Andrew Masich, President and CEO, Senator John Heinz History Center

In an interview with Invest:, Andrew Masich, president and CEO of Senator John Heinz History Center, discussed the significant expansion that would make the History Center the major attraction for Pittsburgh. “Opening the VisitPITTSBURGH Welcome Center in November is one of the top priorities,” Masich said.

What recent changes have most impacted the History Center?

We announced a major expansion project that will further position the History Center as a premier cultural attraction in our region. We are currently finishing the site preparation for this expansion, which will include a new welcome center in partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH. The expansion will also feature smart classrooms, an orientation theater, and new exhibition galleries showcasing the stories of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, industry and innovation, and more. Pittsburgh has been a center for innovation and industry up to the present day, where “eds and meds” are predominant, alongside AI, robotics and safety. These are industries of today setting the pace for the world. There will be a major exhibit about Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, one of the most beloved television shows of the 20th century. 

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, learning about our nation’s history has never been more important – especially for our young visitors. That’s why we’ve recently launched the Kamin “Free for Kids” initiative, allowing all kids ages 17 and under to receive free admission to the History Center, year-round, in perpetuity.

Although it’s not part of the current expansion, we’re also exploring the possibility of building a history-themed hotel. We have 350,000 people visiting the history center annually. With the VisitPITTSBURGH Welcome Center and a history-themed hotel, we think we’ll attract more out-of-town visitors each year, many looking for a uniquely Pittsburgh experience. 

Generation Z and Millennials are drawn to experiences, whereas their parents’ generations were more interested in collecting artifacts and artwork. Younger generations want to create memories, and that’s what we’re focusing on.

What key strategies have you implemented to attract talent for the History Center?

We used to reach out to the world, or at least the United States, to find the best people in their fields, whether they’re archivists, exhibit designers, curators, marketers, filmmakers, or editors. In recent years, we’ve received so much national recognition that people are coming to us. USA Today has named us America’s best history museum two years in a row now. For four years in a row, readers of Pittsburgh Magazine have voted the History Center as the best museum in Pittsburgh. 

From a management point of view, these accolades help with fundraising, and opening doors, as well as recruiting and retaining staff. Top talent is now coming to us asking if they can be part of our team. I hope we can keep that talent by offering not just competitive salaries, but people in our industry like in education, arts, and culture, who are motivated by more than a paycheck. They want to make a difference in the world. They see what we’re doing, and they’re proud to be a part of it. 

We are also a Smithsonian Institution affiliated museum, which requires us to keep Smithsonian objects on exhibit at all times. Professional development opportunities as a Smithsonian affiliate certainly help with staff recruitment.

What are your key priorities for the History Center over the next few years? 

As we’re building our 92,000-square-foot expansion, we need to maintain a high level of exhibitions and programs at the History Center. 

As part of the expansion, we are also working on opening a Museum of African American History, with its own director and a dedicated space within the History Center. In April 2026, we’re looking forward to the National Football League draft in Pittsburgh, which could attract between 600,000 and 800,000 visitors. Of course, they’re all going to want to come to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum to learn more about why Pittsburgh is here and why the people here are the way they are. That’s the story we tell.