At the end of each calendar year, we reflect on the events of the past 12 months, noting the moments that stand out. Sometimes we look back farther into our shared history and recall the decades, acknowledging milestone events. This year the region reflects on one of the most exciting plays in NFL history, the “Immaculate Reception,” which celebrates its 50th Anniversary on December 23, 2022.

This commemoration led me to examine the collections the History Center holds related to the fan group known as Franco’s Italian Army and consider what the “Army” tells us about Pittsburgh’s Italian American community. A half a century later, we continue to laud the ways this group chose to cheer on Franco Harris and the Steelers.