Robert Barensfeld Center

Begin your prehistoric journey at the Robert Barensfeld Center, a welcoming new facility at Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village.

The Barensfeld Center offers an exciting launch point to explore one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America.

Enjoy a wide range of amenities, including:

  • An orientation room that sets the stage for exploring Meadowcroft’s 275-acre site
  • A gift shop filled with exclusive merchandise, educational items, and local souvenirs
  • A shaded picnic pavilion with a wood-burning fireplace that makes the perfect place for lunch
  • A library for research and reference
  • Meeting and event spaces that support school field trips, public programs, workshops, and private rentals

The Barensfeld Center also houses the new Meadowcroft: The Site that Rocked the World exhibition, which brings the incredible story of Meadowcroft’s discovery to life.

Among the artifacts displayed in the new exhibition, the Miller Point takes center stage. On view for the first time in Meadowcroft’s history, this prehistoric stone tool played a pivotal role in reshaping our understanding of early human life in North America.

Discovered on July 31, 1976, by archaeologist Joe Yedlowski during a University of Pittsburgh excavation led by Dr. James M. Adovasio, the Miller Point provided critical evidence that Meadowcroft is the earliest known site of human habitation in North America, used as a campsite by prehistoric hunters and gatherers nearly 19,000 years ago.

The Robert Barensfeld Center is made possible with support from the Barensfeld Family, Cindrich Family, Torrence M. Hunt Jr., E. Alex Paris III, and Richard L. & Margaret White. Financial support provided by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor; Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED); Washington County Local Share Account (LSA) Program; and with funds from gaming revenues under the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act and Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency.