4th Floor
Long-Term Exhibition

Western Pennsylvania's unique blend of cultures, people, and ideas have distinguished our region as a place that is both a beloved hometown and a leader of innovation.

Special Collections, a 10,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art open storage gallery, brings together a rich collection of artifacts that reflect this special heritage.

Highlights from Special Collections include:

• Iconic items from various ethnic communities including African American, Carpatho Rusyn, Czech, Germanic, Irish, Italian, Jewish, Polish, Serbian, Slovak, and more
  
• Ethnic costumes and vintage clothing, including dresses, hats, and handbags
  
• Unique artifacts from local businesses and corporations such as Alcoa, H.J. Heinz, Gulf Oil, Mellon Financial, U.S. Steel, and Westinghouse
  
• Toys from the 19th and 20th centuries, including roller skates, fire trucks, and dolls
  
•  A 1941 Cadillac hearse from the Gaines Funeral Home, one of the oldest continuous African American businesses in the region
  
• Mr. Rogers’ sweater, sneakers, and trolley
  
• Stained glass

MP3 audio players featuring local Pittsburgh personalities help to tell the stories behind many of the items. Preview the MP3 audio tours below:

Exhibit overview with History Center President & CEO Andy Masich

Stained glass overview

On-site computer workstations allow visitors to study specific artifacts in even more depth.

A large window inside the collections management area, “The Grace M. Compton Conservation Lab,” provides behind-the-scenes access to museum professionals.