Our Mission
We operate our museum and research facility to preserve and present the history of McKeesport and its surrounding communities for public education and enjoyment.
Our Vision
We’re creating a community (members, visitors, and residents…past, present, and future) with a greater understanding and appreciation of this region’s history and its diverse cultural heritage.
Founded in 1980, the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center is a nonprofit museum and research facility dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the Mon Valley. The Center proudly houses McKeesport’s first schoolhouse, built in 1832, and features more than 7,200 square feet of exhibits across seven rooms, along with an extensive research library. Our exhibits explore McKeesport’s once-thriving industrial past, showcase detailed models of local churches, and honor the city’s diverse places of worship. Visitors can also explore exhibits highlighting arts and entertainment, prominent retail businesses, and everyday life through immersive 1930s-era living room and kitchen displays. The museum places special emphasis on the region’s earliest history, including George Washington’s time in McKeesport, his meeting with Queen Aliquippa, and the lasting influence of the McKee family. Additional exhibits celebrate the area’s strong sports traditions and recognize the vital contributions of local military service members throughout our nation’s history. The museum’s collections and research materials are made possible through generous donations from private individuals, businesses, and organizations, ensuring that the stories of McKeesport and the Mon Valley are preserved for future generations.
Our members hail from local neighborhoods and across the United States. Membership includes complimentary entrance to most programs, private tour arrangements, gift shop discounts, the use of an extensive research archive, and access to our ancestry.com and newspapers.com subscriptions. For more information about our membership, please visit here.
Beyond being a museum, the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center serves as a vibrant community hub, offering public programs, educational opportunities, and interactive historical reenactments throughout the year. General admission is $5.00 for adults, while children under 18 are admitted free. Members enjoy complimentary admission to the museum and all events, along with research privileges and a 10% discount in the gift shop..
The Heritage Center is guided by a Board of Directors and supported by a small but dedicated staff. At the heart of our operation are our volunteers who are here to help us with collections, operations, and hosting our programs and events. If you are interested in getting involved with us, visit our volunteer webpage or subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new opportunities.
