Senator John Heinz History Center

The Heinz History Center is located in Pittsburgh's historic Strip District

"Heinz History Center" by joseph a is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Quick Facts

MANAGED BY:

Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania

Amenities

14 listed

Accessible Rooms, Assistive Listening Systems, Assistive Listening Systems - T-Coil Compatible, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Internet/WiFi Available, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Sign Language Interpreter, Wheelchair Accessible, Wheelchairs Available

Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

This map shows a range of features associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which commemorates the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. The trail spans a large portion of the North American continent, from the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. The trail is comprised of the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, an auto tour route, high potential historic sites (shown in black), visitor centers (shown in orange), and pivotal places (shown in green). These features can be selected on the map to reveal additional information. Also shown is a base map displaying state boundaries, cities, rivers, and highways. The map conveys how a significant area of the North American continent was traversed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and indicates the many places where visitors can learn about their journey and experience the landscape through which they traveled.

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District, the Senator John Heinz History Center occupies a 100-year old building, formerly the home of the Chautauqua Lake Ice Cream Company, and a five-story wing of the Smithsonian Institute, of which it’s been an affiliate since 2000. Although the museum itself was established in 1879, it moved to its current location over a century later in 1996.  

As the largest museum in the state, the History Center is actually comprised of a complex of museums. These include the Heinz History Center itself, along with the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, the Fort Pitt Musuem, the Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village, the Detre Library & Archives, and the Museum Conservation Center.  

Here, visitors can learn about the regional history of Western Pennsylvania through permanent and temporary interactive exhibits. As a Smithsonian affiliate, many of the museum’s high-quality exhibits are frequently rotated, inviting visitors back time and time again. Of particular interest are the exhibits on the glass industry, the Heinz company, sports in Western Pennsylvania, the rise and fall of slavery, and early American exploration. The “Rediscovering Lewis and Clark: A Journey with the Rooney Family” exhibit traces the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark through a modern retelling of the journey using artifacts and photographs donated by the Rooney Family. 

For more information, call [phone] or visit https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/.