The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (CMP) and Public Source have launched an exciting initiative to engage people of all ages in creating zines—small, self-made booklets that explore the people, places, and experiences that define the Pittsburgh region.

This collaborative project invites participants to follow their curiosity, ask questions, and share their unique perspectives through these independently made publications. Whether you’re a kid, teen, adult, or educator, this initiative offers a platform to express your voice and connect with your community.

What is a Zine?

A zine (pronounced zeen) is an independently made publication that can include a variety of content such as art, stories, ideas, or community voices. Unlike traditional publishing, zines offer a personal and creative way to share your thoughts and experiences. They can be serious, playful, personal, or reported, and can include writing, poetry, drawings, interviews, photos, collage, diagrams, timelines, or a mix of these elements.

How to Participate

Participating in this initiative is straightforward and open to everyone. You can create a zine on your own, with friends or family, or as part of a class or community group. No prior experience is required, making it an accessible activity for all skill levels.

Workshops and Support

To help you get started, the initiative offers free workshops during August and September 2026. These workshops will be hosted at MuseumLab located at 6 Allegheny Square East and at partner locations. Topics covered may include zine-making basics, nonfiction storytelling, interviewing techniques, cartooning, visual storytelling, and bookbinding. Keep an eye on their newsletters and social media for announcements or reach out directly for more information.

Submission Guidelines

Once you’ve created your zine, you can submit it in various ways. Physical zines can be submitted at workshops or dropped off at MuseumLab. They can also be mailed to Public Source at 1936 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Digital submissions in the form of PDFs or photos are also accepted. Please fill out and upload your zine using this form. For larger files, upload it to Google Drive and share the link with info@ ensuring the link is set to ‘anyone can view’.

For all submissions, please include your name, neighborhood or municipality of residence, contact information, and a short description of your zine.

What Happens Next

The timeline for this initiative is as follows: the open call launches in late July 2026 with workshops and zine submissions accepted through August and September 2026. The submission deadline is September 30, 2026. In October 2026 zines will be curated for public display and online publication. The exhibit will open in November 2026 and travel to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in early 2027.

The exhibit will be interactive, allowing visitors to browse zines, flip through them, and even create their own alongside the display. New zines may be added over time, making the exhibit a dynamic and evolving showcase of community voices.

Why This Initiative Matters

This project brings together creativity, journalism, and community storytelling. By encouraging people to ask questions and share what they learn, the initiative aims to spark curiosity, build empathy, and highlight the diverse experiences that shape life across the Pittsburgh region. It’s an opportunity to explore your surroundings, connect with others, and contribute to a collective narrative that celebrates the unique character of Pittsburgh.

For those interested in partnering or hosting workshops, please email halle@ to get involved.