Experience Kits

Click to Download the Braddock’s Battlefield Virtual Kit

LOCATION: 609 6^th Street, Braddock, PA 15104

HOURS: 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and days open varies by the season.

The History Center is open April through October on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The History Center is open November through March on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The History Center will be closed December 27, 28, & 29, 2024.

*For updated information concerning hours of operation or changes to their calendar of events or programs, please check the website and/or call before your visit.

WEBSITE: http://braddocksbattlefield.org

CONTACT: 412-271-0800

ADMISSION: Complimentary-up to two (2) adults and six (6) children under the age of eighteen per visit and per one lending time period (which will be approximately one week and per each library’s procedures).

DESCRIPTION: The Braddock’s Battlefield History Center (History Center) stands where the Battle of the Monongahela took place on July 9, 1755. It was also known as Braddock’s Defeat, and it is the most widely recognized battle of the French and Indian War, which developed into the Seven Year’s War. It involved dozens of nation states siding with either Great Britain or France; many different Native American tribes were involved as well. The fighting was for control of the western frontier of Pennsylvania and the Ohio River Valley at the point in Pittsburgh where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers meet to form the Ohio River.

This battle was important in training George Washington and eventually helped him become commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Braddock’s Field was also the site of a rally of rebellious militiamen and farmers during the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794, and during the American Civil War the site was used for the training of Union forces.

The exhibits in the History Center show original documents and maps, authentic firearms and uniforms, and a six-pounder cannon.

During the year several public programs are offered, including the Seven Years’ War Speaker Series, History is Fun, Strategy Games Day, 18^th Century Roundtable, and Battle Anniversary Weekend.

An affiliate of the Heinz History Center, Braddock’s Battlefield History Center shares an important story of early Pittsburgh and its historical contribution to the French and Indian War.

Click to Download the Depreciation Lands Museum Virtual Kit

LOCATION: 4743 Pioneer Road, Allison Park, PA 15101

HOURS: Sundays, May through October, from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., and special events.

*For updated information concerning hours of operation or changes to their calendar of events or programs, please check their website and/or call before your visit.

WEBSITE: http://depreciationlandsmuseum.org/

CONTACT: 412-486-0563

ADMISSION: Complimentary-up to two (2) adults and six (6) children under the age of eighteen per visit and per one lending time period (which will be approximately one week and per each library’s procedures).

DESCRIPTION: The Depreciation Lands Museum and Park was created by Hampton Township in 1973. Their goal was to preserve and interpret the early years of European settlement in the Depreciation Lands, which were areas set aside by the government to compensate its soldiers for their service in the Revolutionary War.

This is a colonial-era living history settlement in an area that by 1805 was known as Talley Cavey. All the buildings are staffed by knowledgeable, costumed interpreters. The grounds include the original Pine Creek Covenanter Church and cemetery, along with an authentic log house and many reproduction buildings, such as a school, smoke house, bake oven, blacksmith shop, and barn, which holds a Conestoga style wagon, mercantile and workshop. There is also a research library, which contains a collection of books on 18^th century history, life, and skills of the time period. In addition, there is a collection of genealogical data, photos, and maps that can be used for research. The historic buildings are open every Sunday during the summer, and the cemetery grounds, furnished with picnic tables, are open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year.

Special events during the year include Friendship Day, Beggars’ Day, an Adult Tea, Lantern Tours, Threads of Heritage, and various history lectures.

An affiliate of the Heinz History Center, the Depreciation Lands Museum demonstrates life during colonial days in a village that allows visitors to take a step back in time!

Click to Download the Fort Ligonier Virtual Kit

LOCATION: 200 South Market Street, Ligonier, PA 15658

HOURS: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and days open varies by the season.

The Historic Site and Museum are open daily from early April through Thanksgiving weekend from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The museum is open winter weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) December through March from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The fort may not be open during your winter visit to the museum due to inclement weather and annual preservation work.

Museum is open Christmas week December 26 through December 30, 2024.

Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

*For updated information concerning hours of operations or changes to their calendar of events or programs, please check their website and/or call before your visit.

WEBSITE: fortligonier.org

CONTACT: 724-238-9701

ADMISSION: Complimentary-up to two (2) adults and six (6) children under the age of eighteen per visit and per one lending time period (which will be approximately one week and per each library’s procedures).

DESCRIPTION: Fort Ligonier is a reconstructed British fort from the French and Indian War, located in Ligonier, PA. The fort was built in 1758 as winter quarters for soldiers, and it was used to house supplies of the British army and to defend the supply line crucial to the community. It was the last in a string of fortifications that stretched from Philadelphia to a new fort that became Fort Pitt and was on land that became Pittsburgh.

