2020 Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Annual Report

SOLDIERS & SAILORS MEMORIAL HALL & MUSEUM TRUST, INC.

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

(SUBMITTED FALL 2021)

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK We hope you find Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc.’s 2020 Annual Report both informative and satisfying and we appreciate your time reviewing our recap of a very historic year.

We are very proud of our 2020 accomplishments achieved during an unprecedented year. We cannot single out a specific element which gave us the ability to survive the pandemic. But your consistent support over the years put us in a position to weather the storm.

Thus, we are extremely grateful to the community, our guests and especially our supporters for keeping Soldiers & Sailors relevant during a time when our Mission and Memorial could have easily been forgotten.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, our Staff, and all of those Veterans we remember every day, thank YOU for Honoring Them with your Presence.

President & CEO John F. McCabe with Lady America during her restoration

"Fantastic tribute to our heroes."

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MISSION STATEMENT Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum is one of the only memorials in the United States dedicated solely to America’s military personnel, representing all branches of service and honoring both the career and citizen service member. Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc.’s mission is to preserve a lasting tribute to those men and women of Pennsylvania who unselfishly gave of themselves in serving their country during the American Wars. Through educational outreach programs, museum exhibits, and veteran service programs, we share and promote the significance of the facility to the community as a living memorial, an educational asset, and a cultural treasure.

"I was actually looking at (the) Carnegie center website and saw a link to this place.

Excellent museum. Being a retired Soldier and lover of Civil War, I just loved the exhibits.

Thank You."

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS By the end of 2020, Soldiers & Sailors could have been looking back on its finest moment of our 20 year history as a nonprofit organization. With a variety of new initiatives, and some improvements on existing programs, Soldiers & Sailors started 2020 with a momentum we haven’t experienced in years.

Unfortunately, before even finishing our 1st quarter, we entered the world wide COVID-19 pandemic.

Thus, we didn’t meet our many objectives, but we did manage to achieve several accomplishments, many as a result of sheer survival mode. We went to battle and would not let the pandemic win the war. On the eve of 2021, we still could not foresee what the future held for us as the pandemic continued to grip our lives. However, Soldiers & Sailors' staff was able to look back on its last 9 months, as well as look ahead into a misty, blurry crystal ball to see we had to maintain our strategies and plans of action until receiving an “all clear” signal (which we are still awaiting in many ways).

President/CEO John McCabe thanks David J. Maxwell during Medal of Honor Remodeled Exhibit unveiling cocktail party

Before the pandemic set in, we had the honor of unveiling seven state of the art exhibit cases proudly displaying our Medal of Honor collection. Made possible by a donation gift from David Maxwell of Max Construction in 2019, we were able to welcome honored guests and family members of the veterans for a moving presentation. The exhibit cases reflect smaller versions of our larger plans to remodel all of the museum exhibits with atmospheric controls, security elements, protective class, and proper lighting.

Throughout the rest of the year, despite the pandemic and many cancellations, Soldiers & Sailors remained a very busy environment. Our Museum and Education Department began a quest to take our programming virtual. Several events enabled us to highlight certain exhibits, historical lessons, and specific artifacts in our collection throughout the year. We have set the groundwork for virtual streaming to be part of many other aspects of our mission because of the hard work within the Department.

In our Facilities and Operations teams, repairs and improvements were the name of the game. Major works, such as restoring Lady America and completing structural repairs to a rear stairwell and retaining wall, while incorporating a new accessibility ramp, were only a few of several highlights that kept our facility in top shape.

Lady America during restoration

In honor of Veterans Day, we set out to raise awareness and bring our mission outdoors through an event called "Fill the Hill". With the leadership of our Development and Community Relations Department, and the assistance of the entire staff, approximately 1000 US flags were planted in our front lawn. Each flag was sponsored by a community member to signify honoring their veterans. The pandemic became a distant memory, at least for the month of November, but our veterans and our mission were not.

Finally, the Rental and Event Department had to deal with an unprecedented situation arising out of the COVID-19 year, but was probably busier than ever.

With postponed and canceled events, the department diligently addressed the concerns, rescheduling, safety, and simply did its best to keep everyone from falling off of the roller coaster ride we were all on. We are all looking forward to seeing everyone in the better days to come. So, through the efforts of our staff, the most significant accomplishment in 2020 was keeping Soldiers & Sailors healthy, hard charging, and honorably pursuing our mission.

