Discover the Region’s American Indian History
Over the past decade, Fort Pitt Museum and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village staff members have established important relationships with American Indian tribal communities who once called Western Pa. home. Many of the federally recognized tribes who once dwelled in our region, including the Shawnee, Seneca, Seneca-Cayuga, and Delaware, no longer reside here. Museum staff have traveled as far as Oklahoma to meet with tribal leaders and expand their knowledge of the history and culture of these communities. The Fort Pitt Museum shares the stories of American Indian history year- round through public programs, educational outreach, and exhibitions. This past September, Fort Pitt partnered with Meadowcroft for American Indian Heritage Weekend, where Native American tribal members showcased their traditions and culture through live demonstrations while interacting with visitors. In summer 2024, the Fort Pitt Museum will open a major exhibition that will take a comprehensive look at the American Indian tribes from Western Pa. and how their presence changed the course of history in the region. The exhibition is supported by the Laurel Foundation .
Tribal members demonstrate traditional cooking techniques during American Indian Heritage Weekend.
Honoring the Life & Legacy of Franco Harris
Nearly one year after the death of legendary Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris, the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum continues to preserve his legacy. Through dozens of rare and never-been-seen objects and archival materials, the Super Steelers exhibition examines the life and career of Harris, the New Jersey native and Penn State star who captivated Pittsburgh with his hard-running style and intensity during his rookie season in 1972. The exhibit features artifacts that symbolize his talent, skill, sportsmanship, and perseverance on and off the field, including Harris’ four Super Bowl rings and Pro Football Hall of Fame ring. Other rare artifacts include Harris’ football jersey from Rancocas Valley High School (N.J.), his own “Franco’s Italian Army” helmet, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, and Pro Football Hall of Fame jacket.
The Franco Harris installation is on view now in the Sports Museum.
Franco Harris wearing his Super Bowl IX ring, 2022. Courtesy of Pittsburgh Steelers, photograph by Karl Roser.
Rockin’ the Past, Present, and Future at Meadowcroft
This past June, Dr. James M. Adovasio led an exclusive Insider Tour of the renowned Meadowcroft Rockshelter to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the site’s first archaeological excavation. During the tour, visitors had the opportunity to view the National Historic Landmark with Dr. Adovasio, who led the first excavation of the site with his University of Pittsburgh field team in 1973. A half-century later, archaeological work at Meadowcroft continues. Recently, Dr. Adovasio led the most extensive excavation completed at the site during the last 30 years, focusing on an area heavily used during the early Woodland period (about 1000 BC). Looking ahead to the future, Meadowcroft is preparing for a significant expansion, including a new visitor center and facilities to better accommodate visitors who travel to the site from around the globe. Part of the Meadowcroft expansion includes a “prehistoric trail” where extinct species like mastodons and the American lion that once roamed the region will be seen as life-sized models in their natural environment.
Dr. Adovasio leads an Insider Tour of the Meadowcroft Rockshelter.
4 | The Newsletter of the Senator John Heinz History Center
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