Archaeology museums in Pennsylvania

The Senator John Heinz History Center, located in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is the largest history museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The museum is named after U.S. Senator H. John Heinz III and is a significant educational institution that aims to engage and inspire a diverse audience by preserving regional history and presenting the American experience with a Western Pennsylvania connection.

The Barnes Foundation is a unique combination of an art museum and school, situated at 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was originally located in Lower Merion, a suburb of Philadelphia, until May 2012 when it moved to its current location. The foundation was established by Albert C. Barnes, a pharmaceutical entrepreneur who amassed a fortune from the invention of an antiseptic in 1907.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is home to approximately 22 million specimens, making it one of the world's leading institutions for paleontological collections. The museum's exhibits are organized into 20 distinct galleries, each offering a unique perspective on the natural world.

The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, also known as the Penn Museum, is a renowned institution located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The museum is dedicated to the study of archaeology and anthropology, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and diverse cultures of the world. The museum is housed in a Beaux-Arts style building and has been undergoing extensive renovations under the direction of British architect David Chipperfield since 2006.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter is an archaeological site located near Avella in Washington County, southwest Pennsylvania, United States. It is situated about 36 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The site was excavated from 1973 to 1978 by a team from the University of Pittsburgh led by James M. Adovasio. It provides evidence of early human occupation, possibly dating back to 16,000 years ago and possibly even up to 19,000 years ago.

Franklin Court is a complex of museums, structures, and historic sites located within the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This site is where Benjamin Franklin, an American printer, scientist, diplomat, and statesman, resided from 1763 until his death in 1790. The complex was designed by the firm of Venturi and Rauch and opened in 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration.

The Mercer Museum, situated in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is a unique destination for those interested in history and culture. Operated by the Bucks County Historical Society, the museum offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing a vast collection of pre-industrial hand tools and other artifacts. The museum is part of a National Historic Landmark District, further emphasizing its historical significance.

Today, the Bedford Village Archeological Site is home to Old Bedford Village, an open-air museum. The museum houses a variety of historic structures that have been transported to the site from the surrounding towns of Bedford, Everett, and Rainsburg. These structures provide a tangible link to the past, offering visitors a unique insight into the region's history.

Woodford Mansion is a historic site located at Ford Road and Greenland Drive in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This mansion, built around 1756, is the first of Philadelphia's grand colonial Georgian mansion houses. It stands as a testament to the opulence of such houses during that era. Today, it serves as a historic house museum open to the public.

The John Brown Farm, Tannery & Museum is a significant historical and archaeological site situated in Richmond Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. This site is steeped in history, having been built in 1825 by the renowned abolitionist John Brown. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the past and gain a deeper understanding of the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railway.

Heisey House holds the distinction of being the first brick dwelling in Lock Haven, the county seat of Clinton County. This city is strategically located along the West Branch Canal in Pennsylvania. The house's historical significance and unique architecture make it an interesting site for visitors.

Fonthill Castle, nestled in the heart of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, served as the residence of the renowned American archaeologist and tile maker, Henry Chapman Mercer. This historic site offers a unique glimpse into the life and work of Mercer, providing an enriching experience for those interested in archaeology, art, and history.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania, situated at 300 North Street in downtown Harrisburg, is a significant cultural institution managed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The museum's primary role is to preserve and interpret the history and culture of the region, making it a valuable resource for visitors interested in Pennsylvania's rich heritage.

Among the most notable items in the museum's collection are the Mayflower Compact, a significant collection of pamphlets from the 17th century and the American War of Independence, various maps, and complete series of works from the 18th and 19th centuries. These artifacts provide a unique insight into the historical and cultural development of the United States.

The Carbondale Historical Society, located in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, operates a local history museum situated on the third floor of the Carbondale City Hall and Courthouse. This museum is a testament to the city's rich history and heritage, offering visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the past and learn about the city's evolution over the years.

The Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science & Art is a non-profit institution situated in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania. This museum is a unique blend of natural history and art, offering a diverse range of exhibits for visitors to explore. Whether you're interested in ornithology, visual arts, ethnology, or fossils, the Everhart Museum has something to pique your curiosity.

The Lehigh County Historical Society, established in 1904, is a nonprofit organization committed to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of the history of Lehigh County and the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. This dedication to historical preservation provides a rich and detailed insight into the region's past, making it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the area's history.

The Museum of Indian Culture, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a non-profit organization and educational center. Established in 1980, the museum is dedicated to the presentation, preservation, and perpetuation of the history of the Lenape and other Northeastern Woodland Indian cultures. It is situated in the Lehigh Parkway at 2825 Fish Hatchery Road.

The Reading Public Museum, located in the 18th Ward of Reading, Pennsylvania, is situated along the scenic Wyomissing Creek. This location offers a unique blend of cultural and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those interested in both art and nature.

Fort Augusta, located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, served as a stronghold from the period of the French and Indian War until the end of the American Revolution. This fort was a significant part of the region's history, playing a crucial role in the defense and protection of the area during these tumultuous times.

The Glencairn Museum, located in a castle-like mansion in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, was once the home of the Pitcairn family for over four decades. Today, it houses a collection of approximately 8,000 artworks, predominantly of religious nature. These artworks originate from various cultures including ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, medieval Europe, as well as Islamic, Asian, and Native American cultures.

The museum houses six galleries, each showcasing a variety of art. The collections span from the Renaissance to the present and include both European and American art. This wide range of art periods and styles provides a comprehensive overview of art history.

The complex includes a four-family stone Workers' Housing unit built in 1828, an attached store from 1845, and the archaeological remains of two mills: William Crosley's Woolen Mill, which operated from 1828 to 1861, and Casper S. Garrett's Union Paper Mill, which ran from 1869 to 1889. These elements together provide a comprehensive view of the industrial history of the area.