MUSEUM PASSES AVAILABLE — A simple library card will get you a kit containing two adult passes and passes for up to six children, to visit one of several area museums in the Greater Pittsburgh or Steubenville areas. The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County is offering the kits within its Library of Things section at all local branches through December. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Have you always wanted to visit a local museum to learn about the history of our area, but just never had the opportunity or the means to go?

Have you been searching for an activity to do this summer, but are not quite sure what to do?

Thanks to the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, the answer to these dilemmas has finally arrived.

A number of area museums can be toured just by using your library card. Card holders can check out and borrow a museum pass for up to a week, free of cost. Those interested can schedule their pass ahead of time or walk in to any local branch. Each kit offers passes to museums and historical sites in the greater Pittsburgh and Steubenville areas, according to library Director Mike Gray. Each kit includes two adults passes and up to six children passes.

“The museum kits are a fantastic way for anyone who wants to learn and explore history and the arts hands-on,” Gray commented. “It’s something the family can enjoy together.” Gray explained the museum passes are featured on the Library of Things panel at each library branch. A library card is the only thing one needs to borrow a museum pass or any other item found in the Library of Things, he added.

This year’s featured museums include: Bushy Run Battlefield, Depreciation Lands Museum and Park, Harmony Museum, Fort Pitt Museum, the Heinz History Center, Meadowcroft, the Capt. William Vicary Mansion, the Duncan and Miller Glass Museum, Gibson House Manor and Historic Fort Steuben.

Bushy Run is Pennsylvania’s only recognized Native American battlefield. Established in 1950, the museum showcases local Americana and memorabilia, as well as life-like figurines and artifacts that illustrate 18th-century colonial and Native American life. Visit bushyrunbattlefield.com for information.

Depreciation Lands features interpreters in period costumes, historic buildings, an authentic log house and reproduction structures, preserving the early European settlement history in the Depreciation Lands for Revolutionary War soldiers. It includes a research library with 18th-century resources and genealogical data. Visit dlmuseum.org for information.

The Harmony Museum was established in 1809 and showcases the history of the Harmony Society, the Mennonites and notable visitors such as George Washington. Visit harmonymuseum.org for information.

The Fort Pitt Museum allows you to step back in time at Point State Park and discover what life was like for 18th-century residents. Visit heinzhistorycenter.org/visit/fort-pitt for information.

The Heinz History Center is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum, showcasing the heritage of western Pennsylvania through six floors of exhibits, hands-on activities and events. Notable artifacts include the television set from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” and the world’s oldest jeep, making it a vibrant destination for all. Visit heinzhistorycenter.org for information.

Meadowcroft allows you to experience 19,000 years of history at North America’s oldest site of human habitation. Tour three recreated villages to learn what life was like for our earliest ancestors. Visit heinzhistorycenter.org/visit/meadowcroft for information.

The 1826 Capt. William Vicary Mansion houses the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation, Beaver County’s official historical society. Its mission involves researching local history, archiving, recognizing landmarks and educating through programs. Visit bchrlf.org for information.

The Duncan and Miller Glass Museum features a vast collection of Duncan and Miller glassware, tools and memorabilia, offering visitors an immersive experience into the company’s history. Visit duncan-miller.org for information.

The Gibson House Manor was built in 1855 by Dr. William Gibson. The manor served as a family home and office, and was notably frequented by Samuel Clemons, “Mark Twain.” The manor served as a safe house for slaves, as Jamestown was a crossroad for the underground railroad. The manor included secret design elements for hiding runaways and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Visit gibsonhousemanor.org for information.

Historic Fort Steuben was built in 1786 by the First American Regiment for the protection of surveyors sent by the Continental Congress to map the Northwest Territory. Visitors can tour the reconstructed fort to see the soldiers’ quarters, guardhouse, hospital, commissary and Federal Land Office. Visit oldfortsteuben.com for information.

Kits from the OH Wow! Children’s Science Museum in Youngstown can be borrowed from the Main Library and the Schiappa and Toronto branches, Gray noted. This kit is limited to four tickets.

The museum kits will be available through December.