Meadowcroft to Open for 52nd Season on July 1
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, part of the Senator John Heinz History Center’s family of museums, will open for its 52nd season on Wednesday, July 1, following an extended closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Located in Avella, Pa., just an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh, Meadowcroft offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience for families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy a much-needed escape while exploring the site’s three recreated historic villages and the prehistoric Rockshelter – a National Historic Landmark recognized as the oldest site of human habitation in North America.
“Meadowcroft is not only a hidden gem in Washington County, but it is also the perfect place to bring your family while practicing social distancing and experiencing nature,” said David Scofield, director at Meadowcroft. “The health and wellness of our visitors and staff is our top priority, and the new procedures we’ve implemented will ensure a rich, positive, and safe experience for all.”
Several new policies and procedures are now in place for Meadowcroft’s July 1 opening, including:
Encouraging all visitors to practice social distancing (at least six feet from other guests and groups);
Enhancing sanitation protocols, including the regular cleaning of restrooms and high-touch areas throughout the day;
Requiring that all visitors and staff wear a cloth face covering while occupying indoor spaces, including restrooms and the Visitor Center, and when near others;
Providing hand sanitizing stations in key locations throughout the site, including near picnic tables and restrooms;
Limiting and monitoring the number of visitors permitted in indoor spaces (50% capacity) so that social distancing can be maintained; and
Disinfecting items used in hands-on activities such as atlatl and tomahawk throwing between each use.
Extended Hours in Effect July 1
Beginning July 1 through Labor Day, Meadowcroft will operate under extended hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Sundays. The site will be closed on Mondays.
After Labor Day in September and October, the site will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for senior citizens, and $7 for students and children ages 6-17. Children age 5 and under and History Center members get in free.
Admission will be available at Meadowcroft’s Visitor Center. No advance tickets are required.
For more information, please visit www.heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft/visit.
