Mission Statement: The History Center* is an

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Mission Statement: The History Center* is an educational institution that engages and inspires a large and diverse audience with links to the past, understanding in the present, and guidance for the future by preserving regional history and presenting the American experience with a Western Pennsylvania connection. This work is accomplished in partnership with others through archaeology, archives, artifact collections, conservation, educational programs, exhibitions, library, museums, performance, publications, research, technical assistance, and, increasingly, through broadcast media and the internet. (Approved by the Board of Trustees July 19, 2007)

* NOTE: The History Center brand name is used here to represent the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, Library & Archives, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, Fort Pitt Museum and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum.

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Vision for the Senator John Heinz History Center (Approved July 19, 2013)

Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum—Detre Library & Archives— Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village—Fort Pitt Museum: By 2020 . . . The History Center’s museum system (including the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, Detre Library & Archives, Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village and Ft Pitt Museum) is known regionally as “the Smithsonian in Pittsburgh” and the “go-to” place for history. Nationally, the History Center is known as the Smithsonian’s model affiliate and a place for historical research, preservation, and learning, serving audiences both on-site and "virtually" through traditional and new technologies. In many ways, the History Center is a studio for producing content disseminated to millions through the internet and other digital formats as well as radio and television. Creative marketing and public relations build interest and excitement and communicate the History Center’s unique brand: If the History Center were a person it would be Abraham Lincoln—a great storyteller, expert, honest, approachable, with a good sense of humor. Visitors find it easy to get to and park at the History Center, Meadowcroft, & Fort Pitt. Once inside, they clearly understand the scope and layout of the facilities, readily identifying the History Center as a Smithsonian affiliate, Meadowcroft as the oldest site of human habitation in North America, and Fort Pitt as the place where Pittsburgh history began. The Sports Museum has its own identity and attracts non-traditional museum visitors and members of the Steelers Nation. All of our constituencies "see themselves" represented in exhibitions, programs, and publications. Multigenerational families—parents, children, and grandparents—enjoy exhibits in the same space at the same time. These museums are the pride of Pittsburgh and the "must see" attraction in Western Pennsylvania. The Detre Library & Archives is a sophisticated 21st century resource known for its unique collections of corporate and industrial records, as well as regional history and genealogy; its staff is expert in the presentation, navigation, and dissemination of digital information. The Dietrich Museum Conservation Center offers conservation services to the public, storage for regional museums, and workshops designed for do-it-yourselfers and people inspired by the popular Pittsburgh’s Hidden Treasures program partnership with KDKA-TV. The History Center’s exhibits and educational programs have strong appeal to multigenerational families (grandparents often visit with children), drawing large and diverse audiences by offering engaging activities that make national and regional history relevant and learning fun. The History Center is known as “the people museum” (other museums do dinosaurs, birds, plants, art—we are the people place). Programs and collections focus on the rich stories of the people of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania whose hard work, enterprise, creativity, courage, and “can-do” spirit enhanced the world around us and still serves to guide and inspire us today. The History Center is a hub for cultural visitors to Western Pennsylvania, supporting the region’s travel, tourism, and economic development goals. Official Visit Pittsburgh visitor information centers are found at History Center museums. Visitors tell family and friends about the extraordinary customer service they experienced—that the museums felt safe, clean, and welcoming thanks to staff that really cared about them as individuals. 2

The Museum Conservation Center in the Dietrich building houses the History Center collection in a state-of-the-art facility that exceeds Smithsonian standards. This exemplary storage facility also stores the collections of other regional museums; the revenue from the leased space supports the activities of the Museum Support Center. The region’s best conservators have lab space at the Museum Support Center, where they offer conservation services to the History Center and other museums, as well as to the general public. The Museum Support Center’s public mission is to help individuals value and care for pieces of their own history through both professional treatment and educational opportunities. At the same time, the History Center uses this opportunity to identify and document the community’s collection. The History Center is known nationally as a model for other museums and for non-profit entrepreneurship including “rites of passage” event rentals (e.g. weddings, memorials, bar mitzvahs, retirements, birthdays, etc.), artifact conservation services, and product licensing and sales. As with other programs, the museum shop offers learning opportunities and unique Pittsburgh products both at the museums and virtually. In fact, the e-store which reaches out to Pittsburgh expatriates and local gift-buying Pittsburghers generates more revenue than the museum-based shops. In addition to its on-site and virtual activities, the History Center is an essential part of the Pittsburgh cultural community. The History Center plays an active role throughout peoples’ lives, from an early visit with parents and grandparents, to a school tour or Scout program, to a wedding, and then a trip to the History Center with own children. The History Center launches and supports initiatives that reveal history as an integral part of Pittsburgh’s character. Through its unique resources the History Center works closely with regional leaders, elected officials, and educators to tackle pressing issues including education, community pride, and sustainable natural and built environments. Through all of this, the History Center positions history as a cornerstone of the region’s brand: Pittsburgh is a forward-looking, innovative place strengthened by its traditions and competitive because of its relevance, authenticity, and reliability.

