Current Exhibit

Bost Building Exhibits

Common Canvas:  Pennsylvania's New Deal Post Office Murals

Open March 11, 2010 - August 12, 2010

In 1933, the administration of newly elected President Franklin Roosevelt launched an ambitious program to place murals and sculptures in post offices across the country.  To coincide with the national 75th anniversary of the New Deal, The State Museum of Pennsylvania brings together these same artworks for the first time in this special exhibition to offer a comman canvas of Pennsylvania that has faded from the landscape, but not from memory.

The Restored Rooms

The Bost Building was built in 1892 as a hotel and served as the temporary headquarters for the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers during the Homestead Lockout and Strike. Two rooms in the building have been restored to the way they looked in 1892, with original floorboards and period reproduction wallpaper. One room tells the story of the Homestead Strike; the other contains photographs that chronicle the restoration of the building from dilapidation through its opening as the Rivers of Steel Visitors Center.

Recently added to the restored rooms is a computer kiosk displaying an exciting documentary on the Battle of Homestead. Using archival footage, photographs and documents, this film allows you to learn about history on the site where it occurred.

The Homestead Room

The Homestead Room is a permanent exhibit displaying artifacts and art work specifically related to the Homestead Works. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a 23.5' long model of the Homestead Works that originally stood in the General Office Building of the mill.

Information

Beginning August 1, 2009 admission to the Bost Building for non-members is $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children under 14.  Admission is free for members (up to 4 people).

Docent-led tours of the Bost Building are available by appointment. Participants will also have an opportunity to tour the Pump House. $5 per person.  For more information, contact us or call 412-464-4020. 

Exhibit Hours

Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm

The exhibit will be closed beginning February 25 as we install a new exhibit from the State Museum in Harrisburg called Common Canvas:  Pennsylvania's New Deal Post Office Murals, which will open on March 11, 2010.

Due to the State budget impasse, our office and museum will be closed Friday through Sunday until further notice.  We regret this inconvenience to our members and patrons.  Please urge your State Representative to restore funding to the Heritage Parks Program.

Directions

Get directions to the museum.

Pump House Exhibits

Located in the Waterfront, site of the former Homestead Works, the Pump House was the site of the battle between workers and the Pinkerton Detective agents during the 1892 Homestead Lockout and Strike. The site has been renovated for use as an interpretive space. The Pump House is located at 880 E. Waterfront Drive, Munhall.