The Black Experience at the Carrie Furnaces

This two-hour specialty tour explores the Carrie Blast Furnaces through The Great Migration, the pivotal early 20th-century movement of Black Americans who migrated from the South to create a new life for themselves and their descendants. Hear the stories of changemakers like riverboat captain Cumberland "Cap" Posey and union officer John Hughey, who worked and advocated for fair contracts and built a legacy of grit and survival for Black Americans in industrial cities like Pittsburgh.

For folks looking to learn about the site's iron-making technology, please select tickets for the Industrial Tour, as that content is not covered during The Black Experience at the Carrie Furnaces. 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

As a former industrial site, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure an enjoyable visit.

• What to wear: The majority of each tour is outside; please dress for the weather. Additionally, the ground is uneven—sensible shoes are a must. Sneakers or boots are recommended. Open-toed shoes and high heels are prohibited.
• Hard hats are required to be worn for the duration of your tour. If you have a hard hat, please feel free to bring it. For those who need one, a hard hat will be provided and collected after the tour. Hats are disinfected between uses.
• Restrooms & concessions: The rawness of the site is certainly part of its charm. However, that rawness also limits the creature comforts many of us are accustomed to, like running water. Portable bathrooms and wash stations are available. Food amenities are generally not available (with some exceptions, such as food trucks at festivals).
• Photography: Photography is permitted. For safety reasons, videography and drones are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available, but the grounds covered during tours are not wheelchair accessible.
• COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our current COVID-19 policies.
• Liability: By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors are required to sign a liability waiver and consent to be photographed (PDF).
• Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.
• Duration: Allow two hours for your tour.
• Children: While kids of all ages are welcome, the tour content is recommended for children ages 8+.
• Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces are located in the communities of Swissvale and Rankin in the Monongahela River Valley. The address for the National Historic Landmark is 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.