Young people age 17 and under can get into the historic Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village for free through August and September.
The Heinz History Center, which oversees Meadowcroft, made the announcement on Friday. In a statement, the museum said that support from UMPC made it possible.
Meadowcroft is the oldest site of human habitation in North America. It features a massive rock overhang used by the region’s earliest inhabitants for shelter 19,000 years ago.
Artifacts proving the existence of the inhabitants were discovered in 1955. The first excavations of the site were conducted by the University of Pittsburgh’s Cultural Resource Management Program between 1973 and 1979.
With the rock overhand as its centerpiece, Meadowcroft has proven to be a popular destination in Avella, Washington County, which is 40 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.
“Meadowcroft is the perfect day trip for Pittsburghers looking to enjoy a safe, outdoor adventure for all ages,” said Brady Smith, director of marketing and communications for the Heinz History Center.
“Thanks to support from our community-minded partners at UPMC, more families will be able to experience more than 19,000 years of history and dozens of kid-friendly activities that the site offers.”
Meadowcroft’s 19th century village features a covered bridge, one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and church.
Meadowcroft is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Labor Day. After Labor Day through October, the site is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