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Since its opening in 1910, Soldiers & Sailors has served as a meeting place for local veterans. Listed below are the veteran and military history-related organizations that met here in 2020.

American Legion PA 9th Re-Enactors Davis Star/Sons of Union Veterans Federation of War Veterans Vietnam Veterans Inc. (VVI) Women's Army Corp

"We appreciate the detail.

The museum definitely honors our veterans, and I am thankful we have it in our city."

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COMMUNICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & AWARENESS

As noted already, the COVID pandemic forced Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum to make many adjustments. The museum staff learned to adapt to the ever-changing climate to ensure awareness of our treasured memorial was never sacrificed, and that was particularly important for Communications and PR. While the pandemic paused all of our public events and programming, we had to keep the community informed. Soldiers & Sailors developed a new approach to our communications and public relations efforts that will continue to evolve. Because of this difficult time, we have come through this year particularly stronger in these areas: • Increased the number of followers on Facebook and Instagram • Ramped up regular outreach through frequent posts including Michael Kraus' “The Curator’s Corner,” a social media delivered military history series featuring powerful stories centering on Soldiers & Sailors Artifacts. “The Curator’s Corner” has developed an ever-increasing following, which will continue to grow when Facebook Live is incorporated in 2021.

Another way we increased our reach was by working with other organizations for major events.

• Remembering Together Pittsburgh Memorial Day Celebration: We partnered with Veterans Breakfast Club, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, Gold Star Mothers Spouses, and a variety of other organizations to remember and honor men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

• Veterans Day: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum and What A Veteran Looks Like presented Best of Vets Pittsburgh, the first awards show of its kind in the region honoring and recognizing those who are doing the most to support our military and veterans of Western Pennsylvania These collaborative efforts helped to raise greater awareness across the veteran community in 2020. It also took the museum into homes across our communities and beyond.

Soldiers & Sailors is also committed to incorporating added community public relations, and the inaugural year for our “Fill the Hill” fundraiser was a tremendous example of that. Last year, individuals from Pittsburgh to Arizona learned of this program as its message spread across social media and helped place over 1,000 flags on our front lawn in honor of our nation’s veterans.

Despite the challenges and setbacks of 2020, Soldiers & Sailors adjusted and conformed towards virtual programming and its effects on social media followers, the number of website visits and engagement with e-blasts were outstanding and higher than they ever have been, and for that we are grateful. Soldiers & Sailors has a creative, engaging, and determined path set for 2021. Our leadership looks forward to expounding on the past year to continue to pay tribute and honor the legacies of our military. We are proud of these accomplishments and look forward to the growth to come in the year ahead!

2019 & 2020 SOLDIERS & SAILORS LIKES & FOLLOWERS

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2019 & 2020 SOLDIERS & SAILORS WEBSITE INFORMATION

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Email • In 2020, more than 129,000 emails were sent in the form of 66 campaigns • The Average open rate increased to 39 % compared to 26% in 2019

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OTHER EVENTS, PROGRAMS & HAPPENINGS OF INTEREST #1 Cochran State of the Company Event John L. Ford Sr.,African American Heritage Celebration 1,2 Allegheny County Executive’s Inauguration1,2 Allies for Health & Wellbeing Gala Army Field Band Concert1,2 Best of Vets Awards Ceremony in partnership with What a Veteran Looks Like1,2 City Charter High School Graduation CMU Wind Ensemble Concert Hill House Passport Academy Graduation Medal of Honor Remodeled Exhibit Unveiling Cocktail Party1,2 (By invite only) Memorial Day Celebration in partnership with Remembering Together Pittsburgh1,2 Military Change of Command Ceremony Naval Retirement Ceremony PA Serves Serving Together Project Conference Pitt Pan-Hellenic Bid Day Event Recruiting Station Pittsburgh Change of Command Ceremony University of Pittsburgh Anti-Hazing Presentation University of Pittsburgh Department of Classics Public Reading & Discussion University of Pittsburgh Dhirana Dance Competition University of Pittsburgh National Pan-Hellenic Steel City Step Show University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) Quarterfinals Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Information Session Vitalant Blood Drives (8)1,2

FREE event1

Soldiers & Sailors or SSMH sponsored event2

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Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum was forced to reduce much of its regular rental operations in 2020 as part of an international effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our corporate leadership monitored the progress of the virus and took the needed precautions to keep our guests and staff safe. Here are the 2020 Paid Rental Event numbers. Compare the 2020 and 2019 pie charts to get a feel for what a challenging time this has been.

