This Surprising Museum Was Named No. 1 in the U.S.

When thinking of America’s history museums, cities such as New York and Washington, D.C., tend to be top of mind. As vital as institutions like the American Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian are, however, neither of them received the honor of being named the country’s No. 1 history museum in the most recent edition of USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards. After USA Today’s panel of editors and experts narrowed down a list of nominees, the public was invited to select their favorites. The 2025 winner was a museum you might not have heard of — but here’s why it’s a must-visit for any history buff.

A Repeat Winner

And the award for America’s top history museum goes to … the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The renowned history museum is no stranger to the top, either: It also crowned the 2024 list and came in second the year before. (The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, came in first in 2023.) 

“At the History Center, visitors of all ages can have a meaningful experience while exploring American history,” Andy Masich, the organization’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “This national recognition means a lot to our staff and volunteers. It reflects the impact we have on communities here in Western Pennsylvania and throughout the country.”

On Display

Perhaps the most exciting reason to visit the History Center is its Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood exhibit, which features the iconic show’s actual living-room set, King Friday XIII’s Castle, and a life-size figure of Fred Rogers in his signature outfit. The beloved children’s program, which aired from 1968 to 2001, was produced in Pittsburgh by PBS member station WQED. 

Other highlights at the museum include From Slavery to Freedom, an exploration of over 250 years of African American history; Clash of Empires: The British, French & Indian War, 1754-1763, detailing this turning point in U.S. history; and an exhibit devoted to the museum’s namesake, the H.J. Heinz Company, best known for its ketchup. In addition to video loops of vintage commercials and a display of pickle pins, this exhibit also features an 11-foot-tall ketchup bottle made up of more than 400 individual bottles.

The Top 10

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which took pride of place in 2023, ranked No. 2 on this year’s list. Here’s the rest of the top 10, ranked in order:

• Heinz History Center – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Cincinnati History Museum – Cincinnati, Ohio
• Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum – Atchison, Kansas
• Museum of the American Revolution – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• National Museum of the Pacific War -Fredericksburg, Texas
• Mill City Museum -Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Tampa Bay History Center – Tampa, Florida
• Mississippi Civil Rights Museum – Jackson, Mississippi
• Bullock Texas State History Museum – Austin, Texas

Featured image credit: Amy Cicconi/ Alamy Stock Photo