical Society, the state's oldest and only statewide historical organization, is dedicated to honoring, interpreting and sharing Rhode Island's past to enrich the present and inspire the future. Founded in 1822, the RIHS is an advocate for history as a means to develop empathy and 21st -century skills, using its historical materials and knowledge to explore topics of timeless relevance and public interest. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, it is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible public programming and educational opportunities for all Rhode Islanders through its four sites: the John Brown House Museum, the Museum of Work & Culture, the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center and the Aldrich House.
Description
Join the Rhode Island Historical Society on Wednesday, March 25th at 12:30pm for the third installment of Liberty at Lunchtime, a monthly virtual series highlighting a partners in the other 13 original colonies. The series continues witha presentation from Anne Madarasz, Director of the Curatorial Division, Chief Historian, and Director of the
Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at Pennsylvania's Heinz History Center.
History is a series of stories about people. Meet 5 people from America’s “state of independence,” as Pennsylvania was once known, who impacted American history and changed our world. This illustrated talk will share key themes that the History Center uses to engage our visitors in the history of our region and the impact that everyday people have had on our lives.
Anne Madarasz is Director of the Curatorial Division, Chief Historian, and Director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the Heinz History Center where she has managed the curatorial and collections staff for more than 20 years. A graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, she completed the coursework for her PhD. at the University of Pennsylvania. Awarded a Richards Fellowship for research from the Corning Museum of Glass, Anne lectures and writes frequently on Pittsburgh glass, regional industry, innovation, and the history of Pittsburgh sports. Recently, she focused on building collections that preserve and share the stories of girls, women, and people with disabilities. She is currently planning exhibitions for the
History Center’s new wing.
Formed in 1879 as the Historical Society of Western PA, our organization is the oldest cultural institution in Pittsburgh. The Heinz History Center (which opened on the edge of downtown in 1996) is Pittsburgh’s “people museum.” We share the inspiring stories of Western Pennsylvania people who have helped change the course of American history. As the Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh and USA TODAY’s #1 History Museum in America, the History Center will mark the U.S. Semiquincentennial with exhibitions, public programs, community partnerships, educational initiatives, and engaging digital content through 2026.
Date & Time
Wed, Mar 25, 2026 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM