"Steeltowns, Coalfields and the Unbroken Circle"
Folk musician Tom Breiding performs musical folk songs and original compositions which share the history of the coal and steel industries in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Breiding currently tours as a member of three different bands and as a solo artist. In the past two years, he has produced five albums for his independent label AmeriSon Records and has performed nationwide. Breiding also is the founder and host of the AmeriSon Ballroom Folk Series and a teaching artist and performer at Gateway to the Arts.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
Watch an interview with Breiding:
This episode was taped at The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area's Pump House. The Rivers of Steel offers educational programs and spaces for artists. The Pump House served as the site of the 1892 Battle of Homestead between Steelworkers and the Carnegie Steel Company.
Watch an interview with Rivers of Steel's Augie Carlino:
Additional Resources:
Overview of Pittsburgh’s Industrial Heritage
History Matters account of child labor in coal mines and 1919 steel worker complaints
PA History overview of steel cities and mill towns
PA History overview of coal mining communities