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| - This is one museum that we're flat out lucky to have. They're an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and they focus specifically on Western PA. history. This isn't to say that they skip important national historical events (the Civil War, etc.), but they do always put an emphasis on our region's involvement in those events. It's that connection that makes this museum so special in my opinion.
Every time I stop in here I fall in love with all of the exhibits again (well, most of the exhibits - I don't feel as strong a connection to the Sports Museum section as other folks might). It doesn't matter if I've seen them before because they're permanent/here for a long-term run, or if I'm seeing them for the first time because they're temporary - I always love them. I'm particularly fond of the "Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation" exhibit - I love reviewing the contributions our region has made to the country and even world throughout time. I admit, though, that I do find the temporary exhibits particularly enjoyable since they bring something new to the museum; for example, the recent exhibits on Pittsburgh's ties to the Civil War and the steamboat Arabia were just breathtaking. (On a side note, if you missed the steamboat exhibit, they kept a few items to display in their collection - including perfectly preserved pickles. Yep, you read that correctly. Name another museum where you can see something like that!)
I'm also a big fan of the fact that this museum goes above and beyond basic text-based exhibits, which is a easy trap that history museums in particular can fall into. This place knows how to use text descriptions, pictures, videos, replicas and actual historical objects, and more to create an experience that just draws you in. In the main hall of the museum alone, you can walk alongside, climb into and sit inside an old Pittsburgh streetcar. Short of visiting another museum in Washington County, there's nowhere nearby where you can do something like this, and it's that blend of reading and interacting with things which makes this museum such a blast for people of all ages and with varying degrees of interest in history.
Don't think that you just have to walk in, see what they have and then go on your way to experience this museum, either; they also offer a range of special events, screenings and more that are so worth checking out. I most recently had the pleasure of attending a talk hosted by Eliot Daley - former president of the "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" organization - which was all about the life and legacy left by Mister Rogers himself. After this lecture we were invited to explore the newest arrivals to the history center: original sets and props from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." That kind of experience is just irreplaceable in my opinion. I've also had the pleasure of attending events and shows hosted by this museum's local affiliates off-site, including one lecture that was presented by a very interesting Westinghouse impersonator. Add in additional special events such as History Uncorked and even their periodic segments on local news and documentaries, and you have a museum that's gone out of its way to become a part of the community, not just a place to visit. And I love that - I think it's great that this museum is able to overcome the stereotype of "dusty history museums" and make itself such an important part of the community by doing things like that.
Two big thumbs up from me - this is an awesome museum and one that I appreciate more and more with each event they host and new exhibit they put up. Visit them sometime soon to explore their exhibits or even enjoy a special event if you haven't yet!
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