Franco Harris and George Washington: Back on the Job

The Immaculate Reception has never looked better.

After a six-month absence for extensive refurbishment, the beloved life-size figure memorializing Franco Harris’ legendary catch in a 1972 Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game, and its partner in crime, a statue of a young George Washington visiting Pittsburgh for the first time, have returned to Pittsburgh International Airport.

After a 13-year stint welcoming arrivals in the Airside Terminal, the odd couple underwent extensive work by conservators at the Sen. John Heinz History Center, which loans the figures to the airport. Made of fiberglass material, the original lifelike figures were cast from face molds. Conservators worked with Franco to create an exact cast of his face and an authentic life mask for George. In other words, the statues are as close as you can get to the real thing.

As a bonus, George got a brand new coat and Franco’s uniform received a thorough cleaning. The history cent