Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh (must see)

The Senator John Heinz History Center, linked with the Smithsonian Institution, stands as the largest museum dedicated to history in Pennsylvania. It's named after the late U.S. Senator H. John Heinz III and sits in the Strip District of the city. Covering an impressive 275,000 square feet with a cost of $36 million, this institution aims to connect people with the past, offer insights into the present, and provide guidance for the future by preserving regional history and presenting the broader American experience with ties to Western Pennsylvania.

Within the History Center, visitors can explore various exhibits spread across six floors, including the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and the Library and Archives. These exhibits narrate the story of Western Pennsylvania. The museum's journey began in 1879 with the establishment of a club known as Old Residents of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. By 1884, it transformed into the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, marking the oldest cultural organization in the Pittsburgh region.

Additionally, the History Center manages Meadowcroft Rockshelter, an internationally renowned archaeological site located south of Pittsburgh near the Avella community in Washington County. This rock shelter holds the distinction of being the oldest site of human habitation in North America, with evidence of human presence dating back nearly 16,000 years. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2005, it stands as a testament to the rich history of the region.