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2019-2020 SOLDIERS & SAILORS GUEST NUMBERS

*USCT performances were canceled and virtual programs added due to COVID

"Beautiful presentation. Wonderful history."

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THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS AND COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS $700,000 - $330,000 $250,000 & Above

Allegheny Regional Asset District Allegheny Regional Asset District The County of Allegheny The County of Allegheny $1,000 - $5,000

Peter C. & Joan M. Bellisario* Lois Shirley* Sarah Sobocinski $500 - $999

Charities Aid (Novartis matching of Caroline McCabe's Oct donation) Ralph J. & Erin A. Fischer Audrey N. Glickman John D. Folley, Jr. Family Fund Pittsburgh Foundation Judy & James E. Williams, Jr. Family Fund Pittsburgh Foundation Mt Lebanon Post 156 - The American Legion Inc. Mary & David Rottinghaus

$100 - $499 9th PA Reserves Inc. Carol Aeberli Michael C. & Margaret M. Bookser* Michael Brennan Michael Cherock Jonathan Davis W. Douglas & Peggy J. Drumheller Warren Drumheller Dennis M. Duda Anthony Filardi* Cheryl S. Finley Michael Kraus (memory of Harry Mistrik) Daniel Kysela Richard Laufer* Phyllis E. McKeon Metro Benefits Inc. Maurice Nernberg Robert D. & Karen G. Perris* Paul A. & Ruth E. Platek* Eugene Pro Cynthia Russell Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (In memory of Richard Orr) VFW New Kensington Post 92 WAC-VA Pgh Keystone Chap 120 Richard A. & Nancy Lee Williams*

* Board Members

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2019 REVENUES AND EXPENSES

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2020 REVENUES AND EXPENSES

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$99 & Below Mary Baez Harold & Jeanne Booth David Burgess William A. Crookshank* James Engleson Robert Freis Mark Groom McDermott Network for Good Brent & April Robbins Robert S. Simon William Waff

The Fill the Hill Story In the early days of October, our staff discussed a few concepts and ideas in how to avoid having Veterans Day become another casualty of the COVID pandemic.

Facing limitations related to social gatherings, funding, and promotional means, a simple but impactful idea of filling our historic front lawn with flags for November grew into the "Fill the Hill" program.

The community’s response blew away our expectations. At its conclusion, “Fill the Hill” brought in over $20,000 in needed funds. The following pages are dedicated to those who made donations to this program.

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$500 - $999 WOSL/ Pittsburgh Unit $100 - $499 Carol Aeberli Nanci Case & Michael Augustine Karen Beerbower Peter Bellisario* Howard Bender Robin L. Benkart Natalie & Richard Berger LTC [R] Elaine H. Berkowitz* Kenneth Berner Judy Black Michael Bookser* Polly Bozdech-Veater Ray Brendel Anthony Caldart Roy Cheran Reynolds Clark Sandra Colatrella Paul Cusick Richard Dloss Dave Dombkowski Kathie Dudik Michael Evanish Robert Feyche Family Jay L. Fingeret Shana L. Fisher Flowerama William Follansbee Paul & Donna Fox Kirk Freyvogel Monica Goodwill Karen Greb * Board Members

Fill the Hill Donations Linda Gross Kimberly Guseman Marcia Haberman Pamela Hansen Jessica Dornin Dunlap, Lauren Dornin Cotherman, and Ronald J. Dornin Jean Ann Jones Sam & Joanie Kamin Kevin Laird Helen Lanauze Nancy Lucas Mary Jo Magoc Martin O-Donnell VFW Post 274 Mazza Antone Family John & Caroline McCabe* Anne Michel Ronald Mock Mr & Mrs. M. Kent Moorhead Karen Morris Kathleen M. Novak Gregory Palmieri William Pentecost* Robert Perris* Rita Perstac Daniel Phillips Paul A. Platek* Max Porco Ron Poropatich David Price Russell Raisig Paul Schaughency Margaret Schneider Ronald Sestili Robert Simon Howard P. Strain - VFW Post 709

