Fort Pitt Museum — Attraction in Pittsburgh

Was really fun to go and explore the museum and see all the history of Pittsburgh through their well presented exhibits and built displays of older buildings. Also if you want a good view of the river then there’s an observation room with huge windows and some seating on the second floor. The wonderful person up front was very friendly and knowledgeable! They helped us figure out a few things that we were confused on.

Pros • Wheel Chair Accessible and easy to traverse for people hard of walking • Affordable Entries (kids under 5 I believe are free, don’t take my word for it though) • Knowledgeable, friendly and helpful Staff • Clean and well maintained Environment • Interesting and Fun Exhibits

Cons • No Available Tours • First floor felt like it was bare of exhibits pass the entrance • The Highway RIGHT ABOVE the park make the entrance noisy • There’s no brail or audio speakers at exhibits, and the text is quite small and hard to read for hard of seeing • Entrance exhibit has a few “phones” that are not working

Recommendations on how to view: 1- When you first walk in your presented with a diorama of the point, it what was Pittsburgh in the past. A fort built and fought. They have a phone you can pick up and hear a presenter talk and describe what everything is with lights showing the key points. 2- Exhibits of the surrounding areas with dioramas of the people who was around. Don’t forget to take photos at the photo stand in! See your self as either a soldier or a maiden w I do wish they had a couple more around the museum lol 3- On the right of the room is an elevator and stairs to the second floor with more exhibits further on. It’s recommended to go upstairs first to see the upper level’s exhibits before the other lower levels. 4- It’s best to start out your journey with their new exhibits, should be the left path after getting out of the elevator/stairwell. Signage will guide you through the exhibits and you will even stumble upon the aforementioned observatory room. 5- After seeing all the upper level of the museum, heading down with newfound knowledge of Pittsburgh’s origin story the first floor should be much more easier to understand with their exhibits. The remaining floor is much more open and has the larger much more interactive displays of what was in Fort Pitt and even a cabin depicting what was traded with travelers and the vibe that was there. 6- While exiting, taking one last look at the large diorama of Fort Pitt, asking any questions to the front receptionist (if they’re not busy of course) and maybe support the museum through its gift shop...

A Footnote in History for Piitsburgh's Fort Pitt Museum at Point State Park.

During the Bicentennial time-period, 1975-1981, Fort Pitt Museum & the Fort Pitt Museum Associates, Inc. presented one of the USA's most remarkable & thorough 18th Century living history programs.

With 300+ re-enactors at its height, the program included: (1) The Royal American Reg't., His Majesty's 60th Reg't. 1st Btn, comprised of (a) an 8-member grenadier detachment, (b) 2 line co's. of 100+ infantry, (c) a 6-member colour party with King's & Regimental Colours blessed at Westminster Abbey in London England, (d) a 4-member commissioned officers' corps comprised of 1 major- commandant, 1 captain, & 2 lieutenants, & a regimental serjeant-major, & (e) a 28-member battalion band comprised of 16 fifers, 8 snare drummers, 1 bass drummer, 2 cornets, & 1 drum major; (2) a light infantry detachment comprised of (a) 10 Roger's Rangers & (b) a 10-member squad of Colonial 2nd PA infantry, & (3) a Royal Artillery detachment with ordinance comprised of (a) a bronze 3-pdr. fieldpiece, (b) 2 bronze 3-pdr. garrison guns, (c) an iron 2-pdr. "galloper", (d) a 4" howitzer, & (e) 2 Coehorn mortars, which were crewed by (f) a captain, (g) 3 artillery matrosses, (h) 6 royal artillerists, (i) an armourer, & (j) 8 pioneers (engineers).

This organization toured throughout the U.S.'s Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, & Midwest for @15 weekends every summer season presenting its "5-star"/"1st class" impressions of the Royal Americans in both the French & Indian / Seven Years' Wars' & American Revolutionary War's time-periods. As an exceedingly large program rivalled only by the re-enactors of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation & the U.S. Army's 3rd Reg't. "The Old Guard", Fort Pitt Museum's re-enactors were, during the Nation's Bicentennial Era, very much in demand & seen, quite literally, by millions of enthused spectators during this heyday period of 18th Century re-enacting.

Contributed by: .../s/Bob Frazier. aka: Hon. Robert F. Frazier, Esq. Former Member of the PA House, & Former Major-Commandant of the 60th/1st, The Royal Americans, Plus Detachments, 1975-1981.

P.S. Pictures of the unit can be found in Stefan Lorant's famous book, "Pittsburgh", 1st & 2nd Editions. Photos from private collections will be posted as such...

The Fort Pitt Museum stands as a quiet haven in the bustling city of Pittsburgh, offering visitors a glimpse into the historical conflicts between the British, French, and Native Americans that shaped the region's past. Upon entering, my son and I were pleasantly surprised by the serene atmosphere that enveloped us, providing the perfect backdrop for delving into the exhibits on display.

The museum excels in presenting a comprehensive narrative of Pittsburgh's history, focusing on the intense struggles for control over the strategic location at the forks of the Ohio River. The detailed exhibits shed light on the interactions between the various parties involved, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded in the region.

One standout feature of the Fort Pitt Museum is the interactive elements scattered throughout the museum. These hands-on activities provide a unique opportunity for visitors, especially children, to engage with the historical content in a more tangible way. My son particularly enjoyed immersing himself in the past through these interactive displays, adding a layer of fun and education to our visit.

Overall, our experience at the Fort Pitt Museum left us satisfied and enriched. The museum's dedication to portraying the intricacies of Pittsburgh's history in a thoughtful manner was commendable, making it a worthwhile destination for both locals and tourists alike. I would recommend a visit to the Fort Pitt Museum to anyone interested in delving into the rich history of Pittsburgh and the forces that shaped its development.

In conclusion, the Fort Pitt Museum offers a captivating journey through Pittsburgh's past, providing a tranquil space for reflection and learning. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the region's heritage, a visit to this museum is sure to leave you informed...