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Catch the Pioneer Spirit: Young Preservationists Association unveils Top 10, hosts annual party

Culture and history collide this Friday night at "Catch the Pionner Spirit," the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh's annual event.

Channel your inner preservationist and celebrate National Preservation Month (a.k.a. May) with the YPA, as the group unveils its much-anticipated 2008 Top 10 list and Promise Award. Special guest host, WQED’s Rick Sebak, is certain to add flair to the night's festivities.

For the first time, the YPA will present its Promise Award, which salutes the work of an emerging preservationist, to a high school student. Award recipient and Irwin High School senior Tansy Michaud will be honored for her work creating a documentary about the main street section of her hometown. Michaud’s exploration of Downtown Irwin paved the way for the YPA’s new youth initiative. The young pioneer has helped to motivate 33 students from 4 different counties across the region, who are participating in new civic engagement and leadership opportunities spearheaded by the YPA.

Counties making the YPA's 2008 "Top 10 Preservation Opportunities" list include Indiana, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Fayette, and Somerset. Formed in 2002, YPA members have participated in the preservation of historic resources, such as the Armstrong Cork Factory in the Strip District, Union Project in Highland Park and National Negro Opera House in Homewood.

The event takes place on May 16 from 6-8 p.m. at the New Hazlett Theater on Pittsburgh’s North Side. To register for the event, go here. For information, call 412-512-8885.