History, Design, and Architecture of Heinz Memorial Chapel

The Heinz Memorial Chapel is one of the iconic landmarks on the grounds of the University of Pittsburgh campus in Oakland. It is celebrated as much for its location, beauty, and history. Constructed between 1933 and 1938, the chapel was built to honor the memory of the mother of H.J. Heinz an American entrepreneur. In this lecture, Frank Kurtik will share insights into the history, design, and architecture of the Gothic building designed by Philadelphia architect Charles Klauder.

About the lecturer: Frank J. Kurtik is a long-time researcher, writer, and lecturer on the history of Western Pennsylvania. A former Research Fellow with the Heinz Family Foundation in Washington D.C., he currently works at the University of Pittsburgh where he serves on the staff of the staff Heinz Memorial Chapel, for which he is a docent and an event coordinator. Frank’s articles have appeared in many publications including the Western Pennsylvania Historical Magazine, Carnegie Magazine, and Western Pennsylvania History. He has lectured on topics ranging from Western Pennsylvania iron furnaces to H. J. Heinz’s role in the Sunday School movement to Monongahela rye whiskey.