On display in the Museum is a recreated artillery train that was used to defend the fort and the remains of an 18^th century powder magazine. There are displays about a hospital ward, women’s roles at the hospital, and medical care in the British army during this time period. In addition, there is information on the archaeological digs that have taken place at Ft. Ligonier, and the phases of reconstruction and expansion.

Every year in October the community celebrates Ft. Ligonier Days, which includes a reenactment of the October 12, 1758 battle at Ft. Ligonier. Other community events this year include a Model Fort Competition, Seven Years’ War Symposium, French Garrison Weekend, 18^th Century Military Encampment Weekend, Fort Kids’ Camp, Ft. Ligonier Leadership “Genesis of Leadership,” Annual Cannon Ball Online Auction, and The Cannon Ball.

An affiliate of the Heinz History Center, Fort Ligonier is an important part of the history of our country and our area. It had a key role in the French and Indian War, and eventually it became a prelude to the war fought by England and France for control of the North American continent. It is also connected to the history of Pittsburgh.

LOCATION: 601 Commonwealth Place, Point State Park, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

HOURS: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. daily. The museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

*For updated information concerning hours of operation or changes to their calendar of events or programs, please check the website and/or call before your visit.

WEBSITE: http://heinzhistorycenter.org/fort-pitt/

CONTACT: 412-281-9284

ADMISSION: Complimentary-up to two (2) adults and six (6) children under the age of eighteen per visit and per one lending time period (which will be approximately one week and per each library’s procedures).

DESCRIPTION: The Fort Pitt Museum tells the story of Western Pennsylvania’s vital role during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. It was also the birthplace of the city of Pittsburgh. It opened in 1969 in a reconstructed bastion at the forks of the Ohio River, which was an important and strategic location in American history.

Through interactive exhibits, life-like historical figures and artifacts, visitors can discover the important role that our region played in shaping the country. Visitors can also learn about daily life of 18^th century residents of the area, and they can experience sights and sounds of a frontier fort during Living History events at the museum.

Outreach lectures are offered on various topics related to 18^th century Western Pennsylvania and America, as well as to current museum exhibits and events.

An affiliate of the Heinz History Center, the Fort Pitt Museum helps visitors discover the importance of Western Pennsylvania to our country’s history and also learn about frontier life of 18^th century America.

Click to Download the Historic Fort Steuben Virtual Kit

LOCATION: 120 South 3^rd Street, Steubenville, Ohio 43952

HOURS: Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; closed on Saturday and Sunday. Tours will begin on April 28^th.

*For updated information concerning hours of operation or changes to their calendar of events or programs, please check their website and/or call before your visit.

WEBSITE: www.oldfortsteuben.com

CONTACT: 740-283-1787

ADMISSION: Complimentary-up to two (2) adults and six (6) children under the age of eighteen per visit and per one lending time period (which will be approximately one week and per each library’s procedures).

DESCRIPTION: Historic Fort Steuben was built in 1787 and was named after Friedrich Wilhelm Steuben, a Prussian army officer who was George Washington’s drillmaster in the Revolutionary War. Now visitors can tour the reconstructed fort to see the soldiers’ quarters, guardhouse, hospital, and commissary, which depict the daily life of the men who helped open the territories to settlement. In addition, on the grounds there is an Exhibit Hall, which provides displays on Ohio’s history and a Federal Land Office, the first one west of the Alleghenies, which shows antiques and documents that illustrate life in the early 19^th century. The Visitors’ Center is part of the Ohio River Scenic Byway and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail; it is the area’s resource for maps, brochures, and information on local attractions, including the 25 larger-than-life murals throughout downtown Steubenville, as well as souvenirs of the city’s native son, Dean Martin. Finally, there is an herb garden, which contains a variety of herbs that were commonly used in the 18^th century.

During the year many events are offered at Historic Fort Steuben and nearby Fort Steuben Park and the Berkman Amphitheater, including Ohio Valley Frontier Days, The Joys of Quilts show, summer concerts, the summer youth education program, Constitution Day, Brigade of the American Revolution, Light Up Night, and Christmas at the Fort and the Nutcracker Village.

An affiliate of the Heinz History Center, historic Fort Steuben’s many exhibits, tours, and events tell the story of the Ohio Valley during the 18^th century and also help to keep history alive today!

LOCATION: 401 Meadowcroft Road, Avella, PA 15312

HOURS:

• May: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Memorial Day-Labor Day: Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• September and October: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

*For updated information concerning hours of operation or changes to their calendar of events or programs, please check the website and/or call before your visit.

