Asking Andrew Masich to select his favorite Pittsburghers — those who have had greatest impact on the region’s history — is liking asking a father to pick his favorite child.

Mr. Masich, president and CEO of the Heinz History Center, said he could not limit himself to two or three but would have to name at least five.

What they have in common was personal ambition, a willingness to take a chance and a desire to change the world, he said.

Topping his list was George Washington (1732-1799). He described Washington, who made multiple trips to Southwestern Pennsylvania as a diplomat, soldier and land speculator, as emblematic of early settlers in Pittsburgh. They all sought opportunities and took risks to make better lives for themselves in the wilderness.

Pittsburgh people who lifted themselves up by their bootstraps and whose entrepreneurial drive built great fortunes included Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) and George Westinghouse (1846-1914).

Carnegie was the steel king whose company became the core around which United States Steel Corp. — the nation’s first billion-dollar company — was fashioned.

Westinghouse was a prolific inventor, whose major contributions included the railroad air brake and development of systems for using alternating current. He also was able to take commercial advantage of his inventions, founding Pittsburgh-based companies that employed thousands.

"They saw problems, and they went after solutions," Mr. Masich said of Carnegie and Westinghouse.

Rachel Carson (1907-64) was one of the founders of the modern environmental movement. Carson (above) identified a different kind of problem — environmental danger caused by excessive use of pesticides — and her solution was to write a best-selling book, "Silent Spring." "She tried to make sure that our planet did not become a victim to uncontrolled growth," Mr. Masich said.

For a fifth choice, he selected the anonymous union organizers and leaders who battled for workers rights over a period of 70 years. "They were part of a collective movement, so it is appropriate not to name just one," he said.

"Like [playwright] August Wilson or [dancer/actor] Gene Kelly in the arts, or [polio vaccine developer] Jonas Salk in medicine, they all changed the world through innovation and risk-taking," he said of outstanding Pittsburghers.

Len Barcousky can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 724-772-0184.

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