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Historical Chronology Senator John Heinz History Center (Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania) 1834 1843 1845 1858 1879 1880 1881 1882 1884 1884 1885 1885 1888 1891 1893 1896 1900 1902 1908 1909 1909 1911 1912 1914 1915 1917 1918 1920 1921 1929 1931 1936 1944 1949 1952 1952 1958 1959 1960 1962 1966 1969 1973 1986 1987 1988 1989 1989 1989 1990 1990

“Historical Society and Library of Pittsburgh” forms but does not endure Second formation of Historical Society (does not endure) Books, papers, and historic records of Historical Society destroyed in “Great Fire” Third Historical Society forms (lasted 17 months) “Old Residents of Pittsburgh and Western Penna.” Founded (later called H.S.W.P.) during the 125 th anniversary of the French & Indian War Archives Committee forms to care for collections Annual meeting adjourns because members prefer to attend comedy act in town Rival historical society forms (Historical Society of Pittsburg and Western Pa.) Name changes from Old Residents of Pittsburgh to HSWP Annual meeting canceled because of “Great Blizzard” Rival society consolidates with HSWP Annual meeting postponed due to revivalists Moody and Sankey being in town Collections moves to new County Courthouse Activities and collections moved to Carnegie Free Library in Oakland Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Carnegie become life members Membership dues rise from $1/year to $2/year Many of HSWP papers and books “absorbed” by Carnegie Library First attempt to launch magazine HSWP helps coordinate celebration of Pittsburgh’s sesquicentennial Reorganization meeting “to do something about the perilous condition of the society” Total membership 150 State grants $25,000 toward site acquisition and construction of headquarters at Bigelow Blvd. Cornerstone laid for Bigelow Blvd. building Bigelow building opens (regarded as but a part of considerably larger structure) Allegheny County appropriates $500 in annual support City of Pittsburgh appropriates $2,000 in annual support Western Pennsylvania Historical Magazine premieres Dues increase to $2.50/year Dues increase to $3/year State grants $40,000 toward completion of Bigelow building (matched by Buhl Foundation, Carnegie Corporation, Andrew W. Mellon, and others) Enlarged Bigelow building dedicated; launch Western PA Historical Survey (1931-36) Solon J. Buck, Ph.D. becomes museum director (later, Archivist of the United States) Annual dues $5 Women’s auxiliary forms Endowment campaign begins Annual grants from City and County cease due to budget cuts HSWP helps plan the City’s bicentennial celebration Renovation of Bigelow building, dedication of Siebeneck Memorial Room Total membership, 382; operating budget, $19,000 Bigelow building closes 5 months for new furnace and renovations, elevator installed By-laws revised (divides Trustees into five classes, five elected each year) By-laws revised (re-stated mission) Senator John Heinz presents lecture at HSWP (“Great Grandfather’s Pittsburgh”) Publishes The Jewish Experience in Western Pennsylvania Issues preliminary plan for Pittsburgh Regional History Center Jewish Archives established Redesign/re-title of magazine, Pittsburgh History: A Magazine of the City and Its Region “Homestead: The Story of A Steel Town” exhibit draws 12,000 visitors Local History Resource Service established in memory of C.V. and Agnes Starret Major expansion of collections; creation of Italian American history project Launch of $20 million capital campaign for History Center; 400 members

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1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1994 1996 1996 1996 1997 1997 1998 1998 1999 2000 2000 2003 2004

