By Justin Criado

In the spirit of Pittsburgh’s Bicentennial celebration, the National Aviary is asking the public to submit stories and photos of their most memorable visits to the Allegheny Center destination.

“So much has changed at the National Aviary since first opening to the public in 1952,” Executive Director Cheryl Tracy said in a statement. “…One thing has remained constant, however, and that is the joy our guests find in taking photos of themselves, their children, their family and friends getting close to our birds.”

The stories and images collected may be used in an upcoming advertising campaign, which may include print, television and digital advertisements as well as billboards, social media and editorial content. The individual submitting the oldest photo will receive a family six-pack of admission tickets, and the best re-creation of a photo will receive a private guided tour for up to eight people.

“There is nothing as sweet as seeing a child’s face light up when a bird swoops down to take a fish from his hand or to see the reaction of someone getting splashed by one of our penguins,” Tracy said. “We love those moments, and are asking our guests to share those memories with us, whether they be from last week or 10-20 years ago.”

Visitors can submit photos via social media on the National Aviary’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by using the hashtag #aviarythrowback. Content can also be submitted via email to laura.smith@aviary.org or by visiting the National Aviary in person. The National Aviary will also scan images if visitors only have single copies of their photos.