National Negro Opera Company

Preservationists are working to save the grand old Victorian home on Apple Street in Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood - and for good reason. It was the birthplace of Mary Cardwell Dawson's National Negro Opera Company which launched careers and opened doors. Nicknamed "Mystery Manor," the house also hosted famous African-American entertainers, athletes and business people who were denied hotel rooms when visiting Pittsburgh. This Emmy winning report showcases Madame Dawson's Opera Company, the now-dilapidated home's glorious history and the efforts to preserve it. Writer/Producer: David Solomon. Camera/Editing: Frank Caloiero.


View more from WQED

Series: OnQ

OnQ's Michael Bartley reports on Pittsburgh's efforts to keep order on city streets during the Pittsburgh G20 Summit. 

Original airdate: Sep 24, 2009


Guests from the G20 entourage are being welcomed at Pittsburgh's Andy Warhol Museum. From special installations to world-famous works of art, OnQ's Minette Seate reports on what our international visitors will see.

Original airdate: Sep 23, 2009


When 19 of the largest economies and the European Union get together making decisions affecting the whole world, activists and protest groups follow. OnQ's Chris Moore reports on some of these activists and the roles they play. 

Original airdate: Sep 23, 2009


The Pittsburgh Summit will no doubt create some challenges in our city especially when it comes to traffic and protesters. But organizers say those inconveniences could be far outweighed by the benefits. OnQ's Tonia Caruso reports on who's visiting, what the summit could mean to our region and how Pittsburghers are preparing to help host the world. (From 9-22-09)

Original airdate: Sep 22, 2009


Economic recovery is an important issue for G20 leaders, and Pittsburgh leads by example. When steel mills and factories closed, the region was left with vacant, often contaminated tracts of land. Known as brownfields, many of these sites were cleaned up and transformed. OnQ's Chris Moore tours former brownfields, now deemed commercial and residential successes. 

Original airdate: Sep 22, 2009


Guest Kevin Evanto, Allegheny County Director of Communications and spokesperson for County Executive Dan Onorato talks about the Pittsburgh G20 Summit with OnQ's Tonia Caruso.

Original airdate: Sep 22, 2009


Pages