2004 2004 2004 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010

2011 2011

Allegheny County grants $3.1 million to purchase Chautauqua Lake Ice Co. Building Polish American and Slovak American Collection projects launched State awards $7 million grant for History Center capital campaign Joint operating agreement with Meadowcroft Village executed Renovation of History Center building begins; campaign goal raised to $36.7 million Publication of Beyond Adversity and creation of African American history programs Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center opens doors Dues rise to $40/year; 5,000 members Publishes Points in Time Capital Campaign reaches $36.7 million goal Anonymous donor makes $3 million endowment challenge grant Published Glass: Shattering Notions Society reorganizes and first President/CEO hired Long Range Plan adopted The Meadowcroft Foundation merges with Heinz History Center Smithsonian Affiliation Emmy Award for Donora Smog “On Q” program collaboration with WQED Smithsonian Wing with Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, Mueller Education Center, Special Collections Gallery, and McGuinn Gallery for traveling exhibitions – History Center becomes the largest museum dedicated to history in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ($30 million raised) Young Washington musical collaboration with CLO reaches over 200,000 school students Center for the French & Indian War established at History Center Mayor Murphy and County Executive Onorato authorize History Center to take leadership role in organizing Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary events (2008) Meadowcroft named National Historic Landmark Steelers Sundays at the History Center in a Live Studio Broadcast 250th anniversary of the French & Indian War commemorated with international traveling exhibition, Clash of Empires and educational films, programs and publications Hosts national launch of Ben Franklin Web Portal in honor of Franklin's 300th birthday History Center’s installation of life-size figures of George Washington and Franco Harris at Pittsburgh International Airport, viewed by 15 million annually National Geographic writes article “What genes and fossils tell us” highlighting the Meadowcroft Rockshelter in its March 2006 issue History Center’s Clash of Empires: The British, French and Indian War 1754 – 1763 exhibition opens at Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Canada National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown comes to the History Center to celebrate All-Star Week Grand Opening, Clash of Empires: The British, French and Indian War 1754 – 1763 exhibition at Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. Established off-site storage facility on Railroad Street in the Strip District Worlds in Motion online curriculum funded by NEH Exemplary Ed. Grant www.worldsinmotion.org the educational Companion to the Clash exhibition History Center receives highest (4-star) Charity Navigator rating Westinghouse Museum Foundation merges with the Heinz History Center November 5th History Center website records a record 61,000 hits as Steelers 75 th Anniversary and Dan Rooney autobiography launch Pittsburgh 250—History Center takes leadership role in celebrating the region’s 250 th anniversary and rebranding efforts History Center enters into 10-year management agreement with the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission to operate the Fort Pitt Museum American Alliance of Museums grants full accreditation to the History Center Opens Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith and Art exhibition, leading to a record attendance of 252,955 visitors in Fiscal Year 2011 History Center receives a grant award from the U.S. Department of Education Underground Railroad Educational and Cultural Program for 2010-2013 to help fund the From Slavery to Freedom exhibit and program project History Center announces the purchase of a new building at 1221 Penn Avenue in the Strip District in order to store its 50,000 artifacts under one roof Former History Center Trustee William S. Dietrich II provides a gift of a $5 million fund to support the History Center—the largest gift from an individual in the museum’s 132-year history. In

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2011

2012 2012 2012 2013 2013

2013 2013

recognition of his gift, the History Center announces plans to name its new conservation center and on-site storage facility the William S. Dietrich II Museum Support Center UPMC provides a $2 million grant to support the History Center, one of the largest gifts in the museum’s 132-year history. In recognition, the History Center announces plans to name its Library & Archives the Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives Hosts national opening of Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which garners more media coverage than any previous exhibit at the History Center Publishes The Civil War in Pennsylvania: A Photographic History Opens From Slavery to Freedom exhibit First electronic issue of Western Pennsylvania History magazine PA Civil War 150, Senator John Heinz History Center, Pennsylvania Historian and Museum Commission, and Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation receive the Merit Publication Award for the The Civil War in Pennsylvania: A Photographic History. Voted Best Museum by the readers of Pittsburgh Magazine History Center again receives highest (4-star) Charity Navigator rating

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The Planning Process: The Senator John Heinz History Center’s strategic plan follows the best practices of the American Alliance of Museums, including timeframes, budgets, and accountability. This plan is reviewed and revised annually and incorporated into staff work plans and board committee priorities.

