History center plans 21+ Night

PITTSBURGH — The Sen. John Heinz History Center will host its 28th-annual History Uncorked, Pittsburgh’s No. 1 party, from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. March 6. Visitors are invited to celebrate the “City of Champions” in style at the biggest 21+ party of the year, according to organizers.

Inspired by the people, places and moments that define the Steel City, History Uncorked: Legendary is being presented by UPMC and the UPMC Health Plan. The event will feature entertainment and activities that bring first-round energy to this year’s party.

History Uncorked will feature an all-night dance party with disc jockeys Bonics and Cake. Foods from Pittsburgh’s top restaurants will be available, along with an expanded bar, signature cocktails, a silent auction featuring merchandise and experiences and a special trivia contest with Pittsburgh legends.

Co-chaired by Laura Early and F. Dok Harris, History Uncorked will be an evening to network, celebrate and unwind with friends and peers, while exploring six floors of the history center’s exhibitions. Partygoers can enjoy bites and beverages from local restaurants and vendors, including Atria’s, Bar Marco, Bigham Tavern, Burgatory, Puttery Pittsburgh and more. All proceeds from the event will support the center, from bringing Smithsonian-quality exhibitions to Pittsburgh to preserving historic artifacts which inspire future generations.

General admission is $65 in advance and $85 at the door. VIP tickets are $135, offered only in advance, and includes early admission to a VIP reception at 6:30 p.m., an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and a one-year membership to the history center. There are only a limited amount of VIP tickets still remaining, according to officials. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older and have a valid ID to enter.

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

Student seeks help for conference

WEIRTON — Layla Rujak, a Weir Middle School student, has qualified to compete in the middle school division of the Academic Games Conference in Charlotte, N.C., after placing at the regional tournament.

A Go Fund Me page has been created to help fund the $600 needed for the trip, according to Jamie Bernardi, page organizer.

“Layla is an extremely smart, dedicated student with a deep love for reading, learning and academic games,” Bernardi said. “She works hard every day, and this opportunity is such a meaningful reward for her commitment and passion for education. Any contribution — big or small — means more than we can say and helps Layla continue chasing her academic dreams. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is just as appreciated.”

To date, $25 has been raised toward the goal. The money will cover travel, lodging, registration and additional related expenses for the trip, according to organizers.

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/support-laylas-journey-to-the-academic-games?cdn-cache=0.

Scouting America to host event

MORGANTOWN — The Mountaineer Area Council of Scouting America will host hundreds of Scouts for the 15-annual Merit Badge University, an event for members to work on an array of merit badges taught by professors, Scout leaders and other professionals. The event is set to take place from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the West Virginia University Mountainlair’s downtown campus in Morganton.

More than 26 classes will be offered, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, citizenship, robotics, journalism, space exploration and public speaking.

Among those who will be in attendance are Board Chair Amy Garbrick, West Virginia University President and Eagle Scout Michael Benson, the Mountaineer Area Council board of directors, approximately 300 Scouts from five states and volunteers.

Benson will provide remarks at the opening ceremony at 9 a.m.