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James Suhadolnik Flora Sullivan, COL[R] Jacquelyn Szilvasi The Lampe Family Patricia Thiel Myra L. Toomey WACVA Chapter 120 Jean Wagner Joyce Walsh Jim & Judy Williams Richard & Nancy Williams* Nadine Winwood Alma Wisniewski Mary & Al Zamba $99 and Below Joe Agnello Tara Aiello Ana Maria Alba Flora Alberts Tina Allen Elizabeth Allison Susan Alpert Barbara Anselm Richard Anthony Nick Aspiotes Carol Baker Norma Baldwin Kathleen Ballina Brett Baron Debra Bass George Bauer, MG[R] Jennifer Bayich Mary Baylis Carol Beck

Elaine Becker Loraine Benedik Sherry Betz Grace Bickert Scott & Elizabeth Birckholtz Tammy Bishop Robert Bittner Nancy Bonaroti Carol Bonner Dan Bonnett J. Boucek Patricia Bowling Judith Brady Linda Broderick Janice Brown Vince Brozack James Bruder Annette Brusca Patricia Buckley Robert Bump Aileen Bunce Audrey Burckart Laraine Burda Edwin Burkhart Albert Burlikowski* Burns Laura Elayne Busovicki Melissa Bytner Christine Caffari David Caldwell Susan Carney Patrick Carroll Terrence Causey Simone Spaulding Cephas

Andrew Charalambous Chuck Chasler Jean B. Chosky Marcia Claus Albert Coglio Tom Coholic Mary Colao Linda Colchagie Holly Coleman Suzanne Colilla Shelagh Collins Kristina Connelly Mary Lou Conroy Lynne Coogle Cynthia Cook Anthony Cortopassi Lauren & Nick Cotherman Chris Cox Alicia Cridge William Crookshank* Paul Cusick Diane Dansevicus Heather Davis Marlene DeFazio Bailey DeGregorio Darlene Delaini Lisa Delehantu Laura Deutsch Kathryn Deverant Kathleen DeWitt Elizabeth Diana Cynthia DiBello Deborah Dorsey Dr. Anthony Rene / Dr. Mary Ann Sestili

Emily Drake Kathy Dugan Marianne Westwood Dukehart Joseph Dumm Michelle Dunn Carol Ehlinger George D. Ehringer Margaret Eichner Brian Ellison Kimberly Emert James J. & Janet A. Engleson Michael Evanish Sue Evans Terry & Rene Faust Michelle Felion Patty Ferguson Jessie Ferrari Gerald C. Fisher Michaele Fisher Frances Fonzi Michael Frazer J. Kirk Freyvogel Donna Fryer Jeffrey Fugh Janet Funkhouser Aaron & Joyce Furman Rosemary Futrovsky Donna Gamrod Joseph Garlicki Robert Geiger David Geragi Sharon Gerba William Gerhardt Mary Giannopoulos Lynn Gibson

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Mary Beth Gilbert Janet Gill Shilling Laura Gillespie Howard Gipson Charles E. Glidden William Gracey Freda Graczyk Cindy Grebinoski Jim Green Richard Gribenas Rayna Gross Vickie Hajduk Jennifer Halle Philip Hamilton Michele Hansen Pamela Hansen Ronna Harris Sydney Harris Emily Hartman Marge Hasson Marlene Hauck Ernest Heilmann Mary Heneroty Richard Henke Lorraine Hickman Michele Hiener Sandra Higby Helen Hill Theresa Hopkins Paula Jablonowski Connie Jamison Melissa Javorsky Jessica Dornin Dunlap, Lauren Dronin Cotherman, & Ronald J. Dornin Brent Johnson Ann Johnston

Rhoda Judd Dr. & Mrs. Larry Kanterman Dan Karabasz Perry Keith Patricia Keller Robert Kelley Eileen Kelly John Kendall Judith Ketterer Lois Keyes Eileen Kidd Karl Kier Dan King Daniel King Patti Kinnen Theresa Kist Margaret Kline John Kohler Adrienne Kolek Melissa Kortyna Chester & Karen Kowalski Bernie & Judi Kozlowski Joseph Kraus Michael Kraus Lauri Kubli Paul Kunicki Elizabeth M. La Rue Karen LaCava Jeanne Laird Dr. Ray Lancione Linda Lang Kenneth LaSota Jack Latshaw Rebecca Lebeda Jim Liberto

