My America: An Illustrated Experience

Opening October 11, 2025

What does America mean to you?

In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Heinz History Center has partnered with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators (PSI) to create an exhibition that explores that very question.

Featuring 63 original works of art by 35 illustrators, My America: An Illustrated Experience uses the power of illustration to reflect on ideals associated with the American Revolution and the pillars at the heart of the nation’s founding — freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity.

From watercolor and portraiture to sculpture and cartoons, the artwork asks visitors to consider how American ideals have been realized, challenged, and redefined over time.

Exhibit highlights include:

• Portraits of beloved Pittsburghers like civil rights activist Daisy Lampkin, environmentalist Rachel Carson, and television host Fred Rogers
• A large-scale sculpture of 50 historical figures, including the flag-raisers at Iwo Jima, highlighted by imagery of Americans through time
• Illustrations of iconic places, from Plimoth Plantation to Pittsburgh neighborhoods, that explore the meaning of home and community
• The artwork “Thoughts and Prayers” which is designed to spark reflection and civil discourse about freedom of expression
• Hands-on interactives that invite you to create your own art, from designing a felt flag to piecing together a puzzle that reflects your vision of America

On view in the museum’s fifth floor Barensfeld Gallery, My America marks the 30th anniversary of PSI, one of the largest illustrator groups in the United States.

Celebrate the voices that shaped our nation, embrace diverse perspectives, and continue the shared work of building a more perfect union to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

The exhibition will be on view through Sept. 8, 2026.

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The My America: An Illustrated Experience exhibition is part of the History Center’s year-long commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in partnership with America250PA.

America250PA was established by the Pennsylvania state legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.

My America is also part of the History Center’s America 101 initiative, which empowers and inspires citizens to learn more about history and civics through public programs, special exhibitions, digital learning tools, and educational curriculum.