Heritage Discovery Center — Attraction in Johnstown

HDC occupies an old factory building, and has two main displays. One is a film about the early iron and steel industry, which were, along with the related mining and railroads, key to Johnstown's history. Not just the floods, but the rich history of immigration and the ethnic churches and neighborhoods. And the second exhibit is about just that -- the experience of immigrants. There are other features, including a children's museum, and an exhibit dedicated to the various wares that Johnstown manufacturing produced in days gone past -- from glassware to hot water radiators so many of us used. There is also, during growing season, of a display of plants that are native to this area, with a wonderful overview of the Cambria City neighborhood, which was the home of so many ethnic groups. BTW, do NOT use the mailing address on your GPS. Use 699 Broad St., Johnstown. THAT will get you to the entrance of the HDC...

The Children's Floor is staffed by some of the kindest and most enthusiastic individuals you will ever meet. It is a great place for imaginative play. They just added a new imaginative play section where kids can pretend to be dentists, vets, beauticians, florists, firefighters, coal miners, scientists, and other professions. Their play kitchen and store are well stocked with goodies to keep little ones entertained. There is a section where kids can experiment with plumbing and construct a dam using different materials. The coal mine slide is well executed and a lot of fun too!

People using mobility aids, like walkers or wheelchairs, and strollers may want to call ahead. Elevator has been undergoing repairs off and on. When we recently went it was...

Love the children’s museum. We’ve been here at least three times. It is johnstown specific but again, needs a reinvestment in supplies. For example, you can do water play where you recreate the flood of 1889. Now, the wood pieces are so worn from use that they no longer provide the dam breaking experience and the water just all trickles through. Some exhibits have been broken for years, while others remain in excellent condition and have been updated. My Kids fav remains the coal exhibit- my great great grandfather was a coal miner here and I like that the kids can connect with and learn more about that experience hands on. The museum just needs some investment in the exhibits and it will be 5...