In 1998 the History Center undertook a comprehensive strategic planning initiative that involved our board, advisory committees, staff, and over 100 community leaders and representatives (including teachers, business leaders, media, non-profit CEOs, community organizations and government officials representing a cross section of the population and our audience). That plan is a living document, continually updated to reflect changing internal and external conditions that offer new opportunities. The process to update this edition of the Long Range Plan began at a retreat attended by key staff members and members of the Board of Trustees held in the spring of 2013. The retreat was facilitated by Beth Merritt, Director of the American Alliance of Museums’ Center for the Future of Museums. The outcome of the retreat resulted in a deeper understanding of the current state of our work and of the environment in which we operate. The process identified several key strategic priorities/adjustments: 1. To allocate more resources toward new technologies that will enhance our ability to provide meaningful access to historical content and interpretation, to broaden our audience, and to increase income opportunities 2. To simultaneously better utilize our “unplugged” assets (like Meadowcroft’ s outdoor setting) to provide learning havens from technology overload 3. To trim back the number of exhibitions and increase the quality/frequency of public programs; to especially avoid dependence on “blockbuster” exhibitions 4. To re-double efforts to create and build earned income initiatives that relate to our mission 5. To continue focus on increasing major individual giving, and to firmly establish a planned giving program 6. To continue the ongoing plan to eliminate old debt, avoid new operating debt, and grow the value of our endowment 7. To complete current and limited new capital improvements, and address issues of deferred maintenance 8. To sustain focus on our target audience on multi-generational families and area school children 9. To increase efforts to broaden the diversity of our workforce (paid and volunteer) and our audience

Following the retreat, each employee work-plan and each Board Committee is establishing revised priorities based on the new strategic plan. The Board of Trustees will review and approve these revised priorities during the fall of 2013.

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Collections: The artifact, archival, and library collections are acquired, preserved, and stored according to best practices and standards set forth by the Accreditation Commission of the American Alliance of Museums, American Library Association, and the Society of American Archivists. Collecting priorities will focus on Western Pennsylvania materials needed for exhibitions and programs, as well as strategic collecting initiatives intended to strengthen the collections. In particular, focus will be on artifacts and archival materials that expand the sports collection (including professional football and hockey, boxing, and WPIAL high school materials) and Ethnic Collections (especially African American, Italian American, Latino, Asian, and Islamic collections) and artifacts that emphasize the history of innovation in Western Pennsylvania. The collections will be made more accessible and relevant using exhibits, programs, and new technologies, especially a new History Center website, broadcast, and other media. In addition, the Museum Support Center and the Falk Collections Center will engage the public in caring for private collections and assist with museum collection storage needs. Museum Support Center The Dietrich Museum Conservation Center contributes to the mission of the Heinz History Center by providing secure storage and protection of its museum collections and aid in the preservation of regional collections by providing the opportunity for other institutions to safely store their museum collections in a state of the 8

art facility that meets professional standards for security and climate control. The Center will also provide advice, materials, and conservation services to the public for the preservation of their historic artifacts, archives, and works of art. 2013-2015 Collections Priorities:  Meet accreditation standards for collections stewardship. - Collections storage improvements o Consolidate collections and provide “visible storage” by completing new museum support center. o Seek funding to install compact shelving on 5th floor for library & archives to provide quality space for new and existing collections.  Establish partnership with City and County to assist in safeguarding municipal records and acquiring those materials suitable for historic archives.  Deaccession select materials using established guidelines.  Focus collection efforts toward existing/upcoming exhibits and ethnic initiatives.  Explore new partnerships and technologies to make more collections more accessible (online catalogs, Ancestry.com, etc.).

