Wednesday, July 29, 2026
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Center for Urban Education, 4303 Posvar Hall at the University of Pittsburgh
Join the Western PA Writing Project on July 29 from 11am-1pm as we celebrate Visitors Day with the Summer Institute!
During the month of July, educators across all disciplines and communities have gathered together in the Summer Institute to develop their personal and professional writing, explore new writing strategies, consider curriculum, and deepen inquiry connected to writing as a tool for education equity, access, and social justice. Educators have investigated best practices in writing and literacy instruction through shared demonstrations of practice, readings, and intentional focus on our writing and reading processes
Visitors Day is a meaningful opportunity to witness the work of the WPWP Summer Institute fellows, hear from teachers about their writing and inquiry, and reconnect with the ongoing life of WPWP.
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 remembered or overlooked, and how our own experiences connect to larger civic narratives.
We will provide more detailed information to workshop participants upon completing registration. We encourage full participation in the 3-part experience, but welcome you to attend what you can.