Fort Pitt Museum

09/03/2026

in 1759, construction began on Fort Pitt at the Forks of the Ohio.

Captain Harry Gordon marked the occasion in a letter to Colonel Henry Bouquet:

“We begin our Fort to Day. The General has ordered it to be made of Earth instead of Logs which I think will turn out much better.”

Built by the British following the destruction of Fort Duquesne, Fort Pitt would become one of the largest and most important British fortifications in North America.

📸 “PLAN of the NEW FORT at PITTSBURGH November 1759.” Map, 1759. Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center.

08/28/2026

Join us for the final cannon firing of the summer at the Fort Pitt Museum tomorrow, Aug. 29!

Experience the thunder of an 18th-century artillery demonstration as our interpreters bring Pittsburgh's frontier history to life. Cannon firings take place at noon and 2 p.m. on the museum lawn and are free to watch.

Make it a day of history before the season comes to a close.

08/26/2026

Seneca Chief Guyasuta was one of the most influential Native leaders in 18th-century Western Pa.

In 1763, he helped lead the siege of Fort Pitt and fought against British Col. Henry Bouquet at the Battle of Bushy Run, nearly stopping the British relief force.

After the battle, Guyasuta became a leading voice for peace and worked to restore trade at Fort Pitt. His leadership earned the respect of British officials, who described him as "a great Chief of much Capacity and vast Influence amongst all the Nations."

When the American Revolution began, Guyasuta initially favored neutrality. By 1777, however, he joined the British, as many Indigenous leaders believed they posed less of a threat to their lands and sovereignty than the Americans.

For more on Guyasuta’s fascinating history in the region, check out this article from our archives: https://journals.psu.edu/wph/article/view/63560/62457

08/21/2026

Hear history echo across Point State Park this weekend! 💥

Join the Fort Pitt Museum tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 22 for live cannon firing demonstrations at noon and 2 p.m.

Experience one of the Fort’s most powerful traditions and discover how artillery helped defend the strategic Forks of the Ohio during the French & Indian War.

The outdoor cannon firings are free to attend. Regular museum admission applies to explore the Fort Pitt Museum.

08/20/2026

🚨 Last chance to see Fort Pitt’s 18th-century artillery train! 🚨

There are only a few days left to check out this unique display on the Fort Pitt lawn before it departs Point State Park on Monday, Aug. 24.

Get an up-close look at field guns, a mortar, and a howitzer — the types of artillery that once defended Fort Pitt during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.

The artillery train is free to explore, so be sure to stop by before it rolls out!

A special thank you to our friends at Fort Ligonier for partnering with us to bring 18th-century military history to Pittsburgh in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.

08/18/2026

Looking for one last summer adventure before the kids head back to school? ☀️📚

Bring the family to the Fort Pitt Museum and discover the stories that shaped Pittsburgh. Explore interactive exhibits, see authentic 18th-century artifacts, and stand where history happened at the Forks of the Ohio!

Admission is FREE for all kids aged 17 and under thanks to the Kamin Free for Kids initiative!

08/13/2026

Join us on the Fort Pitt Museum lawn for an explosive afternoon of live cannon firings on Saturday, Aug. 15 at noon and 2 p.m. 💥

Watch museum interpreters fire our replica 6-pounder British cannon and learn how these powerful weapons were used in battle during the 18th century.

The cannon firing demonstrations are free and open to the public. Regular admission rates apply for entry into the museum.

08/11/2026

in 1779, General Brodhead, the commanding officer at Fort Pitt, marched his troops up the Allegheny River to strike the Seneca Indians, who were loyal to the British.

This became known as the Battle of Thompson Island which was the only Revolutionary War battle fought in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Explore this dramatic moment in frontier history on our blog!

  The American Revolutionary War was a monumental time in history. Today, students across the nation learn about everything from the Boston Massacre and the signing of the Declaration of…

08/09/2026

There's still time to experience the Fort Pitt Museum's authentic 18th-century artillery train before it rolls out at the end of August.

Step onto the Fort Pitt lawn to get an up-close look at field guns, a mortar, and a howitzer, the kinds of artillery that once protected Fort Pitt during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.

Best of all, it's completely FREE to explore while you're visiting Point State Park. Don't miss your chance to see this impressive display before it's gone!

08/06/2026

Join the Fort Pitt Museum on Saturday, Aug. 8, for Speaker Saturday: Women at War, as historian Dr. Holly A. Mayer explores the remarkable stories of women who supported, and in some cases, fought alongside the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

Through the story of Pennsylvania native Margaret Corbin, discover the courage, sacrifice, and lasting legacy of women whose contributions helped shape our nation's founding.

The program is included with regular museum admission. Learn more and plan your visit:

Join the Fort Pitt Museum to explore the experiences of women during the Revolutionary-era.