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Education (School & Public Programs, Exhibitions, Publications): Educational and public programs will make American history with a regional emphasis accessible to target audiences (live and virtual) and advance the mission and vision of the History Center as the “people museum.” Engaging and inspiring experiences will be developed internally, as well as in concert with partners such as the Smithsonian, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and community groups through exhibitions, publications, events, performances, research services, and on-site and outreach programs using traditional and innovative technologies (e.g. radio, television, internet, social media, hand-held devices) to reach larger audiences. Exhibitions and programs at the History Center, Meadowcroft, Fort Pitt, Sports Museum, and Library & Archives, will target specific audiences and, whenever possible, will provide meaningful experiences for adults and children in the same space at the same time. Exhibitions and programs of broad appeal will be recorded or documented and made available on demand or through broadcast technologies. Programs will be continuously evaluated against measurable outcomes and refined in order to ensure consistently high quality, to adapt to changing needs of the audience, and to strive for greatest efficiency with resources. Publications In accordance with the mission statement, the Publications Division publishes cutting-edge scholarship written in a popular style to appeal to a broad audience in its quarterly journal (Western 10

Pennsylvania History magazine), books (Maz, You're Up!; Pittsburgh Born, Pittsburgh Bred; Soul Soldiers; Clash of Empires; Pittsburgh’s Strip District), and electronic media (nine decades of back issues of the magazine have been digitized and are available to all online). The journal, the flagship of the institution and the most recognizable way to reach its members, focuses part of each issue on the exhibitions and programs at the History Center, Sports Museum, Meadowcroft, and Fort Pitt. Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum The Sports Museum will continue to provide engaging and memorable experiences that will make Western Pennsylvanians proud and astound visitors with the richness and diversity of the region’s athletic tradition. Keep the Museum timely with exhibit upgrades, public programs, media events, and partnerships that are linked to community events or significant commemorations of key moments in sports history, such as the 100th anniversary commemoration of Josh Gibson’s birth in 1911, the 2012 Winter Olympics, the 40th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and of Roberto Clemente’s death (1972), the 35th anniversary of the 1979 City of Champions victories by the Pirates and Steelers, and the 50th anniversary (2017) of the Penguins’ first season. Leverage Sports Museum programs and partnerships to develop and reach a national, virtual audience, “the Steelers Nation,” using broadcast media and the internet. 2013-2015 Education Priorities:  Use public programs and events – often with broadcast partners – as the main strategy to drive community engagement, attendance, and promote the History Center brand as a family-friendly, fun, and educational resource.  Establish artifact conservation center for the public – offering professional conservation services, workshops & classes to assist with preservation of family heirlooms. 11

 In partnership with the Smithsonian, create Spark Lab for children to experience innovation first hand.  Experiment with virtual badging/micro-credentialing for history enthusiasts, school children and for more formal continuing education.  Launch an e-version of Western Pennsylvania History magazine as environmentally friendly, lower cost, and to achieve greater distribution.  Publish book on African Americans and the Civil War in Pennsylvania as part 150th Civil War anniversary commemoration.  Raise the skill level of our school-programs leadership and more deeply engage in community partnerships, with a special focus on Pittsburgh Public Schools and other distressed communities.  Broaden access to the History Center’s rich collections and educational resources and be the hub for history in Western Pennsylvania.

 Plan and present a more streamlined schedule of engaging, interactive, educational exhibitions – produced by the History Center, by partner organizations, and by hosting major traveling exhibits with quality local components.  Update and re-launch existing major exhibitions (Innovation, Special Collections, Sports Museum)

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Detre Library & Archives The collections in the Detre Library & Archives make up an extensive repository of information on Western Pennsylvania’s significant contributions to history, and play a vital role in the fulfillment of the History Center’s prime mission of preserving regional history and presenting the American experience with a Western Pennsylvania connection. Collecting priorities focus on materials needed for exhibits and programs, research, genealogy, and strategic initiatives. The strength is in collections representing some of the nation’s most influential technological breakthroughs of the 20th century, including materials from the Westinghouse Corporation, ALCOA, H. J. Heinz Company, Carnegie Steel Company, and Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation. Holdings continue to improve by proactively collecting relevant regional materials—maps, books, manuscripts, still and moving images, sound recordings, and oral histories—in the arts, business and commerce, ethnicity, immigration and migration, labor and industry, religion, sports, and urban development. Access to the collections is available on site during public hours, and through fee-based research services, both in-person and virtual (e.g., email, chat, and Skype). Full-text finding aids are available online from the public access catalog: http://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/libraryArchives, and on the Historic Pittsburgh website: http://digital.library.pitt.edu/pittsburgh/. To increase the accessibility and use of the collections, particular emphasis is placed on digitizing and making available online resources such as images, moving images, sound recordings, maps, city directories, and selected manuscript collections. This is accomplished through partnerships with regional institutions, and by expanding existing websites. Examples of this include the image collections on History Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Jewish Newspaper Project at Carnegie Mellon University: http://pjn.library.cmu.edu/, 13

