Situated in the re-created
Monongahela Bastion at Point State Park, the Fort Pitt Museum commemorates
the strategic importance of the Forks of the Ohio during the Great War
for Empire in which British, French, Colonial, and Native American forces
struggled for control of North America. Through exhibits and programs,
the museum also addresses the important role of Fort Pitt during the
American Revolution and the early development of the city of Pittsburgh.
The site presents tours, exhibits, educational programs, and publications
to broaden understanding of the significance of the area known as "the
Point." In meeting this goal, Fort Pitt Museum closely examines
the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the various military
fortifications established on the site, the many cultures that influenced
the development of the region, and the importance of the fur trade and
other early commerce.
Fort Pitt Museum, one of twenty-six historic sites administered by the
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, contains more than 12,000
square feet of exhibit space, an auditorium, galleries, and a gift shop.
Also on the grounds of Point State Park, visitors can tour the Blockhouse,
a structure that was once part of the fortifications and is presently
owned and operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution; the
outline of the fort's Music Bastion; the Flag Bastion overlooking the
Monongahela River; and the outline of Fort Duquesne, a French outpost
that preceded Fort Pitt. The museum staff is assisted by the Fort Pitt
Museum Associates, a volunteer support group.
Fort Pitt Museum,
one of 26 historic sites and museums on the Pennsylvania Trail of
History, is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
Commission. For a free copy of the Pennsylvania Trail of History visitor
guide, call toll-free 1-866-PA TRAIL. For more information on Fort
Pitt, phone 412-281-9285 or visit www.phmc.state.pa.us.