Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center
Maurice A. Nernberg Sr. (July 12, 1897-June 10, 1972) was a handwriting expert called to testify at several high-profile legal cases in Pittsburgh.
Nernberg was born in Romania, one of four children of Abraham and Gitla Nernberg (Sophie Segal, Rose Green, Meyer Nernberg and Maurice Nernberg). He showed an aptitude for handwriting as a child, including a knack for forgery. After immigrating to the United States, he attended the Zanerian School of Penmanship in Columbus, Ohio. He served with the U.S. Army during World War I and was regularly asked to verify signatures on furlough documents. He earned degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and the Duquesne University Law School and started a career as a lawyer before transitioning into a second career as a handwriting expert. His best-known cases include testimony that led to the conviction of 140 people for election fraud in 1934 and 1935 and identifying the author of extortion letters sent to Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Ralph Kiner.
Nernberg married Estelle Stern of McKeesport, Pa, who had been his secretary during the six years leading up to and through the election fraud case. They had two children, Dick Nernberg and Maurice Nernberg Jr.
Bibliography
Rauh Jewish Archives
- Maurice Nernberg Papers and Photographs [MSS 1191] (catalog record)
Exhibit History
- Author: Catelyn Cocuzzi
- Original: January 18, 2025
- Current: January 18, 2025