Science and Industry

Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum

The Museum's mission is to honor the railroad workers and their significant contributions to the culture and development of the railroad industry and to preserve this rich heritage for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of present and future generations.

In 1998, the museum opened the newly renovated Pennsylvania Railroad Master Mechanic's Building Interpretive Center to national acclaim. Unlike other industrial museums around the world that tell the chronology of technology and the history of a company, the museum tells the social and cultural story of the people within the railroading industry. These stories are told through the use of interactive stations, audio/video presentations, and exhibits.

Their major annual event is called Railfest, held in conjunction with the Norfolk Southern Corporation and Amtrak. (October 6&7, 2001) Rail fans from all fifty states and five continents take tours of one the largest active railroad shop operations in the world, ride excursions around the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark and tour the museum. It is regarded as one of the most significant rail fan experiences in the country.

1300 Ninth Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602

814.946.0834
E-Mail: director@railroadcity.com

See Web site for times and dates when open.

Web site: www.railroadcity.com

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Ten towering dinosaur skeletons, including T. rex; mummies and other treasures from ancient Egypt; sparkling gems and minerals; African and North American wildlife; hands-on Discovery Room.

4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412.622.3131

Open all year

Admission Fee

Complete accessibility

Web site: Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Carnegie Science Center

Over 250 hands-on exhibits, four-story domed Omnimax Theater, interactive planetarium, miniature railroad display, World War II submarine, children's discovery areas, restaurant, and gift shop.

One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5850

412.237.3400

Open all year

Admission Fee

Complete accessibility

Web site: www.carnegiesciencecenter.org

Coolspring Power Museum

A walk-through display of more than 250 historically significant internal combustion engines depicting more than 115 years of development and its effect on 20th-century industrial America.

Main Street
Coolspring, PA

Coolspring, PA 15730

814.849.6883

Open 3rd full weekend, April-October

Admission Fee

Web site: www.coolspringpowermuseum.org

Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation

A facility for research in all aspects of botanical history. The institute offers a continuous program of exhibitions, mainly on various aspects of botanical art and illustration.

Fifth Floor, Hunt Library
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh PA 15213

412.268.2434

Monday - Friday, 9 am- 12 pm and 1 pm- 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm - 4 pm (Gallery only during exhibitions, call in advance.)

Complete accessibility

Additional gallery hours (during exhibitions only): (except 20 and 27 May)

Web site: Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

An operating trolley museum where visitors can ride into the past aboard one of Pennsylvania's historic streetcars. Trolley rides, guided tour, exhibitions, film, picnic area, and gift shop.

1 Museum Road
Washington, PA 15301

724.228.9256

Open April - December

Admission Fee

Complete accessibility

Web site: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Rachel Carson Homestead

Birthplace and childhood home of ecologist and author Rachel Carson (1907-1964), whose 1962 book Silent Spring helped to launch the environmental movement. Guided tours, classes.

613 Marion Avenue
Springdale, PA 15144

724.274.5459

Open all year

Saturday 10 - 4, Sunday 1 - 5

Admission Fee

Web site: www.rachelcarsonhomestead.org

George Westinghouse Museum

Magnificent 19th-century table and glassware, full-size replica of first Time Capsule, recording of world's first commercial radio broadcast, array of early home appliances.

Commerce Street
Wilmerding, PA 15148

412.823.3004

Open all year

Web site: www.georgewestinghouse.com