February 2 - May 12, 2013

The year 1968 was a watershed year in American history — a turning point for the nation and its people. A year of vivid colors, startling sounds, and searing images. A turbulent, relentless cascade of events that changed America forever. From assassinations and conflicts, pop culture and free love, civil rights and women's rights, Americans questioned traditional values and authority that sent shockwaves across the country, including in Western Pennsylvania.

A Year to Remember

1968: The Year That Rocked America, presented by UPMC Health Plan, chronicles the pivotal year in U.S. history that saw assertions of Black Power at the Olympic Games, the national launch of Pittsburgh-produced "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," stardom for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, the debut of locally made cult classic "Night of the Living Dead," and the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The year began with the Tet Offensive, the deadliest period of an increasingly divisive Vietnam War, and ended with hope for the future, as the Apollo 8 capsule beamed back images of "Earthrise" from the far side of the moon for the first time.

An Exhibit You'll Never Forget

1968: The Year That Rocked America features nearly a dozen interactive video presentations and more than 100 evocative artifacts that explore how the year 1968 helped shape our modern world. Explore the sights and sounds of '68, including:

• Original set and several puppets from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," on public display for the first time outside of the WQED studios
• 20-foot Bell UH-1H "Huey" helicopter used in the Vietnam War — the largest item ever displayed inside a History Center exhibition
• Video footage from Dr. Martin Luther King's final public speech and items from King's funeral at Ebenezer Baptist Church, including the communion plate, microphone, and program
• Apollo 8 mission artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum, including the astronaut helmet, checklist, and watch, along with a full-size replica of the lunar module
• Torch from the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City and a game-used football from Super Bowl II
• Items from counterculture icons, including Janis Joplin's bellbottom pants and feather boa
• Interactive stations where you can cast your vote in the 1968 presidential election, test your knowledge of '60s music trivia, or design your own psychedelic album cover

Plan Your Visit

Be there or be square. Click here for museum hours and admission rates. Find out about related programs and events.

This major traveling exhibition is organized by the Minnesota History Center in association with the Atlanta History Center, the Chicago History Museum and the Oakland Museum of California, and is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Presenting Sponsor

Sponsors

Group Tours

Book your group tour now for 1968: The Year That Rocked America. Group tour tickets are available at special rates and include access to all six floors of History Center exhibitions. A complimentary docent is available to lead your experience. You can even combine a tour of the exhibit with breakfast or lunch catered by MixStirs Cafe´.

Party Like It's 1968

Create a full evening by touring the exhibit and revisiting the moments that made 1968 so extraordinary. Your group can enjoy award-winning catering from the Common Plea in one of our unique event spaces.

Group Tour Rates

For groups of 10 or more, rates are $10 per person and, and $9 for Seniors (62+).

More Information

For more information on group tour prices, dates, and booking, please contact Margaret Kerr at 412-454-6428 or makerr@heinzhistorycenter.org.