Pennsylvania’s Largest History Museum - The Senator John Heinz History Center

The Senator John Heinz History Center, located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum. Operated by the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the museum is named after Senator John Heinz, a prominent politician and philanthropist. In 1996, it opened in a 275,000-square-foot building that formerly housed the Chautauqua Lake Ice Company.

The Heinz History Center spans six floors of exhibits that explore the rich history of Western Pennsylvania. Major collections highlight influential companies such as H.J. Heinz, Westinghouse, Alcoa, and Gulf. In addition to showcasing these industrial giants, the museum also features a diverse array of everyday artifacts—including letters, photographs, paintings, uniforms, and records—that reflect the history and culture of Pittsburgh.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

A giant Heinz ketchup bottle located outside the History Center.

A popular ride from Kennywood with a Howdy Doody reproduction height check sign.

Vintage streetcar 1724 offers a glimpse into Pittsburgh’s transportation history.

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Allegheny Steel commissioned Ford to build six stainless steel 1936 Ford Model 68 Delux Tudor Touring Sedans to demonstrate the material’s durability and promote its use. Designed for promotional use, these were driven by company representatives, often salesmen.

Vintage red Heinz Company delivery wagon features the Heinz logo and slogans like “57 Varieties” and :Good things for the table”.

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Heinz related artifacts and history.

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The push to create a museum started in 1985 highlighting the urgency to preserve the region’s vanishing industrial heritage.

First showcased at the 1853 Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations in New York, this display helped introduce Worcestershire sauce to the world. Heinz acquired Lea & Perrins in 2015.

A vintage Hyllmede Milk delivery wagon used to transport milk and other goods, often in urban areas.

A few items on display include a leaded stained glass window created by John La Farge.

A presentation gown made by Stern & Co was worn by Sarah Kerr Cole, 1898.

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Pittsburgh’s role in medicine

Vintage advertisement for H.K. Porter & Co., a locomotive manufacturer from Pittsburgh.

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Celebrating life eternal

Military related items on display.

Pennsylvania-born Nelly Bly, the first female investigative reporter.

Unions

The city furnace’s smoke and steam blurred day and night.

Exhibit related to December 1907, the deadliest month in mining history.

The Pittsburgh coal industry

Related information about Andrew Mellon.

Sports-related

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Andrew Carnegie and his steel manufacturing.

This electric chair is part of the museum’s exhibits on the history of Westinghouse Electric and the development of alternating current.

Elektro the Moto-Man and his Little Dog Sparko, created by Westinghouse Electric Company for the 1939 World’s Fair.

Music

Rosie the Rivetor in the “We Can Do It! WWII,” exhibit which displays Pittsburgh influence and effects during the WWII.

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Home life

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Space travel

Habits

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A kerosene crystal chandelier made by the Bailey Reflector Company of Pittsburgh.

A place to relax and take in the city view.

“Glass: Shattering Notions,” which looks at glass making and its history in the Steel City.

“From Slavery to Freedom”

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From Slavery to Battlefield

A look into the preservation workshop.

Mister Roger’s Neighborhood exhibit in the Special Collections Gallery, displaying artifacts from the show and set.

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Some of the Mr Rogers puppets.

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Fashion

Children’s fun

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Occupations

Religion

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On the road…

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What you should know:

• Admission can be purchased online or in person.

• There are both on the street metered and garage parking options.

• Check website for days and hours of operation, and any special events.

• The museum is self-guided.

• You could spend up to a couple of hours exploring the museum.

• Public restrooms are available.

• There is a cafe located on the first floor.

• The museum is self-guided.

Location: 1212 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

For more information: The Senator John Heinz History Museum

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