The WJHHS is pleased to announce that Vincent T. Ciaramella will present a program for the first general meeting of 2026. With this year’s program, Mr. Ciaramella will once again relate a tale about a Pittsburgher whose life had an impact on history. Few have heard of Eben Byers. Who was he and how did he become “radioactive”? Though a wealthy Pittsburgh industrialist and the 1906 U.S. Amateur Golf Champion, Byers fell victim to the radioactive quackery of his time. His story, however, helped to spur the creation and strengthening of federal laws to regulate medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and radiation-emitting products. Society and community members alike are invited to attend this free program about one of Pittsburgh's lesser-known heroes.

        As Presidents Day falls on the third Monday of February, the WJHHS has booked Walter Henry, aficionado of the U.S Presidents, to speak. This topic has interested Mr. Henry ever since he was given a book at the age of seven: Presidents of the United States. In his February program, this Presidential enthusiast will focus on President Harry S. Truman and his post-World War II Presidency. Mr. Henry has also graciously agreed to take questions from the audience about any of the U.S. Presidents. All in all, this presentation on the U.S Presidents is not only timely, it promises to be an entertaining and informative program for all in attendance..

      With baseball season quickly approaching, a program on Pittsburgh’s baseball stadiums seems timely. Most area residents are aware that Pittsburgh has had an incredible baseball history with great players, teams and historic moments, but few realize that Pittsburgh has often been in the lead in ballpark design and development. In his March program, Mark Fatla, lifelong baseball fan and author of Pittsburgh’s Historic Ballparks, will chronicle the the nine ballparks that hosted major league baseball in Pittsburgh from 1876 to the present. Fatla’s historic photographs will illustrate design and construction phases, the major changes as parks expanded and aged, and eventually the demolition of the ballparks. This program and the accompanying book provide a unique perspective on the rich history of Pittsburgh’s ballparks.