EdSurge Podcast
How a Vacant School Building Became a Symbol of Loss, and Then Hope, for a Dying Small Town
Jan 14, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jean-Marie Laskus, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the creator of "Cement City," shares her insights on the closure of the only school in Donora, Pennsylvania. She highlights how education shapes community identity and the potential revival through a community college initiative. The stories woven into her podcast reveal the deep emotional connections locals have to the vacant school, showcasing resilience in the face of decline. The episode touches on powerful themes of loss, hope, and the importance of documenting small-town narratives.
54:15
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Quick takeaways
- The closure of the local school deeply impacted Denora's community identity, highlighting education’s role in fostering social cohesion.
- The potential establishment of a community college in the vacant school symbolizes hope for economic revitalization in forgotten towns.
Deep dives
The Decline of Denora
Denora, Pennsylvania, once a thriving community due to its steel mill, has significantly declined over the years. The steel mill, which employed thousands and contributed to iconic structures like the Golden Gate Bridge, closed over 50 years ago, leaving the town with approximately 5,000 residents, devoid of essential services like a grocery store or bank. The closure of the local school further impacted the community's identity, stripping away a vital institution that had been central to Denora’s social fabric. Jean Marie Laskus, a journalist and professor, documented this decline and the unique resilience of its residents through an immersive reporting project.
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