The Senator John Heinz History Center is an important point on the map of Pittsburgh, as the primary holder of information about local history and the city’s development. The centre opened in 1996 in the former Chautauqua Lake Ice Company building and bears the name of the popular local politician and philanthropist, who used his inheritance from the famous Heinz company to improve the city he loved.
The Heinz History Center is a great place to learn about the history of the local area through artefacts, images and interactive displays. See how the growth of industry here attracted immigrant workers and the important role they played in the city’s culture. Life-sized exhibits include a genuine 1940s trolley car that once clanged its way through the streets and figures from the founding of the city in the 1750s.
Pittsburgh has long fostered technology and innovation, and this is celebrated in the Tradition of Innovation exhibit. From Dr Salk’s polio vaccine through to the secret recipe behind the Big Mac and everything in between can be discovered in this fascinating collection.
As home to the H. J. Heinz company, Pittsburgh has thrived for many years. The famous “57 varieties” have their own exhibit in this centre, where you can try some of the different recipes they use and trace the company’s history. The life and works of Senator John Heinz, the philanthropist and politician the museum is named after, is commemorated in another exhibition.
Other collections include the Special Collections of artefacts from local history and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. This takes up two floors of the building and gives an indication of how much Pittsburgh loves its sports. Come here to learn more about typical American sports, such as baseball, Indy car racing and American football, and their roles in capturing the public imagination.
Senator John Heinz History Center is just northeast of central Pittsburgh. There is paid parking available nearby, or several buses stop in the area. The centre is open daily, excluding some public holidays.
