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Join the African American Program for an in-person screening of “Freedom House Ambulance.”Presented as part of the From Slavery to Freedom Film Series, “Freedom House Ambulance” explores the rise and fall of America’s first emergency medical service comprised entirely of Black men and women from Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood.
Freedom House was initially conceived to respond to the needs of Pittsburgh’s African American community who often times, couldn’t rely on police and fire departments during an emergency. Their groundbreaking work became the basis for all paramedics training in the country. However, despite its success – racism and power dynamics in Pittsburgh shut down Freedom House in 1975, leaving its legacy almost lost to history.
Featuring rare archival images, the documentary tells the story of the organization’s inception through the perspective of a founder, along with reflections from surviving paramedics, stories of the world-renowned doctors who trained them, and memories from lifelong Hill District residents.
A panel discussion will follow the film screening.
This program is delivered in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health as part of their One Book, One Community initiative.
Register: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/event/from-slavery-to-freedom-film-series-freedom-house-ambulance/
This program is part of the History Center’s year-long commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in partnership with America250PA.
America250PA was established by the Pennsylvania state legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.
Heinz History Center programs commemorating America’s 250th anniversary are supported by Nimick Forbesway Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Visit PA, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).
Admission
This in-person screening is free with advance registration.
Register: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/event/from-slavery-to-freedom-film-series-freedom-house-ambulance/
About the Series
The 2026 From Slavery to Freedom Film Series will feature films that highlight the African and African American diasporic experience while reflecting on the nation’s history as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
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Event Venue
Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh, United States
Tickets
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