Pouring Out the Ketchup at the Heinz History Center
What do Mister Rogers, Heinz ketchup, and the glass industry all have in common? Find out at the Senator John Heinz History Center in my review of this unique history museum.
I have always felt a connection to Pittsburgh and its unique history. Growing up in a historic factory town in Connecticut, I observed the evolution of a once-bustling industrial city as it faced the difficulties of a post-industrial age. The evolution of Pittsburgh is a fascinating journey that reflects its transformation into the vibrant city we know today. Originally founded in the mid-18th century at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, Pittsburgh quickly became a strategic military and trading post. The 19th century saw the city flourish as a hub for steel production, earning it the nickname “Steel City.” This industrial boom attracted a diverse population, leading to a rich cultural tapestry. However, as the steel industry declined in the late 20th century, Pittsburgh faced significant economic challenges. In response, the city reinvented itself, focusing on technology, healthcare, and education, ultimately emerging as a model of urban revitalization and resilience. The Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh stands as a testament to the rich history of Western Pennsylvania. While the building is topped with the classic Heinz sign, it is named after the late Senator who tragically died in a plane crash in 1991. Let’s explore some of the incredible highlights of one of my favorite history museums.
A Clash of Empires in Pittsburgh
As you step out of the elevator on the fifth floor, you are welcomed by a remarkably lifelike mannequin of Tanaghrisson, the Ohio Iroquois leader. This marks the beginning of the Clash of Empires exhibit, which highlights the British, French, and Indian Wars, all of which converged in what is now recognized as Western Pennsylvania during that era.
Other lifelike mannequins representing various figures from the war are showcased, including George Washington, a Hungarian Red Coat soldier, and a former slave from Massachusetts who fought at Lake George. The narratives are captivating, and I was pleased to see a history museum address the diverse individuals and viewpoints of the war, without necessarily placing an opinion or judgement on the war itself. Additionally, there are many text and photo displays, along with video screens presenting dramatizations of the conflict.
The back galleries known as the Barensfeld Galleries usually has a temporary exhibit. During my particular visit, America 250 was on display and featured numerous paintings that took on a nuanced and balanced view of American society in this time.
Pro Tip: Take a left when you exit the elevator onto this floor, and go up the ramp. On a nice day, you’ll get a beautiful view of the city including some of its numerous bridges over the rivers.
From Slavery to Freedom
Most if not all American history museums have a slavery exhibit, and for good reason. It’s a shameful but essential part of American history where it is necessary to not be ashamed of it, but to use it as a teaching tool so it never returns and never comes back in future generations. This exhibit on the fourth floor offered a local connection in that many slaves who sought freedom would end up in not only Ohio but Western Pennsylvania. One huge takeaway for me was that post-abolition of slavery, there was also an extension of slavery that existed in Pennsylvania known as “indenture”, which existed until the Civil War. In my study of slavery in college, I was always fascinated with the shades of gray between free states and slave states, and this made me think more about how “free states” weren’t always so free.