and Life in Western Pennsylvania: http://www.lifeinwesternpa.org/. In addition, educational programs and online tutorials are offered to raise awareness and support the use of the collections including genealogy seminars, workshops on preserving family histories, and lectures on collections of interest and importance (e.g., the Westinghouse Corporation). 2013-2015 Detre Library & Archives Priorities:  Continue to digitize the collections of the Detre Library & Archives so that they are universally accessible.  Explore new partnerships and technologies to make more collections ever more accessible via the Internet (online databases, Ancestry.com, etc.).  Continued with streamlined processing of backlogged collections using “More Product, Less Process” methodology to provide intellectual access to more materials  Establish partnership with City and County to assist in safeguarding municipal records and acquiring those materials suitable for historic archives.  Assist in planning and fundraising to install compact shelving that will enable future expansion of collections  Conduct more public programs related to the collections such as genealogy classes and digitizing workshops.

Meadowcroft Meadowcroft will continue to build on the groundwork of its successful public and educational programming while striving to exceed the expectation of its visitors. Programming will emphasize 14

the big story of how people have used the natural resources of the Meadowcroft property over its 16,000-year history. All educational programs will align with state educational standards for Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Other priorities include: improving collections storage and refining collections through a careful deaccession plan; increasing public awareness of the museum to strengthen the primary audience of family groups; increasing the ability to raise financial support in the Washington County area; improving highway directional signage; completing facilities improvements (widening entrance road, construct new septic system, transition to public water); and developing a plan with timeline for meeting the American Alliance of Museums accreditation standards.

2013-2015 Meadowcroft Priorities:  Expand the Meadowcroft Advisory Board to add expertise and influence in the following areas: education, tourism marketing, and fundraising (with particular attention to Washington County).  Remove railroad cars from collection by transferring to appropriate railroad museum.  Continue to seek out and foster relationships and partnerships with other organizations (such as regional “Eco” groups like the Audubon Society, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Sustainable Pittsburgh, and Venture Outdoors). 15

 Develop programs and market opportunities for families to “unplug” together. Fort Pitt Museum The Fort Pitt Museum is the centerpiece of both Point State Park and The Forks of the Ohio National Historic Landmark. The museum marks the place where Pittsburgh began and is the ideal location for visitors to begin understanding its historical significance. Its major purpose is to preserve and share the histories of the French & Indian War, Pontiac’s Rebellion, Lord Dunmore’s War, the American Revolutionary War, and 18th century Pittsburgh. The museum will continue to raise public awareness of these histories and the role of Fort Pitt as the strategic key to the West, and as a military, diplomatic, economic, and cultural confluence. The Fort Pitt Museum will provide the best possible experience for its visitors, increase annual visitation, and provide national leadership among other related museums. It will accomplish these goals by focusing on educational opportunities, collaborations, and visitor services through high quality programs – including living history events, historical conferences, speakers, and relevant exhibits. The museum staff will partner with organizations and groups involved in heritage tourism, and in the interpretation, preservation, and education related to its mission, including VisitPittsburgh, DAR, DCNR, as well as Riverlife and other regional and national organizations. 2013-2015 Fort Pitt Museum Priorities  Maintain quality relationships with the many stakeholders involved with the Fort Pitt Museum and Point State Park.  Establish outdoor area next to the museum for living history reenactment, include replica cannon firings.  Collaborate with the rental events department to launch successful facility rental program. 16

 Continue improvements to exhibitions to improve interpretation of the early history of the Point.  Complete design for new, more visitor friendly entrance to the museum.  Operate new Visitor Welcome Center in partnership with VisitPittsburgh.