WEBSITE: http://heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft/visit/

CONTACT: 724-587-3412 or meadowcroftinfo@heinzhistory.org

ADMISSION: Complimentary-up to two (2) adults and six (6) children under the age of eighteen per visit and per one lending time period (which will be approximately one week and per each library’s procedures).

DESCRIPTION: Meadowcroft Historic Village was created by Albert and Delvin Miller who wanted to preserve the rural history of Western Pennsylvania, while developing a place where youth groups could camp, learn about history, and investigate the natural environment.

A variety of tours and educational experiences are offered at Meadowcroft. Visitors can:

• investigate archeology and the prehistoric people who lived in the area under a massive rock overhang 19,000 years ago;
• travel 400 years into the past to explore a re-created 16^th century Indian village;
• explore an 18^th century frontier trading post;
• visit a 19^th century rural village containing a one-room schoolhouse, an 1870’s log church, and a blacksmith forge, while learning from re-enactors dressed in period costumes and from living history demonstrations.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village is a National Historic Landmark.

An affiliate of the Heinz History Center, the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village helps visitors learn about ancient history and step back in time to experience rural life in the Washington County area from the past 500 years.

Click to Download the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Virtual Kit

LOCATION: 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA 15301

HOURS:

• January-May, Friday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• June-August, Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• September-December, Friday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• The last trolley departs at 3:15 every open day.

** For updated information concerning hours of operation or changes to their calendar of events or programs, please check their website and/or call before your visit.

WEBSITE: http://www.pa-trolley.org/

CONTACT: 724-228-9256

ADMISSION: Complimentary-up to two (2) adults and six (6) children under the age of eighteen per visit and per one lending time period (which will be approximately one week and per each library’s procedures). Complimentary admission may only be used during regular admission days. Pass not valid for special events and pre-registered programming. Visit the website for the list of special events and programming.

DESCRIPTION: The streetcar, or “trolley,” played a vital role in the growth of 20^th century American cities. Because of this means of transportation, people could then live much farther from their place of work, which led to the development of the suburbs. In 1940 the Pittsburgh Electric Railway Club established a trolley museum in the Pittsburgh area, first in the eastern suburbs, and then in 1954 a site was chosen in Washington County, where the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum was established. It started with three trolleys; now there is a collection of 50 cars, over 600 members worldwide, 150 active volunteers, and over 30,000 visitors each year.

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum celebrated the opening of its new 21,000 square-foot Welcome & Education Center (“Center”) in November 2023. Completion of the Center includes a 33,000-brick paved street, known as Volunteer Blvd, the beautifully restored Wexford Station, fountain plaza, family play area and gazebo, and improved parking facilities. The Center enables the Museum to properly display and interpret exhibits that tell the history of the Trolley Era as well as STEAM-related exhibits to educate and engage visitors of all ages. These exhibits include dynamic, interactive, and historical exhibits designed and fabricated by the Carnegie Science Center in consultation with Museum staff.

The Museum offers a variety of educational and public programs, as well as special events throughout the year, including Trolleyology, the Bunny Trolley, The STEAM Station, West Penn Trolley Meet, Lego Camps, Way Back When Camp, STEAM camp, Park n’ Ride Service to the Washington County Fair, Pumpkin Patch Trolley, Santa Trolley, and Trolley Town. Prior to your visit, please check their website for updated information on their ever-changing calendar of events and programs.

An affiliate of the Heinz History Center, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum offers a variety of programs and events every year. There’s something for everyone in the family!

Click to Download the Heinz History Center Virtual Kit

LOCATION: 1212 Smallman Street (Strip District), Pittsburgh, PA 15222

HOURS: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. The History Center is open 361 days a year and closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

*For updated information concerning hours of operation or changes to their calendar of events or programs, please check their website and/or call before your visit.

WEBSITE: www.heinzhistorycenter.org

CONTACT: 412-454-6000

ADMISSION: Complimentary-up to two (2) adults and six (6) children under the age of eighteen per visit and per one lending time period (which will be approximately one week and per each library’s procedures).

DESCRIPTION: The Heinz History Center has been in continuous existence since 1879, which makes it one of Pittsburgh’s oldest cultural organizations. The museum is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum and a proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. The Heinz History Center also facilitates its own affiliate program, working with over two hundred historical organizations in our tri-state area. It is devoted to the history and heritage of western PA and contains six floors of long-term and changing exhibits with hands-on activities, as well as a multitude of events and programs. There is something for everyone! The museum system also includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and the Detre Library and Archives.

In addition, the Heinz History Center operates the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village in Avella, PA, and the Fort Pitt Museum at the Point in Pittsburgh.