Harry Lijewski Mary Ellen Litvaney Susan Loden Linda Lombardo Jen-Lynn & Matt Long Krista Lorenzo Linda Lorusso Carolyn Lowes Rhonda Luczak Robert Luisi Judi Mackin Cassandra Mahoney Josephine Maiorino James Maisel Tracy Marie Malinski Pamela Maniet Suzanne Mannino Kathleen Marchetti Diana Martik Penny Massaro Donna Masur Susan Matlack Karen Mauro Kelly Maziarz Courtney McBride Barbara McCabe-Sherbine Joyce McClafferty Susan McCoy Jean McCue Roseanne McDermott Donna McGovern Cathy McGrath Tonya McKenna Elizabeth McKenna Sam McKeown

Marguerite McNelis Robert McWilliams Cheryl Messick Marcia Metelsky Helen Michaels Lawrence Mient Joseph Mientus Mary Milko Marianne Miller Sandra Miller Cyndy Miller Marcy Miller Teresa Mink Janet Mitchell Michael Monaco Kathy Moore Karen Moore Tammy Moran Maureen Moutz Regis F. Mravintz, Sr. William Mulry Cathy Muraco (Quaker Valley Key Club) Teresa Murphy Frank & Pat Mussano Barbara Mussano David Nanz Judi Nee John Neely Patricia Neff Nikolas Nemec Katie Newham Darleen Noah Gary & Dolly Noftz Anna Noll

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Darlene Obuchowski Karen O'Donnell Virginia Ogurchak Mary A. Olup Linda Organist Geraldine Orr Theresa Ott Martha Palumbo Patrick Panasko Debra Panei Angela Panza Matthew Parker Mark Pearson Margaret Pegnetter Kathleen Perdziola Marie Perry Lisa Petitta Karen Petroff Donna Pflumm William Pfoff Betty Pierce Michael Pilewski Jean Pinder-Kolarik Michael Pitacciato Laura Podurgiel Mark Ponsonby Theresa Popa Donna Powell LuAnn Prill Steven Prugar John Pullano Michelle Punjack Ron Quinlan Lisa Randall

Beverly Rannigan Cindi Ray Susan Rees Robert L. Reese C. M. Reichenbach Lisa Reno Kimberly Ressler Maryann Reynolds Nancy Rezzetano Marjorie Rhody Scott Ritenbaugh Donna Roberts Alan Robertson P. Robinson Colleen Rodgers Julie Rogers Natalie M. Rosenbloom Rose Ross Maureen Rossi Reid Rotzler William Rudolph Maureen Russo Stephanie Russo Constance Ruzich Cheryl Rybka Michele Sales Gretchen Sanders Judy Sapos Donna Scafede Paula Schiller Ann Schmalstieg Randy Schmotzer Lise Schneider Barry Schnelbach Victoria Scholl Noah Schraeder

Carol Schwarz Debbie Semenick Carol Sena Sandra Shaffer Jennifer Shanahan Angela Shaw Melinda Shearer Jayne Sheldon Mindy Shreve Donna Shuster Dottie & Bill Shuty Richard Sikora Charlene Silipigni Moses Simmons Barbara Smith Daniel Smith Adrian Sontheimer Jeffrey Spiegel Caron Springer Barbara Stache Bart Stack Cheryl Stanton Joanne Steiner Michael Stewart Shelly Sufrin Tracy Sullivan Kelly Swain James Tabor Donna Tatarski Nancy Taylor Pamela Terrick The Lampe Family Sandra Thompson Nancy Thorns Pamela Tiberio

Julia Tomasic Anna Tomko Jack Tremel Maureen Twomey Jessie L. Uchrinscko Margaret Uminski Sue Unterholzner Karen Urbanowicz Darlene Urish Constance Valle Gina Vennare Donna Volturno Karen Waggoner Erik Wagner, MAJ [R] Kathleen Walsh Janice Walsh Bridget Watson O'Brien Cynthia Wehner Deborah Weiblinger Jennifer Weimer Kevin White James White Cathy Wilkie Jacqueline Williams Jim & Judy Williams Jim & Heather Williams Helen Wilson Tommy Wingard Tim Wisyanski Debbie Wockley Women in Military Service for America Memorial Janet Wood Debra Yarnot Kathleen Yoest Elinor Young

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Sandra Yurko Elena Zaitsoff Kristen Zeigler Dr. Michelle H. Zemencik Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr. Lynn Zinaich Tammy Ziskind Carol Zwald

FRIENDS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM 2020 Friends Members

Harold & Jeanne Booth Julia Graves Mary Ellen Halterlein* Terry Johnson Paul & Kathy Lawson* David & Kathy Park * Kelsey Redhead David Rottinghaus Bill Senopole Major General William Waff* *Renewed membership There are various ways to provide financial support to Soldiers & Sailors. The Friends Membership Program is one of those options, and yes, membership does have privileges! So, our Friends enjoy knowing they're helping maintain a Pittsburgh landmark while receiving the perks listed to the right.