Facilities: History Center facilities will support the mission and Long Range Plan priorities while meeting American Alliance of Museums and Smithsonian standards. New capital projects will be considered judiciously in alignment with strategic priorities and be completed on time and on budget. Strong emphasis will be placed on maintaining our facilities using industry standard best practices designed to meet the demand of our critical infrastructure. A high priority is placed on providing reliable, affordable parking and pedestrian safety for History Center visitors. History collections storage will continue to be a priority, including completion of the Museum Support Center on Penn Avenue. Work will continue with community partners to encourage compatible and complementary development in the area such as the “history district”/ Historic Strip District. Recognizing the importance of our human resources, workspaces for staff and volunteers will be accessible, appealing, and conducive to creative productivity. Fundraising efforts will assist in the acquiring resources for ongoing facility maintenance. A comprehensive 17

Information Technology plan will be implemented to support the growing reliance upon and changing nature of emergent technology. 2013-2015 Facilities Priorities:  Complete Museum Support Center.  Complete Community Gallery roof repair.  Complete 7th floor roof condensation repairs.  Successfully advocate for pedestrian safety, esp. 13th Street traffic signal.  Complete initial carbon footprint analysis with an eye toward reducing energy costs.  Information Technology – install virtualized server configuration [capable of augmenting redesigned website and e-sales].  Redesigned Ft. Pitt entry for improved security, efficiency, visitor center, and sales.  Complete design for Meadowcroft visitor center improvements.  Design and install way-finding signage at History Center.  Assist in development of compact storage space on 5th floor of HC for Library and Archives that will provide more than 10-years of anticipated storage needs.  Continue work with community partners to encourage compatible and complimentary development of the neighborhood.

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Visitor Services: Ensure easy History Center access to all audiences at all sites. Provide extraordinary customer service to visitors, vendors, and guests. Provide staff with customer service training each year in conjunction with VisitPittsburgh; Conduct audience research and use results in planning and implementing exhibitions, programs, and communications Use standards and best practices in museum evaluation to conduct visitor evaluation; involve volunteers and interns in data collection and surveying.

2013-2015 Visitor Services Priorities:  Design and install new way-finding system/signage at History Center.  Assist in acquiring directional/highway signage for all sites.  Establish more meaningful and reliable evaluation of visitor feedback.  Work with local advisors and national advocates to identify bestpractices in accessibility in museums; Improve access for visitors with hearing loss/impairments; Present programs that involve public education on accessibility (e.g. hero therapy dogs).  Make website “accessibility friendly,” and ensure visitors with disabilities know what is available to them when they visit in person or virtually.

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Communications: Strategic marketing and communications will help extend the History Center’s exhibits, programs, and initiatives to a worldwide audience with a regional focus, particularly through innovative use of broadcast media and technology. Utilizing the power of radio, television, and the internet, a wide range of strategic communication initiatives will ensure the History Center stays “top of mind” to a large audience. The communications program will reach broad audiences including Baby Boomers, multigenerational families, and virtual visitors, as well as special interest groups such as school students and niche audiences. Strategic branding will ensure audiences associate the History Center’s “museum system” with the Smithsonian while branding the History Center as the “people museum.” Executive visibility will help brand Andy Masich as the face and voice of history, both state-wide and nationally. Active participation of the communications staff on program development teams will help ensure that exhibits and programs are meaningful to target audiences and that core strategic initiatives (i.e. virtual outreach, the Sports Museum, Fort Pitt Museum, Meadowcroft, Underground Railroad, Civil War 150, school programs, and Library & Archives) remain priorities. In addition to exhibits and programs, the communications staff will actively promote the History Center’s core product as a high-quality, compelling, and relevant museum experience. Creative media partnerships and collaborations across the public, private, and cultural sectors will position the History 20

