Fort Pitt Field Trips
Bring 18th-century Pittsburgh to life for your students at the Fort Pitt Museum.
Through hands-on activities, primary sources, and immersive galleries, students explore the people, places, and pivotal events that shaped Western Pennsylvania from the French & Indian War through the American Revolution.
Plus, thanks to the Kamin “Free for Kids” initiative, field trips at the Fort are free for all K-12 students and schools!
Field Trip Experiences
All field trips and experiences are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and must be booked at least one month in advance. Museum staff will send a confirmation email once your booking is secured.
Guided Field Trip
Outposts of Empire
Learn how Pittsburgh began by exploring the conflict over the forks of the Ohio River between the British, French, and Indians during the 18th century. Students will explore the timeline of the French & Indian War and participate in hands-on activities related to life at Fort Pitt, which may include a cannon, musket, or marching drill. Students will also learn about the fur trade that made Fort Pitt, and the Point, a major trading post between Europeans and Indians in a recreated fur trading cabin.
Availability: Tuesday through Friday, year-round
Grade levels: Adaptable for grades 3–12
Duration: 60-75 minutes
Capacity: Minimum of 15 students, maximum of 75 students
Cost: Free, thanks to the Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative
Self-Guided Field Trip
Self-Guided Field Trips are a great option for educators who would like to facilitate their own museum experience and direct student learning to fit their lesson plans. This opportunity allows students to explore at their own pace and engage in discussion with their peers, fostering independent critical thinking and curiosity.
Availability: Monday through Friday, year-round
Grade levels: Adaptable for grades 3–12
Duration: Up to two hours
Capacity: Minimum of 10 students, maximum of 50 students
Cost: Free, thanks to the Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative
Field Trip Add-Ons
Bring your curriculum to life with a customized field trip to the Fort Pitt Museum. Collaborate with museum educators to upgrade your experience or design your own!
Add-ons include:
Rifle and Musket Demonstrations: $50, adds 15 minutes to field trip
Soldier Life & Cannon Drill: $5 per student, adds 30 minutes to field trip length, includes rifle/musket demonstration
Writing with Ink and Quill Pen: $5 per student, adds 30 minutes to field trip
18th-Century Games for Kids (Grades 3-8): $5 per student, adds 30 minutes to field trip
Lecture on American Indians in Western Pennsylvania (Grades 8-12): $5 per student, adds 30 minutes to field trip
Gift Bags: $3 per student, include arrowhead, postcard, and Fort Pitt pencil
Please request add-ons in your initial field trip request form. If you have questions about crafting a custom experience or modifications, please contact Justin Meinert, education and living history manager at [email protected].
Note: Add-ons are not covered by the Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative. While general school field trips are eligible for free student admission, custom experiences require additional planning and resources and are subject to standard program fees.