Mount Washington Historical Society

The Mount Washington HIstorical Society is a Pennsylvania non-profit charitable organization.   We are organized for the purposes of education, preservation of historic and community resources, community building, and outreach in the Mount Washington community in PIttsburgh, PA. 

To become involved with the Mount Washington HIstorical Society or the Facebook group For the Love of Mt. Washington, please contact Jeff Carder through his Facebook pages linked below, or by email at mwhspgh@gmail.com  

Read below to see some of the initiatives Jeff has spearheaded and been involved with.

To donate to the Mt. Washington Historical Society, a PA State Nonprofit to support this work please click image below

The Mount Washington Historical Society was founded in 2022 by Jeff Carder, and works closely with his Facebook Group, established in 2020--For the Love of Mount Washington (FTLOMW).

FTLOMW serves as a gathering site for community members that share Jeff's passion for restoring Mt. Washington to its past as a safe, family-oriented neighborhood. FTLOMW, consists of past and present Mt. Washington residents, and those who view it as a city gem, and quickly grew to over 3,000 people.

Initiatives

The following are some of the initiatives Jeff has started:

Rebuild the Park/Save the Children/Give the Kids Some Hope Initiative

Restoring Mount Washington Park (formerly Dilworth Park), making it a drug free environment which led to WHAA returning to the park. Baseball came back to the park for the first time in 20 years. He worked with City personnel to have the field cleared, lights installed, and garbage cans provided. He is also had the American Flag returned to the park for the first time in over 20 years.

Mt. Washington Veterans (MVI) Initiative

Advocating to get our great veterans who served in Vietnam on the Grandview Avenue Monument. The side facing the river and the Duquesne Incline is blankand is a perfect place to put an ongoing memorial on that monument thanking all those who served in Vietnam and made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Safe Pittsburgh City Steps Initiative

Promoting safe passage for kids on and off the school buses through clean-up and repair of the city steps. This initiative also focuses on the sidewalks children use to catch their school buses, giving them safe passage without forcing them to walk in the street.

Mount Washington Historical Society

Honoring and preserving the historical significance of the Mount Washington community, the Mount  Washington Historical Society was created on September 20, 2022, and became a Pennsylvania incorporated non-profit charitable organization on August 22, 2023.  Mount Washington Historical Society Facebook page gives a platform for people to share memories, stories and artifacts that pay tribute to Mount Washington. Jeff also worked with members of The Grand View Presbyterian Church to try to preserve the church from closure by working to designate it a historical landmark.

Charles A. Lewis Parklet Initiative

Maintaining the park, cutting the grass and keeping it free of litter and drug paraphernalia. Jeff envisions the parklet with a mural dedicated to the firefighters of Mt. Washington, Engine 27, and landscaping to beautify the park.

Boxing Program Drive

Giving donated sparing gloves to Ray Lipscomb for the Mt. Washington program to promote youth sports participation. Collecting baseball and softball gloves for Mt. Washington youth to encourage engagement in sports programs.

For The Love of Pittsburgh Homeless Initiative

Providing the necessary items of clothing and food to sustain the homeless through the winter months. Coats, gloves, hand warmers, candles, batteries, and water were just some of the donations distributed to the homeless.  Resources were also given to relocate the homeless through the Brashear House.

Abandoned House Initiative

Identifying houses that have been abandoned and now pose a threat to the safety and stability of the community by attracting homeless occupants and drug dealers. They become havens for rodents, raccoons and other critters diminishing the health and appearance of the neighborhood.

Wheelchair Initiative

Identifying businesses and restaurants on Shiloh Street in Mt. Washington that are not easily accessible for individuals of the community in wheelchairs or who have mobility issues. Jeff drafted letters to local restaurants and businesses to enlist their support for making their establishments accessible for all members of the community. Jeff did a video tape of Shiloh Street with a local resident who gave a first-hand account of the frustration of being shut out of establishments that other community members have access to. The resident also pointed out curbs that have crumbling or missing yellow handicapped strips preventing smooth access to sidewalks. Jeff took note of every business on the street that did not provide access to individuals in wheelchairs. Their efforts paid off with new wheelchair access curbs on several corners.

Bike Drive 2020-2023

Distributed over 300 donated bikes to the youth of Mt. Washington. In the latest bike drive, Jeff worked with 40 volunteers from the Send Relief organization. As a team, they were able to restore and repair over 50 bikes. 

Mt. Washington Mondays

Working with volunteers from Send Relief and community volunteers on various initiatives to improve the community. School Guard Shout Out (Jan. 2023) Jeff received recognition for cleaning up trash and overgrown brush on the corners where he crosses children and pedestrians.