Our program has three levels: Family ($50), Dual($25), and Individual ($15). Please encourage those in your circle to join either during a visit to the museum or online at soldiersandsailorshall. org

All Friends members receive: ·A membership card valid for one year from the date of purchase ·News and Upcoming Event email updates ·Free museum admission for the year (number of visitors based on Individual, Dual and Family membership level) ·20% discount on select Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. events ·10% discount on Gift Shop purchases ·20% discount on group tours. All tour options are available during regular museum hours and must be reserved in advance "Great Museum."

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SOLDIERS & SAILORS VOLUNTEERS: SALUTING OUR TROOPS Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum is grateful to all who have supported us during a very stressful year. We want to extend special thanks to our volunteers who gave their time and talents during the pandemic for the good of Soldiers & Sailors. In doing so, they helped us to fulfill our mission to honor our service men and service women.

Please refer to the key on the lower left to find the events worked by the volunteers listed below.

2020 volunteers Larry Anderson5 Marshall Anderson5 Dr. Laurence Glasco1 Lynne Hayes-Freeland1 Timothy Jones1 Paul Lawson5 Caroline McCabe3 Rich Moore5 Richard G. Portis1 Russ Raisig4 Dan Telep4 Fanghao Tian2 Vietnam Veterans Inc.3 James Wojciechowski5 Trenton Wood5 Reverend Mike Wurschmidt3 Soldiers & Sailors Events

John L. Ford Sr., African American Heritage Celebration Medal of Honor Remodeled Exhibit Unveiling Cocktail Party Memorial Day

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History Summer Camp

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Docent

2 3 4

"So much to see. All the stories, truly breathtaking."

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EDUCATION AND MUSEUM DEPARTMENT: EDUCATION As always, our goal is to educate the community about military history while also preserving the stories of local heroes. The Education & Museum Department helped fulfill Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum’s mission in numerous ways over 2020. There are two teams within the Education & Museum Department working in tandem to accomplish this.

SSD Production Group crew shooting a Civil War exhibit Help us to spread the word about the 6th Regiment USCT Drum Corps Soldiers & Sailors is always looking to recruit African American males, ages 12-18, to participate in this free program.

Reproduction Civil War uniforms, as well as, all necessary musical instruments and training are provided by Soldiers & Sailors.

Please contact Education Director Tim Neff at 412-621-4253 Ext. 219 for additional information.

Visit the Soldiers & Sailors YouTube channel at the link below to see a clip of the 6th Regiment USCT in action! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-IcMnx_DtiskmzTaB8B5A

Education In 2020, the Education Team endeavoured to provide a variety of programs for students of all ages. Although many of our traditional offerings were greatly affected by COVID-19, some programs were still able to take place earlier in the year or, in some cases, during the pandemic. For example, thanks to funding provided by the Veterans Support Foundation, Footlocker Outreach programs were offered for free to local schools. In total 25 presentations were delivered to a total of 800 students.

Other traditional Education Programs that occurred in 2020 included:

•Boy Scout Merit Badge Programs

•World War History & Reading Summer Camp

•African American Heritage Celebration

•Spotlight On Series

•Guided Tours (Offered by Appointment Only During the Pandemic) Soldiers & Sailors began developing a virtual tour experience of our museum to provide patrons, who are unable to visit the building in person, the opportunity to learn about the artifacts within the exhibits and the personal stories that they convey. Although especially important during the current COVID-19 Pandemic, this program will remain applicable in the future as a way to engage people everywhere and provide access to content from the safety and comfort of their home. The goal of this program is to deliver meaningful content that relates directly to our mission of preserving a lasting tribute to those men and women from Pennsylvania who unselfishly gave of themselves in serving their country. At this point, we are working to develop more than thirty stand-alone videos that will range in length from five to ten minutes and highlight the exhibits, individual artifacts, personal stories, and/or artwork. Please keep an eye out for these virtual videos in 2021.

