PITTSBURGH — The Detre Library and Archives, located at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, will launch a new series of genealogy workshops, with the first scheduled to take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 12.

The workshops will focus on family histories of blue-collar workers — steel mills, glass factories and beyond.

The first installment will be entitled, Blue-Collar Ancestry: Tracing Your Steelworker Roots. Each segment will explore a specific industry, with a focus on locating key genealogical records to illuminate the working lives of blue-collar ancestors, officials stated.

The first session will focus on Western Pennsylvania steelworkers and the rich, often underutilized, historical sources that can help reconstruct their lives. Professional genealogist Kate Townsend will guide participants through essential records and research strategies, including how to find employment files, union records, company newsletters, historic photographs and more. Local archivists will deliver lightning talks showcasing lesser-known resources within their collections that hold significant genealogical value related to the steel industry.

The program will highlight the center’s multi-year partnership with Ancestry.com, to digitize more than 100,000 employee files from the Jones and Laughlin Steel Pittsburgh Works. A significant portion of these records is searchable online, offering a rare opportunity to explore the individual experiences of steelworkers across generations. Admission will be $5 for history center members and $10 for non-members.

This will be a hybrid program. Attendees can participate online or in-person.

For information or to purchase tickets, visit heinzhistorycenter.org.events.