Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village

10/14/2026

Don't miss your chance to hear from one of the archaeologists who helped uncover Meadowcroft’s remarkable past! ⛏️

Join us this Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Heinz History Center the as archaeologist Dr. Diane Beynon Landers shares memories from her time on the original Meadowcroft Rockshelter excavation team and reflects on her career spanning more than 40 years.

In conversation with Meadowcroft Director Dave Scofield, she'll revisit her experiences working alongside the late Dr. James Adovasio, share stories from the early excavations, and discuss the discoveries that helped reshape our understanding of North America's earliest inhabitants.

There's still time to get your tickets! Reserve your spot today. Link in comments.

📸Dr. Diane Landers inside the Meadowcroft Rockshelter in 1974.

10/07/2026

Hear firsthand stories from one of the archaeologists who helped uncover Meadowcroft’s remarkable past. ⛏️

Join us at the History Center on Thursday, Oct. 15, as Dr. Diane Beynon Landers looks back on her time as a member of the original Meadowcroft Rockshelter excavation team and her career in archaeology spanning more than 40 years.

Dr. Landers worked closely with the late Dr. James Adovasio and others whose research at Meadowcroft reshaped our understanding of the first peoples in North America.

In conversation with Meadowcroft Director Dave Scofield, she’ll share memories of working with Dr. Adovasio, stories from those early excavations, and the discoveries and experiences that shaped her career.

Purchase your ticket now:

Go beneath the surface with Dr. Diane Beynon Landers as she reflects on her storied archaeology career.

10/06/2026

The Heinz History Center and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village are deeply saddened about the passing of Dr. James Adovasio, the renowned archaeologist who achieved international acclaim with his excavation of the Meadowcroft Rockshelter beginning in 1973.

His work at Meadowcroft brought the first serious challenge to the existing paradigm that people had only been on the North American continent for 13,000 years. Evidence from the Adovasio-led excavation at the Rockshelter demonstrated a human presence at the site dating back at least 19,000 years.

Thanks to the work of Dr. Adovasio and his team, the Rockshelter was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2005 and welcomes thousands of archaeology enthusiasts from around the world each year.

“Jim’s demand for archaeological precision and determination in the face of adversity helped bring scientific gravitas to the Meadowcroft Rockshelter,” said David Scofield, director at Meadowcroft. “Having known Jim for over 30 years, he had a huge influence on my life and countless others. His scientific breakthroughs at Meadowcroft have impacted the world and how we study North America’s earliest people.”

Dr. Adovasio served as the Director of Archaeology for the History Center and was recognized as a History Maker award recipient in 2023. In addition to his work at Meadowcroft, he excavated at locations around the world and was recognized as a global authority on perishable materials such as ancient basketry and textiles.

All of us at the History Center and Meadowcroft send our thoughts and condolences to Jim’s wife Judy and family.

https://www.goerie.com/obituaries/psom1577928

10/02/2026

Planning a visit to Meadowcroft this weekend?

Visitors traveling from the Bridgeville area via Route 50 should plan for extra travel time this weekend.

Route 50 in Cecil Township will be closed beginning Friday (Oct. 2) evening through Monday (Oct. 5) morning, with a posted detour in place. In addition, visitors traveling through Hickory on Route 50 may encounter heavier traffic and delays due to the Hickory Apple Festival.

If you’re joining us for Archaeology Day on Saturday or Walk in Penn’s Woods on Sunday, please check your route before leaving and allow additional travel time!

Detour Map

10/01/2026

From ancient artifacts to autumn trails, there’s a lot happening at Meadowcroft this weekend! 🍂

⚒️ Archaeology Day

On Saturday, Oct. 3, celebrate Pennsylvania Archaeology Month with artifact identification and demonstrations exploring the tools used by people throughout the region’s past.

🍁 Walk in Penn’s Woods

Then on Sunday, Oct. 4, take in the changing leaves on a guided woodland walk exploring Meadowcroft’s landscape, native plants and wildlife, and how the region’s forests have changed over thousands of years.

Both programs are included with regular admission, and kids 17 and under visit Meadowcroft for FREE, thanks to UPMC and UPMC Health Plan!

09/29/2026

Think you’ve found an artifact? Bring it to Meadowcroft and an archaeologist might be able to help solve the mystery behind it! 🔎

On Saturday, Oct. 3, join us for Archaeology Day to meet archaeologists from the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, bring along your own suspected artifacts for expert identification, and discover how clues left behind can reveal what everyday life was like thousands of years ago.

This program is included with regular admission and kids aged 17 and under visit Meadowcroft for FREE this fall, thanks to UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.

Dig into the past at Meadowcroft’s Archaeology Day!

09/28/2026

Fort Pitt and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village once had their own soundtrack? 🎶

Pictured is the Fort Pitt Royal American Regiment album, recorded at Meadowcroft in 1976 and formerly sold in the gift shops at both the Fort Pitt Museum and Meadowcroft.

The two-sided record featured popular 18th-century martial music tunes, bringing the sounds of the era straight to your turntable! 💿

09/18/2026

The Covered Bridge Festival kicks off tomorrow at Meadowcroft! 🍂

Join us Sept. 19-20 for the Washington & Greene Counties Covered Bridge Festival and experience the charm of Meadowcroft’s historic Pine Bank Covered Bridge.

Built in 1871 and saved from demolition by Meadowcroft founder Albert Miller, the beautifully restored bridge offers a unique glimpse into 19th-century craftsmanship and engineering.

Admission to the Pine Bank Covered Bridge and Meadowcroft’s historic villages is FREE during the festival. Tours of the Meadowcroft Rockshelter will also be available for $5 per person.

Come spend a fall weekend exploring Meadowcroft! 🍁

Visit Meadowcroft for free during Washington and Greene Counties’ Annual Covered Bridge Festival.

09/14/2026

History is on the lesson plan at Meadowcroft! 📚🍂

Join us for the Fall Homeschool Open House on Thursday, Sept. 17, a special day of activities and exploration designed exclusively for homeschool students and their families.

Explore thousands of years of history with a Rockshelter tour, experience life in our historic villages, and more!

Please note: This event is for homeschool families only. Advance registration is encouraged.

Enjoy a hands-on history day just for homeschoolers!

09/10/2026

For 57 years, Meadowcroft Historic Village has welcomed generations of visitors to experience Western Pennsylvania’s living history firsthand.

We strive to be a place for all—join us as we quickly approach the last hours to match your generosity!

Help us reach our $30,000 goal to complete the work needed this season.

🛡️Protect a historic treasure and keep the Log Church safe, stable, and standing tall within our village landscape.
💡Enrich student learning through immersive educational programming for thousands of local schoolchildren each year.

Thank you for helping Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village keep Western Pennsylvania’s living history alive!

Support: https://www.wccfgives.org/organizations/senator-john-heinz-history-center