•Allegheny Arsenal •Story of Coffee Pot Joe •Schoonmaker’s Charge Painting •Cavalry Charge at Gettysburg Painting •Exhibit 2: Instruments of the Civil War •Exhibit 3: Civil War Infantry

Members of the Ford family were present for the 2020 African American Heritage Celebration when the annual event was renamed in honor of Soldiers & Sailors late, retired historian John L. Ford, Sr.

•Exhibit 8 Pittsburgh During the Civil War •Exhibit 9: Abraham Lincoln •Exhibit 13: Captain McFeeters and the Battle of the Crater •Exhibit 22: US Army Air Force in World War II •Exhibit 28: WWII in the Pacific •Exhibit 39: War on Terror & Gulf War

In addition, the Education Team was excited to partner with Varsity Tutors to provide a virtual class that took place on Veterans Day titled ”What is a Veteran.” The class explored America's proud tradition of military service through the eyes of the veteran experience. Students were asked to put themselves in the shoes of Medal of Honor recipient John J. Pinder as they are asked "What Would You Do?" while stepping through his heroic D-Day experience. Through that lens, students learned what it means to be a veteran, why Veterans Day matters, and how military honors such as the Medal of Honor are earned and presented. In total, 500 people participated in this unique experience. The Education Department looks forward to working with Varsity Tutors to provide more classes throughout 2021.

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EDUCATION AND MUSEUM DEPARTMENT: MUSEUM museum The Museum Team is tasked with maintaining, recording, storing, and displaying artifacts in the Soldiers & Sailors collection. With each exhibit, we strive to give visitors insight into the life of our military men and women. A key element to our purpose is to increase public awareness. Even with Covid 19 forcing us to limit our exposure to the community in 2020, Soldiers & Sailors continued presenting the collection to surrounding communities. Soldiers & Sailors’ artifacts were displayed during these special events:

•Max Motive World of Wheels Show

•Tours Provided to Nurses from the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center in appreciation for their service during COVID

•3 Displays at Pittsburgh VA Medical Center (“Thank You For Your Service” for Veterans Day, “Women in the Military” for Women History Month, and “African Americans in the Military” for African American Heritage Month) • Presentation for Armstrong County Historical Society, Kittanning, PA

•Webcast -Civil War Times Magazine

•Webcast -Civil War Pittsburgh

•WESA Speaker Forum-Good Question Live

•Presentation in Gettysburg -Civil War Officers Swords

•Open Invitational Studio Showing of America’s Defenders Monument

Medal of Honor Remodeled Exhibit unveiling cocktail party

Additionally, during 2020 new displays and upgrades were presented including a new display in the Thinking of You Room. While showcase displays are the most visible aspect of the Museum Team’s responsibilities, vital behind-the-scenes tasks also continued.

We added and cataloged 1180 artifacts into the Soldiers & Sailors Collection with objects from 50 different donors received.

A major highlight in 2020 for the Education & Museum Department was the debut of a new display in the Hall of Valor featuring 7 Medals of Honor from our permanent collection. A reception was held that included family members of each recipient reading the Medal of Honor citation of their loved one. Also featured was a personal thank you to David J. Maxwell whose generous donation of Invitational studio showing of $40,000 made the renovation possible.

America’s Defenders Monument Given the unusual circumstances of 2020, the museum found ways to continue its educational mission. During the second Thursday in February and March, a special “Spotlight On” display was featured within the museum. The topics were diverse, but the goal the same, to bring the stories of our heroes to public awareness. Some of the topics included:

•“Saluting Women Who Served”

•“WWII Bride” Over the course of the year, we received outside requests for advice or assistance relating to our mission. One of those requests came from The History Channel. The pay television network sought out Soldiers & Sailors for an episode of “Man vs. History.” The museum’s Spencer Rifle and a Sharps Rifle were featured. During the interview, Michael Kraus detailed how Abraham Lincoln test-fired each weapon and how they were adopted for use by Union troops. Soldier & Sailors was also able to offer other cultural

•The University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, WWI Helmets and Other Items to Compliment Mary Ethel McCauley’s “Behind the German Lines” Exhibition

The History Channel crew shooting "Man vs. History" segment in the Soldiers & Sailors auditorium

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VISION - - DRIVE ON!

"So many good stories to tell. A lot of history to share. AWESOME!!!"

Regrettably, it goes without saying that our 2022 vision isn’t far off from what we had hoped to see in 2021. Yes, we will continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. In doing so, we have begun developing/updating a strategic plan that will not only look to how we will achieve our visions, but also how we will manage through the next crisis.

