Senator John Heinz History Center

The Senator John Heinz History Center family of museums and programs includes the Heinz History Center, Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, Fort Pitt Museum, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, Detre Library & Archives, and the new Museum Conservation Center. The 370,000 square-foot museum presents compelling stories from American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection in an interactive environment perfect for visitors of all ages.

Since 2000, the History Center has been a proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. As part of this long-term partnership, the History Center and Smithsonian collaborate on a wide variety of projects, including museum exhibitions, public programs, educational opportunities, and publications. When you become a History Center member, you also become a member of the Smithsonian Institution and receive a variety of benefits.

Mission Statement

The Senator John Heinz History Center is an educational institution that engages and inspires a large and diverse audience with links to the past, understanding in the present, and guidance for the future by preserving regional history and presenting the American experience with a Western Pennsylvania connection.

This work is accomplished in partnership with others through archaeology, archives, artifact collections, conservation, educational programs, exhibitions, library, museums, performance, publications, research, technical assistance, and increasingly through broadcast media and the internet.