The Senator John Heinz History Center traces its roots back to 1879, making it the oldest cultural institution in Western Pennsylvania.

In 1879, the Old Residents of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania established a historical society to help preserve local history. Five years later, the name changed to the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and has been in continuous existence for more than 135 years.

Known now as the Senator John Heinz History Center, the museum system includes the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, the Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives, the Fort Pitt Museum, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, and the Museum Conservation Center.

Originally, membership in the historical society was limited to men who had lived in the region for 50 years or more, though the rules changed within a few years to include women and younger people. In those days, members enjoyed lectures and country outings and got together to reminisce. Perhaps most importantly, early Historical Society members worked to preserve archival materials and objects of historic significance, forming the foundation of the History Center’s collections.

The Historical Society brought our region’s history to the public. In 1908, it celebrated the region’s 150th anniversary; in 1911, the centennial of steamboat navigation; in 1958, the region’s bicentennial celebration; and in 2008, the region’s 250th anniversary. These events served as the basis for the many events, publications, educational programs, and exhibitions that the History Center offers today.

Early meetings of the Historical Society were held in members’ homes and churches, though a significant step was taken in 1893 when the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh at Schenley Park offered space for the archives. In 1914, after securing the funding, the Historical Society built its own building on Bigelow Blvd. In 1996, the History Center moved into its current home in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.

The Heinz History Center wasn’t always a museum.

In the late 1800s it was the “chilling” home to the Chautauqua Lake Ice Company.

“It’s always been a little bit cold. It’s always been a little bit creepy,” Heinz History Center President and CEO Andy Masich said.

Almost a dozen people were killed when the building exploded after a mishap involving the ammonia used to preserve the ice.

“People did tragically die here,” Masich said. “During the fire in 1898, 11 people were killed, others were injured when the walls collapsed.”

The company was rebuilt and since then, some historical figures who have met gruesome ends have moved in.

“You really do a double take when you see some of these,” Masich said.

Some of the guards, well, they’ve seen the unbelievable.

“After hours, our guards especially, or people who are here for evening events, they have seen some of those figures come to life,” Masich said.

That includes one particular soldier.

“As he was walking along, the pedestal was empty and he started looking around over here and then behind him he saw Martin Laquarney – one of Braddock’s men,” Masich said.

There are other rumors that a girl in raggedy clothes roams the floors of the history center and the sixth floor library.

“We hear creaks and groans, the occasional moan,” Masich said. “It was reported to me that someone could come through that gate there without it being unlocked.”

Paranormal experts who have visited the Heinz History Center rate the museum high on the paranormal scale— even recording whispers.

“There’s not supposed to be anyone here and yet it seems like there are voices,” Masich said.