The National Historic Landmark’s new facility will feature a picnic pavilion, gift shop, event spaces, and more and is set to open for the first time on May 3 to kick off Meadowcroft's 56th season.
On April 21, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, part of the Senator John Heinz History Center family of museums, unveiled the Robert Barensfeld Center, which will serve visitors who travel to Avella, Pa., to see the oldest site of human habitation in North America.
The center features new visitor amenities, including a gift shop, picnic pavilion, exhibition gallery, library, and an orientation room that will showcase an introductory video to the site. It will open just in time for Meadowcroft’s 56th season, which begins Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Meadowcroft will also participate in Washington County Tourism’s Free Museum Day on Sunday, May 4, offering visitors a chance to explore the site for free as part of a county-wide celebration of history and culture.
The new facility, which will also include meeting spaces to accommodate students, public programs, and event rentals, was made possible thanks to a generous gift from the Barensfeld Family.
“Meadowcroft is a hidden gem in Western Pennsylvania and one of our region’s most important cultural attractions,” said David Barensfeld. “This beautiful new visitor center will help welcome thousands of families from around the region and the world to enjoy Meadowcroft’s 275 acres and historic offerings.”
Beginning in late May, the Robert Barensfeld Center will also include a new exhibition, Meadowcroft: The Site that Rocked the World, where visitors can learn more about the Rockshelter and see the Miller Point, which will be on public view for the first time at Meadowcroft.
On July 31, 1976, the Miller Point was discovered by archaeologist Joe Yedlowski during a field school excavation at the Rockshelter, led by University of Pittsburgh professor Dr. James M. Adovasio. The discovery and excavation of the site led to further testing that concluded the Rockhselter served as a campsite for prehistoric hunters and gatherers 19,000 years ago. Dr. Diane Landers, a University of Pittsburgh graduate student during the early days of the excavation, now serves as the chair for the Meadowcroft Advisory Board.
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.
Following its opening day on Saturday, May 3, Meadowcroft is open on weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Memorial Day. During the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) the site is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Following Labor Day, the site is open on weekends through Nov. 23.