Museum Visions – a. With our eight Hall of Valor Medal of Honor Medals display cases unveiled in 2020, we now have examples of what is next for modernizing the rest of the museum’s exhibits. In 2021, ground work began in creating a larger prototype with the renovations of the Korean War displays. Expect to see this major first step in 2022. Also, we envision more and more virtual interactive elements as ways to reach our audience.

Interior/Exterior Structural Repairs Surfaces and Lady America Statue – We must continue our attention and repairs to both inside and outside of the structure. Failures in storm drains, masonry and other exterior surfaces have been addressed, but more work is to be done to prevent rainwater to enter the memorial.

Safety and Security Improvements – Installation of an automated smoke/fire detection and alarm system has improved the security and protection of the Memorial. But we continue to address other safety concerns and protections that both come with a structure of this age, as well as come with unexpected factors we face in today’s society. We hope to enhance security camera numbers and digital recording hardware; improve property and building security control measures and access in the parking lot, door locks and codes, and monitoring systems; continued development of a strategy and structure to improve on-site security through an on-site security guard company, during regular and event operations.

Rental and Event Space – Enhance Wi-Fi power; install audio and visual capabilities for improved meeting, conference and event related features; c. renovate and repair auditorium seating, painting, flooring and related stage sound and lighting attributes.

Work Environment – Recognizing the heart of our mission is the staff that make t he entire operations and memorial tick, we continually strive to create a positive, stable, comfortable and productive work environment through work stations, equipment, benefits, break areas and other features. With an unknown future work atmosphere that may not resemble anything of the recent year, remote workstations and social distancing will enable us to adapt to the needs of the workforce. Flex hours and portable work stations will give us an edge and hopefully not limit our productivity when the unexpected happens.

Remembrance Park – This grand transformation of our front lawn remains a significantly important project for our future. Although its vision and plans are over a decade old, the importance of Remembrance Park is stronger than ever before. Remembrance Park will bring our mission of honoring and remembering our veterans from the front Memorial doors down to Fifth Avenue. All over Oakland, plans for its improvement and future are taking shape. And with it beautification of the lawn, green space, storm water reduction and ADA accessibility, Remembrance Park is already part of master plans being pursued by the City of Pittsburgh, the Oakland District, and the University of Pittsburgh. Look for the heart of the project honoring our War on Terrorism veterans to be on site soon. Visit https:// soldiersandsailorshall.org/museum/remembrance-park/ to learn more.

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soldiers & sailors memorial hall & museum trust, inc., staff john f. mccabe*-president/ceo tim neff -vp/ director of education & museum amber gehring-mcbride -vp/director of rentals & events sarah b. galiotto -vp/director of development & community relations michael kraus -curator lisa pettita -collections manager jacqueline s. williams-finance and human resources specialist james m. mchale-facility resource manager angela tomlin -senior events consultant & coordinator katie west -events consultant & coordinator bettie odeal lee -administrative assistant jerry zemaitis* -rental facility supervisor jim page*-facility Supervisor raymond barry*-custodian alfred paulsen-maintenance timothy Hammond-Semi-skilled-maintenance richard test-semi-skilled-maintenance frank williams-semi-skilled-maintenance cindy grebinoski -front desk receptionist ciera swetof-front desk receptionist board of directors 2020 officers of the trust Alan Smith*- Chairperson Richard Laufer*-Vice Chairperson Michael Bookser*- Secretary Paul Platek*-Treasurer John McCabe, Esq.*-President/Chief Executive Officer/ Michael Murphy* Peter Bellisario* Clarence Gomberg* William B. Pentecost, Esq.* Elaine H. Berkowitz* Richard Hrivnak Bob Perris* William Crookshank* Bob Jensen* Howard W. Pfeifer, P.E.* Honorable Sam DeMarco, III* Ben Keen* Darnel J. (Jeff) Pope* Honorable Mike Doyle Don McIlrath* Anthony Ficarri* Chris Moore* Lois Shirley* Students enjoying Arts & Crafts during World War History & Reading Anthony Filardi* Summer Camp Ralph Ussack* Edward Moore* Honorable Rich Fitzgerald

" AMAZING!"

*Veterans who have proudly served.

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SoldiersAndSailorsHall.org

4141 Fifth Avenue | Pittsburgh PA 15213 | 412-621-4253 | Fax: 412-683-9339