Hands-on educational programs at Meadowcroft allow your students to explore the history of life on the land in the upper Ohio Valley.
Through entertaining and educational activities, students can discover the prehistoric world of hunter-gatherers who camped at Meadowcroft Rockshelter 16,000 years ago, explore the culture and lifestyle of the Eastern Woodland Indians, or experience the sights and sounds of daily life in a 19th century rural community.
Meadowcroft offers three different educational programs:
Each program costs $5 per child. Any two programs may be combined at a cost of $8 per child.
Meadowcroft facilities are also available to Scouts or other youth groups for overnight camping experiences.
Please contact Fran Skariot at 724-587-3412 or frskariot@heinzhistorycenter.org for more information and to make reservations. You may also click here to fill out our online form.
Guidelines
Chaperones
Accessibility
Arrival Procedure
Food
Museum Shop
Meadowcroft is primarily an outdoor museum. It is important that all field trip participants dress appropriately for the weather. Rainy days are common in the spring so ensure that students bring raincoats, ponchos, or umbrellas when rain is a possibility. Be aware that strongly scented perfumes and hair sprays sometimes attract insects. Insect repellent is permitted. We suggest that all visitors stay on the trails.
Chaperones
Meadowcroft requires that two adults (admitted free) accompany each group of twenty students. Additional adults are welcome, but will be charged the regular program fee. Chaperones must accompany students at all times. It is particularly important that students not touch any artifacts unless invited to do so by museum staff. This protects the artifacts and helps to ensure the safety of the students.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies depending on the educational program. The viewing platform at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter is located at the top of 65 steps. Rest areas are provided on the stairwell. The Woodland Encounters program takes place within a forest clearing located at the end of a 150' paved trail. Both the trail and the Indian village are accessible. The 19th century village is partially accessible with some of the buildings having a few steps. We ask that any student with special needs be accompanied by an adult who can help them to navigate the site if necessary. Visually impaired students are welcome and will have many hands-on opportunities as they listen to talks given by museum staff. Teachers are encouraged to call Meadowcroft at 724-587-3412 to discuss any accessibility-related concerns.
Arrival Procedure
Upon arriving at Meadowcroft, the bus should pull up in front of the Visitors Center. While students remain on the bus, the lead teacher enters the building to purchase tickets and receive instructions. The only restrooms at Meadowcroft are located at the Visitors Center. Students will be given the opportunity to use the restrooms prior to beginning their educational program.
Food
Students will need to bring bagged lunches with them as only light snacks and soft drinks are available at the museum gift shop. A picnic pavilion, outdoor picnic tables, and limited indoor seating are available on a first-come basis. During pleasant weather, school groups frequently picnic on the grass behind the Visitors Center.
Museum Shop
School groups are welcome to visit the museum gift shop provided they are accompanied by a teacher or chaperone. In addition to regular shopping, the gift shop also offers pre-packaged souvenir gift bags. Call Meadowcroft at 724-587-3412 to discuss the cost and contents of gift bags. The gift shop is located within the Visitors Center.