Center as one of the country’s leading cultural attractions, more innovative than its competitors, and integral to the fabric of the community. Strategic brand management across the organization will help to ensure consistency of messages, a top-of-mind image in the marketplace, and the realization of attendance, revenue, and fundraising goals. 2013-2015 Communications Priorities:  Increase attendance through creative publicity and limited advertising budget.  Extend community partnerships with the media (e.g. Hidden Treasurers, History Minutes), sports partners (esp. to promote the Sports Museum), airport, VisitPittsburgh, and others.  Implement new website that brings together the vast content of the museum, including exhibitions, educational programming, community events, volunteering, archives and the donation of artifacts and archival materials, along with earned income opportunities including the eStore, giving, membership, facility rentals, sponsorship and recognition.  Develop more sophisticated understanding of our virtual audiences and usage patterns to assist in development of quality web-based content that reaches millions.  Enhance social media using increased interactivity; assist in development in crowd-sourced resources.  Foster greater public awareness especially for Meadowcroft, the Fort Pitt Museum, Smithsonian affiliation, and History Center as the “people museum.” 21

 Assist in the establishment of directional/highway signage for all sites.  Better cross-promote between all History Center sites to ensure branding consistency.  Cross-promote Hidden Treasurers event and the new Conservation Center.

Leadership: The History Center will continue to play a leadership role in the Pittsburgh region’s cultural community (e.g. Allegheny Conference, VisitPittsburgh, Pittsburgh and Its Countryside, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council) and in the nation (e.g. the model Smithsonian Affiliate, American Alliance of Museums committees, African American Association of Museums, Civil War Sesquicentennial). The board, committees, and administrative staff will strive to achieve the highest standards of excellence as an American Alliance of Museums accredited museum. Institutional financial sustainability remains a top priority. Strategic partnerships and mergers will be explored whenever appropriate. The History Center’s human resources (board, staff, and volunteers) are among the highest priorities. Training, compensation, and recognition will be evaluated to ensure the highest productivity, organizational efficiency, and financial stability. Policies and procedures will be re-evaluated, especially those related to board, workforce, and audience diversity. 2013-2015 Leadership Priorities:  Continuously seeking and retaining the very best leaders in our region to vigorously pursue the History Center’s mission and strategic priorities. 22

 Continue to build and sustain a high-quality, diverse, and motivated workforce that rewards teamwork, inclusiveness, innovation, and creativity.  Maximize employee potential and retain top-talent by offering competitive compensation and avenues for professional growth & development especially through connections with the Smithsonian Institution.  Provide meaningful impact reporting and outcome measurements.  Seek out new partnerships of all types and levels, and encourage successful joint efforts with other nonprofits.  Enhance the Project Management system used for major exhibitions and programs by increased training for Project Directors and by added emphasis on meaningful evaluation and outcome measurements.  Maintain strategic plan as a living document by orienting all new Trustees and staff; reporting regularly on progress toward strategic goals; evaluating based on clearly defined priorities; and amending as conditions warrant. Finance & Support: The History Center, Meadowcroft, the Fort Pitt Museum, the Detre Library & Archives, and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum will maintain financial stability and balanced budgets through diversity of revenue and careful management of expenses. Special fundraising priority shall focus on growing the membership rolls and increasing individual giving including planned gifts. Strategic investments shall continue in order to increase earned income through facility rentals and catering – especially new opportunities at the Fort Pitt Museum, e-store enhancements, rites of passage rentals, new product development (esp. for the Sports Museum), parking 23

concessions, Marcellus Shale royalties, conservation services, and other opportunities. Efforts will continue to re-establish public funding opportunities and to expand contracted services with local government (e.g. managing Fort Pitt; working with City/County on records management, etc.). 2013 – 2015 Finance & Support Priorities:  Continue to increase individual giving (especially recognizing the growing demographic of female controlled wealth) and seek new ways (crowd-sourcing?) to spur giving among younger donors.  Maintain 100% Board giving.  Expand earned income in shop/e-commerce sales (with new e-store and new product development); storage lease income; parking concession at Fort Pitt; conservation services; and gas royalties.  Adjust endowment portfolio for maximum returns within responsible risk parameters.  Fully launch a formal planned giving program and build endowment fund through contributions whenever feasible.  Coordinate partnership with museums statewide to lobby for new method for the state to fund museums – such as pursuing passage of Senate Bill 1070.  Negotiate new contracts for service with governmental entities such as extended management agreement at Fort Pitt and records management services for the City & County.  Establish long-term plans for reduced endowment draw and complete plan to repay old debt by 2017.  Establish sustainable plan for funding deferred maintenance. 24

Appendix

Trend Charts

AAM Trends Watch 2013

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