PITTSBURGH — Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, part of the Senator John Heinz History Center family of museums, will open for its 2024 season on May 4.

Meadowcroft is a National Historic Landmark in Avella. Visitors of all ages can explore the Rockshelter, an archaeological wonder where the region’s earliest inhabitants dwelled more than 19,000 years ago.

A popular one-day getaway for families in the Tri-State Area, Meadowcroft takes visitors on a historic journey through three re-created villages:

• In the 16th-century Monongahela Indian Village, visitors can step inside a wigwam, test their skills with the atlatl (a prehistoric spear-thrower), and learn about American Indian agriculture;

• At the 18th-century Frontier Trading Post, they can examine 1770s-era buildings and discover how American Indians and European settlers learned from each other; and

• In the 19th-century Meadowcroft Village, visitors can enjoy a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse and watch a blacksmith forge red-hot iron.

Meadowcroft will offer several public programs during the 2024 season, including American Indian Heritage Weekend, the annual Atlatl Competition, 19th century style “base ball” and more:

• Meadowcroft Atlatl Competition, June 15: Beginners are invited to try using the atlatl, a spear-thrower used by prehistoric hunters and watch some of the world’s best competitors from the World Atlatl Association compete for high score.

• Insider Tours of the Rockshelter, Multiple Dates: Visitors are invited to attend exclusive Insider Tours of the Rockshelter with James Adovasio on June 22, July 20, Aug. 10, and Sept. 14, at 10 a.m.

Tickets are $15 for members and $30 for non-members. Online reservations are required at heinzhistorycenter.org/events.

• Independence Day Celebration, July 4: Celebrate the spirit of America with historical demonstrations and period games at Meadowcroft’s 18th century frontier area and 19th century rural village.

• Vintage Base Ball Day, Aug. 17: Come watch base ball 19th century-style with the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder, Addison Mountain Stars and Canal Fulton Mules of Ohio using the 1860s rules.

• Washington and Greene Counties Covered Bridge Festival, Sept 21-22: Visit Meadowcroft’s 1871 Pine Bank Covered Bridge during this annual celebration.

• American Indian Heritage Weekend, Sept. 28-29: Learn about the American Indian cultures who once dwelled in the region and speak with visiting members of tribes native to Western Pennsylvania.

• Walk in Penn’s Woods!, Oct. 5: In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Penn State, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and others, Meadowcroft will serve as a host venue for the day of educational woodland walks to highlight the region’s forest and wildlife resources from prehistoric to modern day.

• Archaeology Day, Oct. 19: Ever wonder how archaeologists learn about everyday life for prehistoric people? Do you have a suspected artifact you want professionally identified? As part of Pennsylvania Archaeology Month, archaeologists from the Society of Pennsylvania Archaeology will present lectures and identify your artifacts, accompanied by demonstrations of prehistoric technology.

• Meadowcroft’s Taffy Pull and Fall Celebration, Oct. 26: Join us in one of our historic log houses to learn about historic confection while you make an old-fashioned sweet treat to take home. Limited space is available, and an additional program fee applies. Advance reservations are recommended.

Following its opening day, Meadowcroft is open on weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Memorial Day.

During the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) the site is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Following Labor Day, the site is open on weekends until Oct. 29.

Unless noted, all events are included as part of the regular admission price at Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for senior citizens (65 and older) and $7 for children ages 6-17. Children under 6 and history center members get in free. For information, visit heinzhistorycenter.org/meadowcroft or call (724) 587-3412.