Guide to the Pittsburgh Bicentennial Association Minute Books 1955-1961
- Repository
- Heinz History Center
- Title
- Pittsburgh Bicentennial Association Minute Books
- Creator
- Pittsburgh Bicentennial Association
- Collection Number
- MSS 909
- Extent
- 0.5 linear feet (1 boxes)
- Date
- 1955-1961
- Abstract
- The Pittsburgh Bicentennial Association was established in 1955 to plan a bicentennial celebration of the founding of Pittsburgh to be held in 1958. Richard Tucker originally acted as a general counsel to the Pittsburgh Bicentennial Association starting in 1956. In 1957, he was elected secretary and compiled the meeting minutes for both the General Committee and the Executive Committee meetings held from 1956 to 1961.
- Language
- The material in this collection is in English.
- Sponsor
- This collection has been made accessible as part of an NHPRC-funded Basic Processing grant.
- Publisher
- Heinz History Center
- Address
- 1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org
History
The Pittsburgh Bicentennial Association was established in November 1955 as a non-profit organization to plan a celebration for the 200th anniversary of the founding of Pittsburgh to be held in 1958. The Association created a mission statement that emphasized special attention be given to promote community and national pride, to foster culture, education, science, and religion, and to engender good will and patriotism. A general committee was established to oversee the overall planning of the bicentennial including events, exhibits and some financial concerns. The executive committee focused more on the financial responsibilities associated with planning and running the celebration.
The general committee held its first meeting in November 1955 where the members of the committee elected officers and examined what the Association wanted to accomplish in the next three years. The executive committee held its first meeting in April 1956. Richard Tucker was invited to the meeting to act as a general counsel to the Association. In that meeting, he also acted as secretary pro tem. Tucker continued to attend both general and executive committee meetings until 1957 when he was elected as the Association secretary. As secretary, it was his job to prepare the minutes and record the discussions, motions, and resolutions that were passed at the meetings of the general and executive committees. Tucker held the office of secretary until 1961 when the minutes were submitted for the last meeting held on December 8, 1961.
Scope and Content Notes
The Pittsburgh Bicentennial Association Minute Books consists of two official minute books created by secretary Richard Tucker. The general committee minutes are from meetings held between 1955 and 1958. These meetings discussed the different events to be held during the celebration including an art exhibition and festival near Gateway Center. The Executive Committee minutes begin in 1956 and end in 1961. These meetings focused on the financial side of the celebration including fund raising efforts such as medallion sales and contributions from different companies for advertising opportunities.
Conditions Governing Access
None
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift from Richard Tucker in 1996.
Archives accession # 1996.0132
Preferred Citation
Pittsburgh Bicentennial Association Minute Books, 1955-1961, MSS 909, Library and Archives Division, Senator John Heinz History Center
Processing Information
Preliminary processing by Meghan Hall on 01/30/2013.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Subjects
- Pittsburgh Bicentennial Association
- Tucker, Richard
- Centennial Celebrations, etc.--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh.