Kamins donate $11.5 million to Heinz History Center

The Senator John Heinz History Center will soon be even more accessible to children and students.

On Tuesday, the History Center announced a gift of $11.5 million from philanthropists Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin. The longtime supporters of the History Center and other Pittsburgh institutions have offered the monetary infusion for the purpose of allowing free admission to kids year-round. The program begins on Sept. 1.

“Learning and understanding our history has never been more critical. We are proud to support the Heinz History Center and its important mission,” Carole Kamin said in a release. “Dan and I hope this gift helps to eliminate one barrier for families and schools alike, so they can explore our region’s rich heritage and be inspired to make a difference.”

“Kids are the building blocks of our community,” said Andy Masich, president and CEO of the History Center, at an event at the museum on Tuesday. “We don’t want there to be any obstacles to kids learning about history.”

Masich said that providing free admission to the History Center has long been a dream for him.

“This will be one of the most impactful gifts ever received in the nearly 150-year history of the History Center,” Masich said. “Dan and Carole have been longtime, steadfast supporters of the History Center, as evidenced by, well, you’re sitting in the Dan and Carole Kamin Courtyard right now.” He gestured around the History Center’s first floor Great Hall.

The couple has a stunning history of giving in the Western Pennsylvania area; they were honored with the 2024 Outstanding Philanthropists award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Western Pennsylvania Chapter. Last year, they gave to around 175 smaller organizations and foundations, along with giving through their own family fund.

They also provided a $65 million gift to the Carnegie Science Center, which will change its name to The Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center later this year.

“The most important person here is my husband, Dan,” Carole Kamin said at the event. “He has worked tirelessly for many, many, many years to have us come to this point in our life where six months ago, nine months ago, a year ago, no longer than that, would we ever have thought that we were able to help the Pittsburgh community and nonprofits as we have today.”

The History Center Kamin Free For Kids initiative will provide free admission for kids 17 and under and for school groups visiting the museum. The program applies to the Heinz History Center in the Strip District and the Fort Pitt Museum in Point State Park.

The contribution will also aid the History Center in a planned expansion, including a new orientation theatre, classrooms, exhibition space and more.

“This is the most significant individual contribution the History Center has ever received — a true watershed moment for our organization,” said Masich in a release. “Dan and Carole have been steadfast supporters of our museum, and this extraordinary gift firmly establishes their legacy as philanthropic leaders in both our city and our nation. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, we want to remove obstacles that keep young people from learning about their history. Thanks to this transformative gift, we are on our way to realizing that vision.”

Masich discussed the planned expansion at the Tuesday morning event, including building out the first floor’s Great Hall. “We’re going to double the footprint of the History Center,” he said. “What city deserves the best history center in the world? Pittsburgh.

“There’s a lot more to come, but the History Center has always been the ‘people museum.’ We tell the stories of people, stories that inspire us, stories that make us want to do better and build bigger,” he said.