History
Ten Thousand Villages as an organization started in 1946, making it the oldest fair trade organization in North America. Edna Ruth Byler began bringing back items she purchased on mission trips and selling them out of the backseat of her car. Today there are over 80 stores in the US and even more places to find Ten Thousand Villages items. Ten Thousand Villages Pittsburgh started through the fundraising and hard work for the Pittsburgh Presbytery following mission trips to Malawi. Church members wanted to find more ways to help and found Ten Thousand Villages. For the first few years members hauled the product from the church attic out to other locations until they raised enough money to open a store front. Today Ten Thousand Villages Pittsburgh has 70 volunteers that help to operate the store on a daily basis, and some of these volunteers have been here since the very start.
Specialties
Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade retail store that creates long-term relationships with artisans in over 35 developing countries and shares their stories. We receive new products every month that are unique and carefully hand-crafted from 130 artisan groups. Products range from jewelry and scarves, to home decor, to plant and garden. There is something for everyone, so come find your favorites. The store holds events every month from special sales, to live music, and free craft sessions. Check out our website or facebook page for upcoming events.