📲 Releasing Steel City Time Machine: A Pittsburgh History App for iOS

I’m excited to announce the launch of Steel City Time Machine, my first mobile app for iOS! This app takes users on a journey through Pittsburgh’s rich history, showcasing key events, landmarks, and stories that shaped the city.

Why I Built This App #

As a fan of Pittsburgh history, I wanted to create an engaging way for people to explore the city’s past. Whether you’re a lifelong Yinzer or just visiting, Steel City Time Machine provides a fun and interactive way to learn about the city’s transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a modern tech hub.

Features #

• ✨ On this Day: Uncover important events that happened on today’s date in Pittsburgh’s history. From steel mill triumphs to legendary sports victories, every day has a story to tell.
• 📸 Snapshot: Explore a featured historical photo of Pittsburgh. Witness the city’s transformation through rare images of its iconic bridges, bustling mills, and vibrant neighborhoods.
• ⏳ Timeline: Travel through 250+ years of Pittsburgh’s history with an interactive timeline. Relive key moments in sports, industry, innovation, and culture that made the city what it is today.
• 🔖 Bookmarks: Save your favorite events to revisit later. Build your own collection of Pittsburgh’s past and share your discoveries with friends.

The Development Process #

Building my first iOS app was both a challenge and a rewarding experience. I used Swift and SwiftUI to create a smooth user interface and hosted the event data and images in AWS S3 so I could update them outside of a release.

This project was a great learning experience, from designing the app’s UX to dealing with App Store submission requirements. I also focused on keeping the app lightweight and fast, ensuring a seamless experience for users.

What’s Next? #

This is just the beginning! I plan to keep adding more historical content over time.

If you’ve ever been curious about Pittsburgh’s incredible history—from its industrial roots to its modern-day renaissance—then you should check it out.

Dive into the stories, landmarks, and moments that shaped one of America’s most resilient cities.

Download on the App Store

I’d love to hear your feedback! Feel free to reach out with suggestions or ideas for future updates.