Public Bath Houses Initiative

At the height of the progressive hygiene movement, dozens of public bath houses were scattered throughout Pittsburgh's many neighborhoods.  Today, only four remain (one of which is the last functioning bath house in Pennsylvania).  Preservation Pittsburgh is working to collect their story, protect what remains, and promote Pittsburgh's rich history of public bathing.

Goals:

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  • Collect: written & oral histories related to the bath houses
  • Landmark: each remaining bath house on the City of Pittsburgh's Register of Historic Places and pursue a thematic listing on the National Register of Historic Places
  • Promote: public bathing history in Pittsburgh through publications, community engagement, walking tours, and collaboration with public and private stakeholders

Mapping Pittsburgh's Baths: