Documentary maker Rick Sebak has spent decades honoring the Pittsburgh area’s vibrant history through his work.
On Tuesday, the city returned the favor.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor presided over a ceremony proclaiming July 14, 2026, “Rick Sebak Day” to mark the auteur’s 50 years behind the lens.
Sebak, 73, has spent his career creating TV and films that delve deeply into the people and histories behind some of Pittsburgh’s most iconic places, stamping each of his finished programs with witty titles.
Since joining Pittsburgh’s public television station WQED, in 1987, Sebak has created over 60 programs about Pittsburgh’s history.
Films like “Kennywood Memories” (2003) take viewers back to childhood summers riding roller coasters and eating Potato Patch fries at the West Mifflin amusement park, while television programs like the “The Mon, the Al and the O” (1988) explore the lives and histories of the people working on Pittsburgh’s three rivers.
Moments before O’Connor honored Sebak at City Hall in Downtown Pittsburgh for his five decades of work, the television producer noted that he wore his trademark bow tie through it all.
“I wear a bow tie every day,” Sebak said with a smile, highlighting the navy-and-yellow one he chose for meeting the mayor. “They’re fun.”
Sebak’s smile never left his face during the ceremony.
The Bethel Park native and celebrated documentarian shook hands and chatted easily with city staffers, talking about all of the changes Pittsburgh has seen over the years.
“The thing that I love most about Pittsburgh is that it is perpetually surprising,” Sebak said after he was recognized in the mayor’s fifth-floor conference room at the City-County Building. “I grew up here, I still live here, I love it.”
Sebak left Pittsburgh at the start of his career to work in South Carolina, but he remained fascinated by the city’s history despite being far from home.
After thanking O’Connor and reiterating his love for his work and his hometown, Sebak went on a brief tour of the mayor’s office.
O’Connor showed him historical artifacts and paintings, and watched as Sebak peered into hidden doorways and secret exits throughout the office.
As Sebak sat at O’Connor’s desk — which has been in the mayor’s office since 1971 — O’Connor officially signed the proclamation.
After one more smile for the camera, Sebak told TribLive the most changed part of his job over a half-century has to do with his freedom to create.
“I get to concoct things myself… come up with ideas and say, ‘Can we do this?’” Sebak said.
Last month, WQED premiered “A Few of Rick Sebak’s Favorite Programs,” chronicling his long and successful career.
Even as he is being celebrated for his past accomplishments, Sebak said he has no plans to quit working any time soon.
“I still love what I do,” he said. “Don’t retire — it keeps you going.”