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A Grand Opening 16,000 Years In The Making
More than 16,000 years after it first provided shelter for prehistoric hunters and gatherers, Meadowcroft Rockshelter now has a new, permanent roof of its own.
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Pa., Washington County, reopened to the public on May 10, 2008 after being closed for the 2007 season during construction of the Rockshelter's new roof.
The new enclosure on the 16,000-year-old Rockshelter, the earliest site of human habitation in North America, will help preserve the world-renowned archaeological excavation site for future generations.
The new observation deck at the Rockshelter will allow families and large groups to explore the oldest and deepest parts of the National Historic Landmark with trained, on-site interpreters who will explain what life was like for our earliest ancestors.
More Visitor Upgrades at Meadowcroft
Other visitor improvements at Meadowcroft include a newly paved roadway which will allow for easier access in and out of Meadowcroft. A 17th century Indian Village, that will provide visitors with a glimpse of life in Western Pennsylvania prior to the arrival of Europeans, is also under development at Meadowcroft.
Future plans include renovations to the visitor's center and a multi-year implementation of a master interpretive plan throughout Meadowcroft Village that will allow visitors to see how people have utilized the environment and nearby natural resources over the past 16,000 years.
To schedule group reservations or interpreter-led tours of the Meadowcroft Rockshelter, please contact Fran Skariot at 724-587-3412 or frskariot@hswp.org.
View a behind-the-scenes tour
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