Wisdom Keepers from Lawrenceville United

Lena's niece, Chris Larcovic, shares her memories of Lena and what a powerhouse she was in the neighborhood during her life. She was an advocate and support for various immigrant groups as they arrived in the neighborhood and helped to shape Lawrenceville as it exists today. You can find her portrait on the Wisdom Keepers mural at 48th and Butler. Artwork by Maggie Lynn Negrete  

Christine spent some of her adult years away from Lawrenceville, but Hatfield Street has always been home. Christine reflects on life growing up in the neighborhood and experiencing the changes of the neighborhood, the good and the challenging, through the years.  

Bruce shares about his experiences growing up in the neighborhood and his impressions of the shifts in the neighborhood over the years. He reflects on Butler Streets old businesses – his favorite Gunther's cake, the Arsenal Theatre, Olga at G.C. Murphy's, Coney Island, and more. The neighborhood has changed a lot since he was a kid, but what Bruce appreciates about the Lawrenceville of today is th...

Audrey grew up in Lawrenceville and has been a 9th Warder most of her life. She reflects on her memories of the neighborhood when there were lots of mills, grocery stores, and all the general necessities you needed. Audrey also shares a lot of her family's history, the good and the challenging. The neighborhood has changed a lot since Audrey was young, but she's glad to still live here. She was a...

Ann grew up in the 9th and 10th wards in a large family, and then moved around the City of Pittsburgh before returning to Lawrenceville where she has remained for 50+ years. She shares a lot of her memories around her childhood, Butler Street businesses, and raising a family in Lawrenceville. She says the neighborhood was one where people looked out for each other and she is glad for her good memo...

Ms. Loretta aka "the Bible of Lawrenceville" was a longtime Lawrenceville resident who helped found Lawrenceville United and stayed involved up until her passing in 2023. She was a true community builder: an incredible champion for Lawrenceville, a longtime civil rights activist across many causes, a cornerstone of her Trinity Baptist Church in the 6th Ward, a keeper of neighborhood history, and a...

Ron shares his experiences growing up in Lawrenceville – going to the Boys Club for baking classes, swimming at Leslie Park Pool, and performing with his band. Ron's family has a long history in Lawrenceville and his memories touch on the transformation of the neighborhood from the time he was a kid to today. Ron won Neighbor of the Year in 2023 for his work running Lawrenceville United's Friday F...

Regis is a proud Lawrenceville resident and dedicated to making his community a safe and good place to live. He has been a consistent volunteer at the Doughboy Statue to ensure people have a beautiful greeting to the neighborhood.  

Rose, Eileen, and Linda can be found at Lawrenceville's Healthy Active Living Center a few times a week. On this day, they shared Lawrenceville memories with each other.   

Norma grew up in the 10th Ward and shared memories of playing in the Lawrenceville Streets and visiting local businesses. For Norma, she sometimes felt isolated because her family was not Irish Catholic which was the prevalent makeup of the neighborhood, but she was raised with a strong faith that informed how she goes through life. She mentions people who were kind to her throughout her life and...

June is a second generation lifelong Lawrenceville resident and she shares a detailed family and neighborhood history. June was always a hard worker, she raised 8 kids while holding down 3 jobs, including the neighborhood's Sears Outlet, St. Francis, and the Pittsburgh Ballet. She shares lots of memories of her jobs, the neighborhood through the years, and being with her family. You can find her p...

Coming February 14th!