Experience Kits
If you're interested in a free stay-cation for the entire family, look no further than your public library!
Select libraries around the county (including Robinson), partnered with the Senator John Heinz History Center and its Affiliate Program to offer library card holders access to free admission to unique sites (see available sites below).
Each kit can be checked out for up to one week at a time and grants admission for up to four people. It's 'First come, First served', so stop in to pick one up.
You are welcome to call beforehand to see if it is available, but unfortunately they cannot be placed on hold.
Currently Available:
Senator john heinz history center
Also included in complimentary admission:
Fort Pitt Museum
Meadowcroft Rockshelter &
Historic Village in Avella, PA
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 200 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, the Detre Library and Archives, and the Museum Conservation Center.
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.
Complimentary Admission for 2 Adults and 6 children (under 18)
Location
1212 Smallman Street (Strip District)
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone
412-454-6000
Website
Hours
10 AM to 5 PM Daily
(Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day)
Old Economy Village
Complimentary Admission for 2 Adults and 6 children (under 18)
Location
270 Sixteenth Street,
Ambridge, PA 15003
Phone
724-266-4500
Website
Hours
April 1 through December 31
10 AM to 4 PM Friday - Sunday
Closed Monday - Thursday
Closed Holidays
Check their website for operating updates, special tours and events!
Old Economy Village strives to preserve and present the life, thought and material culture of the Harmony Society, a 19th century religious community. The Society, led by George Rapp, endeavored to create a utopia, inhabited by German Lutheran separatists. At Economy they waited for the second coming of the Messiah.
The Village was organized and planned for efficiency, with the church and leaders’ houses in the center of town, which were surrounded by a store, post office, Feast Hall, and several businesses. The members’ houses were then built around those buildings. Finally, at the edges of the community were the barns, stables, tannery, blacksmith shop, etc.
The community was economically successful and remained in operation for 100 years, from 1805-1905, by creating, adapting, and adopting the new technologies of their day. They were involved in manufacturing wool, cotton and silk textiles, plus in the production of wine and beer. In addition, they had financial investments in railroads, river travel, coal, oil, and timber.
Visitors of Old Economy Village can tour the Visitor Center, and many of the settlement’s buildings such as the George Rapp House, Carriage House, Mechanics Building, Wine Cellar, Store, Post Office, Baker House, Bake Oven, Community Kitchen, Cabinet Shop, Blacksmith Shop, and Granary. In these buildings, visitors can observe artifacts on display and learn about the daily life of the Harmonists.
A variety of programs, presentations, and special events are offered, such as Hands-On History Days, Easter Egg Hunt, Garden Mart, Wedding Showcase, Summer Camp, Harvest Festival, A Halloween Haunting, and Christmas at the Village. Check their website for the monthly schedule. School tours are also offered for every age of student.
An affiliate of the Heinz History Center, Old Economy gives us a glimpse into this fascinating culture from the past.
Railroaders museum & horseshoe curve
Complimentary Admission for 2 Adults and 6 children (under 18)
Hours
Open Tuesdays June through August
10 AM to 5 PM Wednesday - Sunday
Horseshoe Curve closes for
the season 12/3/2023
Railroaders Memorial Museum closes for the season 12/30/2023
Check their website for operating updates, special tours and events!
The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum is dedicated to sharing information and celebrating the significant contributions of railroaders and their families to American life and industry. It also operates the visitor center at Horseshoe Curve National Historic Site.
For more than a century, Altoona was one of the most vital rail facilities in the United States. By the 1920s, the Altoona railroad works employed 15,000 workers, and by 1945 the PA Railroad's facilities at Altoona and its railroads are one of the most important contributors to America's industrial revolution.
In the interactive museum, visitors can discover information on Altoona's long history as a railroad center, learn why the Horseshoe Curve was necessary, and discover how this engineering feat was accomplished. In addition, there are a variety of exhibits about Altoona's history, ethnic neighborhoods, the citizen's diverse interests and family lives, and the importance of railroads and railroaders to our country's history.
An affiliate of the Heinz History Center, The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum helps us appreciate our region's heritage and our significance in the history of transportation in America.
Today, Altoona is one of the hubs of the area's growing tourist industry. Other local attractions include the Allegheny Portage Railroad Nation Historic Site, the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark and the Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks.
Fort Ligonier
Complimentary Admission for 2 Adults and 6 children (under 18)
Location
200 South Market Street
Ligonier, PA 15658
Phone
724-238-9701
Website
Hours
Open daily through November 26, 2023
10 AM to 5 PM Monday - Sunday
Open Friday through Sunday in Winter (December - March)
Check website for operating updates, special tours and events.
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 18th 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, 18th Century Military Encampment Weekend, Fort Kids' Camp, and Sunset Tour.
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.
Historic fort steuben
Complimentary Admission for 2 Adults and 6 children (under 18)
Location
120 South Third Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone
740-283-1787
Website
Hours
Open May through October
10 AM to 4 PM Monday - Saturday
11 AM to 4 PM Sunday
Check website for operating updates, special tours and events.
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 soldier's 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 19th 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 18th 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, a spring quilt show, summer concerts, the summer youth education program, Celebrate the Constitution, The Ohio Valley and the Civil War, and Christmas at the Fort and the Advent Market.
Historic Fort Steuben's many exhibits, tours, and events tell the story of the Ohio Valley during the 18th century and also help to keep history alive today!
Bradford house &
whiskey rebellion education center
Complimentary Admission for 2 Adults and 6 children (under 18)
Location
175 South Main Street
Washington, PA 15301
Phone
724-222-3604
Website
Hours
Open April through November: Drop-in
Year-round: Guided tours
10 AM to 4 PM Wednesday - Saturday
Check website for operating updates, special tours and events.
David Bradford was a successful lawyer, businessman and Deputy Attorney General of Washington County. The construction on his house began in 1786 and was completed in 1788. His home reflected his high social standing, not only because of its size but also because of its construction. It was an architectural showpiece, especially for the time period, and compared to its rustic surroundings.
The Bradford family lived in the house from 1788 to 1794. However, their residence was cut short because of David's leadership role in the Whiskey Rebellion, which was an uprising of farmers and distillers in Western Pennsylvania who opposed a whiskey tax enacted by the federal government. When 13,000 troops were sent to end the protest, David fled south to present-day Louisiana to avoid being arrested.
Over the years, the house sustained much damage. In 1959, the PA Historical and Museum Commission took control of the property and supervised a complete restoration of the home, a log kitchen building, and the Sign of Seven Stars tavern exhibit.
In addition to tours of the house, many special tours and programs are usually offered during the year:
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Making Scents of the 18th Century
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Hands-On History Day Camp
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Whiskey Rebellion Dinner
-
Friday Festival Whiskey and Spirits Walk
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Symposiums
An affiliate of the Heinz History Center, the David Bradford House enables visitors to witness and experience the architecture, events, and atmosphere of Western Pennsylvania during the 18th century.