Photos from the Archives

Blessing of the Bread

A Serbian Orthodox tradition, this Blessing of the Bread (kolach) ceremony was held in the Yugoslavian Room during a holiday Open House. Pictured from the left are Susan Wuchenich, Mileva Savich Kostic, Dr. John Wuchenich, and Very Reverend Proto Milan Savich (formerly of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh).

Swiss Room Dedication

Members of the Swiss Nationality Room Committee and their guests gather in the Swiss Room on its Dedication Day.

Swiss Choir

Members of the Helvetia Maennerchor, many of whom are Swiss-American Society of Pittsburgh members, perform in the Commons Room at the Cathedral of Learning during the dedication celebration for the Swiss Room.

Flag at Swiss Dedication

At the Swiss Room's Dedication Ceremony in the Heinz Chapel in April 2012, Conrad Ostertag carries the newly refurbished flag of the Helvetia Maennerchor representing their part of the Swiss community in Pittsburgh.

Swiss Room Chairs

The Swiss Room's chairs, in the "Stabellen" style, show 26 different designs, each for the 26 cantons that form the Swiss Confederation.

Visiting the Turkish Room

Guests at the Turkish Room Dedication listen to the various speakers and admire the room's craftsmanship.

Before the Mural

This photograph, taken at the Turkish Room Dedication, shows His Excellency Namik Tan chatting with Ömer Akin and Şakir Oğuz in front of the Turkish Room mural.

Ribbon Cutting

His Excellency Namik Tan, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, prepares to cut the red ribbon to officially open the Turkish Room. To his left is Ömer Akin and visible to his right are Malik Tunador and Varol Ablak.

Presenting the Turkish Room Ceremonial Key

Malik Tunador, President of the Turkish Nationality Room Committee, addresses the crowd at the dedication of the Turkish Room, prior to presenting the ceremonial key to the chancellor's office. Sitting from left to right behind him are Dr. Özlem Soran, Ömer Akin, Maxine Bruhns, Varol Ablak, Sara Pecora, His Excellency Namik Tan (Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey), Dr. Patricia Beeson, and Şakir Oğuz.

Welsh Door

This photograph of the Welsh Room's door was taken in March 2008, as the room's construction was wrapping up.

Beginning Construction

Maxine Bruhns holds the architectural plans for the Welsh Room. Next to her are Kimberly McNelis, Barbara Barnes, Dale Richards, John (Jack) Owen, Garnet Roth, and David Williams.

Welsh at Open House

The St. David's Society of Pittsburgh took on the responsibility of founding the Welsh Nationality Room Committee in 2001. Shown here at the 2002 Open House are Garnet Roth, Dale Richards, and Gloria Kondrat.