A person reads a book at a desk in the library.

Detre Library & Archives

The Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center is Western Pennsylvania’s preeminent source for researching the region’s rich history.

Founded in 1879, the Library & Archives preserves the rich history of Western Pennsylvania, and makes its collections accessible to researchers, students, and the general public.

The Library & Archives collection includes:

  • 700,000 photographs, prints, and negatives
  • 40,000 books, pamphlets, and monographs
  • 3,500 individual archival collections of families, organizations, businesses, and industries
  • 600 periodical titles
  • 500 maps and atlases

Learn more about Western Pennsylvania, a region of cultural and ethnic diversity and unsurpassed significance in the history of industrialization and economic development.

Admission

Access to the Detre Library & Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center is free for all visitors. Visitors coming to the History Center solely to use the Library & Archives will not be charged admission; they will be given a special Library & Archives sticker at the Admissions Desk and directed to the 6th floor, where they will sign in. Paid admission to the museum is required to see the exhibits.

Hours

Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Special Hours

The Detre Library & Archives will close at 2pm on October 10 and December 12.

The Detre Library & Archives will be closed on November 28 (Thanksgiving), December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 1 (New Year’s Day).

Appointments are recommended for researcher visits to ensure the availability of materials. Please contact us to schedule your appointment.

Contact

Phone: 412-454-6364 Email: [email protected]

Make an Appointment

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