Heinz History Center, Fort Pitt Museum temporarily closing

The Senator John Heinz History Center and Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh will temporarily close due to new covid-19 restrictions.

To comply with Gov. Tom Wolf’s latest covid-19 mitigation orders, the facilities will be closed to the public from Saturday through Jan. 3.

“The health and safety of visitors, staff,and volunteers remains the History Center’s top priority, and we will continue to follow the guidance of local and state officials to help mitigate the spread of covid-19,” Andy Masich, History Center president and CEO, said. “We hope Pittsburghers mask up, stay safe, and harness that ‘We Can Do It!’ spirit this holiday season as we get through this pandemic together.”

Though the museum will be closed till the new year, the History Center’s History at Home online hub will continue to offer visitors a way to enjoy the museum’s offerings virtually. Through this portal, people can explore virtual exhibition tours, enjoy family activities, listen to podcasts or curator videos and scroll through thousands of historic images.

Museum officials are urging the community to support the Heinz History Center and its affiliated museums — including the Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark in Avella — during this temporary closure.

The museum’s online store remains open, with items ranging from Mister Rogers and Heinz merchandise to Pittsburgh-themed gifts and face masks. Order by Dec. 15 for guaranteed shipping by Christmas.

Museum officials also urged people to support the museums by purchasing a membership. Family and dual gift memberships — which include a membership to the Smithsonian, with which Heinz History Center is affiliated — come with a holiday tote bag for a limited time.

The Heinz History Center is also accepting tax-deductible donations.

For more information and reopening updates, visit the Heinz History Center website.