A young child points at a large, vintage red Heinz wagon on display inside a museum. An adult stands beside the child. The setting includes industrial-style lighting and brick walls in the background.

Become a Member

Join the Ranks of History!

Be a part of history and become a History Center member today!

Buy Your Membership
Renew Your Membership
Buy a Gift Membership

Join the Smithsonian’s home in Pittsburgh today and get exclusive member perks and unlimited admission to four dynamic museums: the Heinz History Center, Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, and the Fort Pitt Museum.

Bonus! You’ll also become a member of the Smithsonian Institution, receiving the popular Smithsonian magazine, members-only discounts, and more.

Exciting Members-Only Perks

When you become a member, you receive these benefits at all levels:

  • Free, unlimited admission to the History Center, the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, and the Fort Pitt Museum.
  • All memberships include free admission for children 17 and under.
  • Invitations to special members-only events including exhibition previews, private tours, and more.
  • Subscription to Western Pennsylvania History quarterly magazine.
  • Subscription to Making History quarterly newsletter.
  • 10% discount on all purchases in the History Center Museum Shop. 
  • 10% discount in the Café at the History Center.
  • Discounts on public programs, tours, Detre Library & Archives services, and more.

When you become a History Center member, you also become a member of the Smithsonian Institution and receive these fantastic benefits:

  • Subscription to Smithsonian monthly magazine.
  • Discounts in select Smithsonian shops and dining facilities.
  • Free admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. (The Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC are free to the public.)
  • Reciprocal admission and discounts at participating Smithsonian Affiliate museums.
  • …and more! 

We need your help to preserve our history.

Members play an essential role in the success of the History Center’s mission and make it possible for the History Center to:

  • Present award-winning exhibitions and public programs that engage visitors of all ages.
  • Provide educational resources for students and teachers, including National History Day, educator workshops and school field trips that reach more than 35,000 students each year.
  • Preserve hundreds of thousands of historic artifacts and archival collections for future generations to enjoy.

For questions, additional information, or details on how to purchase a History Center membership as a gift, please contact the Advancement team at [email protected].

Memberships Levels

Individual –$60 Dual – $85
Standard benefits, plus…

  • Free, unlimited admission for 1 adult
Standard benefits, plus…

  • Free, unlimited admission for 2 adults
Friends & Family – $145 Fellow – $350
Standard benefits, plus…

  • Free, unlimited admission for six (6) adults
  • Receive 2 Membership Cards
  • Option to add a named Caregiver to Membership
Standard benefits, plus…

  • All benefits of Friends & Family
  • $4 off each additional guest admission pass (excludes programs & tours)

* A portion of your membership purchase may be tax deductible, above and beyond the $60 value of tangible goods and services received. We always recommend you consult your own tax preparer.

The History Center recently received the coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. That means you can give with confidence—knowing your donation is making a meaningful impact in preserving and sharing our region’s history.


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