Last Days of Steamboat “Arabia” at Heinz History Center; Lightning vs. Pens (CPs Fri., 1/2/15)

1) In 1853, the steamboat Arabia was built and launched in Pittsburgh. Three years later, it struck a tree and sank in the murky waters of the Missouri River, filled with countless items destined for the frontier. In 1987, after years of searching, Missourian Bob Hawley and his sons unearthed the remains of the Arabia and found thousands of artifacts perfectly preserved in the mud. The exhibition Pittsburgh’s Lost Steamboat: Treasures of the Arabia at the Senator John Heinz History Center features nearly 2,000 of these objects, eyewitness accounts from passengers aboard the doomed vessel, and a memorial to the wreck’s only casualty—a mule tied to sawmill equipment on a lower deck. The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 11, is open along with the rest of the Heinz History Center seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1212 Smallman St., Strip District.

2) The Tampa Bay Lightning will try to strike the Pens early and often in a 7 p.m. game at Consol Energy Center. We know, however, that feathers are a poor conductor of electricity. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown.

3) We may not have much snow in the Pittsburgh region, but we still have plenty of water, and freezing water makes ice. So, enjoy ice skating at the Citiparks’ Schenley Skating Rink. Set among beautiful pine trees, the rink offers a picturesque view of Downtown Pittsburgh. 7 – 9 p.m. (and from 9:30 – 11:30 p.m. for those 18 and older.)  Skate rental and lessons available. Overlook Drive, Schenley Park, Squirrel Hill.

Share on Social Media