Window Keeper Project

The Western Pennsylvania Writing Project is proud to partner with Pennsylvania Humanities for The Window Keeper, a statewide initiative connected to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Through a series of place-based writing experiences in Pittsburgh, Westmoreland County, and at the University of Pittsburgh, participants will explore historically, culturally, and civically significant sites through writing, reflection, conversation, and community. Drawing on the National Writing Project tradition of the writing marathon, we will move through public spaces together, pausing to observe, write, and share in a spirit of generosity and curiosity. Together, we will consider: Whose stories help us understand who we have been, who we are, and who we hope to become? Participants do not need to consider themselves writers to join. The Window Keeper is open to adult educators, writers, artists, students, community leaders, historians, cultural workers, and anyone curious about the stories that shape our communities. Whether you write every day or have not written in years, you are welcome. The WPWP will host the Window Keeper experiences on August 15, August 22, and September 12. Transportation and workshop materials will be provided at no cost for participants. Please note, each day begins promptly at 8:30am and will conclude Pittsburgh Writing Marathon Saturday, August 15, 2026 8:30am-5pm Locations will include the August Wilson House, Freedom Corner, and additional sites throughout Pittsburgh. Westmoreland County Writing Marathon Saturday, August 22, 2026 8:30am-5pm Locations will include the Westmoreland Museum of Art and West Overton Village. University of Pittsburgh Gathering Saturday, September 12, 2026 10am-3pm Center for Urban Education, University of Pittsburgh Across these gatherings, we will write into questions of belonging, freedom, democracy, memory, and civic life. We will consider how places tell stories, whose histories are re