Heinz History Center acquires archives of Pittsburgh-born historian David McCullough

The Senator John Heinz History Center has acquired the archives of one of the nation’s most beloved historians, Pittsburgh native David McCullough.

“There would be no Heinz History Center without David McCullough,” Andy Masich, president and CEO of the history center, said in a statement Thursday announcing the acquisition.

“It’s altogether fitting that the McCullough family has entrusted our organization with preserving David’s legacy and sharing his life’s work with the city and nation he loved so dearly.”

Considered one of the founders of the modern center, McCullough provided leadership during the museum’s relocation from Oakland to the Strip District in 1996.

Born and raised in the Point Breeze neighborhood, McCullough garnered national recognition for his American history books and narrations during a distinguished career that spanned five decades. He died in 2022 at the age of 89.

“Our father loved Pittsburgh and his deep Pittsburgh roots. He was as proud as could be of the Heinz History Center and his own long-term involvement with the museum,” said Dorie McCullough Lawson, David’s daughter. “We are delighted and grateful that his archives have such a distinguished home, as he always liked to recite, ‘Where the Allegheny meets the Monongahela to form the broad Ohio.’”

Highlights of the David McCullough Archive include:

• The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award a U.S. citizen can receive, presented to McCullough in 2006 by President George W. Bush

• Two Pulitzer Prize awards for “Truman” (1993) and “John Adams” (2002), along with the original manuscripts for both books

• The manual Royal Standard upright typewriter used by McCullough when writing his books

• An Emmy Award for his work on the PBS show “Smithsonian World”

• Manuscripts and proofs for his first book, “The Johnstown Flood” (1968)

• Letters to and from U.S. presidents and government leaders, as well as notable writers, journalists, and artists

• Production materials documenting McCullough’s work for television and film, including “Smithsonian World,” “American Experience,” and projects with Ken Burns

• Drafts of books, articles, and speeches from throughout his career

• Photography, artifacts, and other family history

Masich said he envisions the archive will be used in future exhibits, programs and research.

Book launch

Some materials from the archive will be on display at the Nov. 19 launch of a new book inspired by McCullough’s work, “History Matters: Essays on the Importance of the Past,” featuring a conversation between his daughter, Dorie McCullough Lawson, and Masich.

The book launch will be at 6:30 p.m. at the History Center, 1212 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh.

The book is a collection of essays, many never published, that capture McCullough’s voice on the lessons of the past and the enduring values that shape the American story. Edited by Dorie McCullough Lawson and longtime collaborator Michael Hill, “History Matters” offers a personal, intimate portrait of McCullough.

The book, which includes a foreword by Jon Meacham, the historian and author, also shares McCullough’s advice on writing along with his own early influences and inspirations.

The “History Matters” book launch is part of the history center’s year-long commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in partnership with America250PA.