Spotlight On: Allegheny Arsenal

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum

Spotlight On:

Allegheny Arsenal

September 14, 2023 7PM

Free Virtual Event – Join us on Facebook or YouTube

Please note: You can use the links above to watch archived Spotlight On programs!

In 1814 the Federal Government established a new manufacturing and distribution center named Allegheny Arsenal in Lawrenceville a few miles up the Allegheny River from downtown Pittsburgh. During the Civil War high demand for ammunition escalated production at the arsenal and opportunities arose, particularly for women who found employment rolling cartridges. On September 17, 1862 a series of explosions occurred in the workshops and 78 workers perished. This program will examine the history of the Allegheny Arsenal and will highlighted artifacts from the museum’s collection related to this nationally historical site.

Michael Kraus Bio:

A well-known Civil War historian, Kraus currently works as Curator/Historian for Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum. His accomplishments include several historical consultant credits for major films, writing and narrating the documentary series Civil War Minutes and Civil War Life as well as authoring articles and books regarding the conflict. Michael also is an accomplished sculptor with an impressive resume of historically themed works in bronze.

Tim Neff Bio:

Tim Neff began working at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. in 2002 as the Director of Education. In 2017, Tim took on the role of Vice President and Director of Museum & Education at Soldiers & Sailors. He is a certified Social Studies teacher and holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh. During his time at Soldiers & Sailors, Tim has developed a variety of museum programs including: interactive and engaging tours and field trips, a footlocker outreach program, Boy Scout merit badge programs, teacher conferences, summer camps, community history events and much more.