Another institution that is affiliated with the Smithsonian is the Heinz History Center located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. It's name after Senator John Heinz who was a Republican serving from 1977 to 1991 as a U.S. Senator, and from 1971 to 1977 as a Congressman in the House of Representatives. He was killed in a plane crash in 1991 and the History Center named after him is a 275,000 square foot building that is homes to some excellent exhibits in its six floors.
There are a variety of compelling exhibits in the Heinz History Center, that include the following:
- One very interesting exhibit is Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation that highlights the inventions and achievements of influential inventors of this area, including George Westinghouse, Jonas Salk, George Ferris, Andrew Carnegie, and Rosie the Riveter. This area includes the premier Jazz club where the most prominent jazz musician's music is played.
- The second and third floors are also home to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum where the great sports figures of the area are recognized and celebrated.
- Also on the third floor is the Rediscovering Lewis and Clark: A Journey with the Rooney Family which highlights the unmatched courage of this Lewis can Clark expedition of the early 1800s.
- The Library has an incredibly extensive collection of books and documents spanning Pennsylvania's last 250 year history.
The Heinz History Center is one of the most elaborate museums in this part of the country and has some fascinating galleries.