heritage discovery center

Very impressive. Gives a wonderful overview of the beginnings of Johnstown. Give yourself plenty of time. You are "part of the history" as you assume the personality of a person long ago.

Millions of public dollars were spent to turn a paper mill into a museum, with remarkable results. However, the Johnstown Area Heritage Association lacks the funds to maintain these facilities. When we took our grandchildren to visit a few weeks ago, about a third of the displays in the children's museum did not work properly. Their favorite feature was a twisting slide inside a dark coal mine. They landed in a coal car on black sponges (coal). A highly worthwhile attraction is a movie on how combining England's Bessemer Process and Johnstown's Kelly Converter enabled Cambria Iron to make probably the best steel in the world. Also a wonderful gift shop offers items from many countries represented by Johnstown's population. Also there are a recreated neighborhood tavern (used for receptions) and an ice cream store. The main feature allows a visitor to take on the identity of an immigrant and walk through what was experienced after arrival in America.

Although as others have mentioned some of the exhibits don't work, and it's a museum that isn't very snazzy and modern, don't forgo this. Spend some time and actually read the commentaries--if you don't you're missing the point. This museum takes Eastern European immigrants from Ellis Island to being settled in Johnstown, primarily to staff the iron mills. The way it's set up allows you to follow their paths into new lives--or at least their attempts. The effort included all ages, both sexes. Some succeeded, others didn't. You can walk away with a very deep appreciation of just how far we've come in acceptance and opportunity--without losing one's emotional and spiritual identity and even physical life. Surviving was the key for these immigrants, but it wasn't easy. After I allowed myself to walk in their shoes, I thanked all of our forefathers/foremothers. More museums in more cities/areas should follow this one's lead and tell the real stories, not glossed over, not edited. Much pain. Yet much hope. This is indeed what made America. This museum is very easy to find, and there's tons of free parking. I hope more visit, so some updates can be made. Another part of this museum that you should not miss is a movie about how iron and steel was made--the reason for the huge immigration influx. We started with this first; knowing this background will help even further to appreciate the reasons for this museum. One complaint: even though it was still the summer season, the cafe wasn't open--why?--especially since it was a Saturday.

When you arrive, you are able to pick out a immigrant and are given a card. There are displays in the Museum where you place the card and you follow your immigrant. It was very interesting. They have a very interesting film on the iron ore industry. I wish we had had more time to visit the other floors (there are 5 total) but we were on a tour and time restrictions stopped us from seeing the whole tour. Definitely plan to visit again next time I am near Johnstown.

This is about the migrant influx into the area from Europe in the early 1900's and about the development of the industries in Johnstown. A real eye-opener for us. Exhibits are largely inter-active and done very well - very professional and instructive. Gave us a much better and clearer view of what our ancestors endured when they migrated to the U.S.

This is a very good museum. There is a great moving on the making of steel and how Johnstown was the center of iron ore. I also enjoyed the Immigrant Experience, though some of the videos were not working. At the one display, the voices were talking over one another. Not sure if it was supposed to be this way or not. There is an excellent play area for children on one of the floors. There is an admission fee. You can get a ticket to cover both his museum and the Flood Museum. Free parking.

I just love the coal exhibit. It is very hands on and the kids even get to wear hard hats. The garden display is pretty cool too. It is a great place to go and the exhibits change a little bit from time to time.

This is not your usual museum with static artifacts and displays. Although there are exhibits, a connection is formed to actual individuals who lived, worked, worshipped and died here. They formed the community through their courage, hard work and beliefs. Although never leaving their roots they created a strong new community.

Great place to take kids or adults. A lot of great history of Johnstown and surrounding places. Would be a great place to take kids on a field trip. Nice gift shop that sells very unique gifts that have cultural significance.

The main level had an interactive tour of how immigrants came and worked but the other levels were pretty empty with very little to look at. The gallery on the way in was my favorite part with some excellent photos of local steel mills. We had seen everything within an hour.

Several of the interactive displays were not working so it was a limited success. They have a great concept if you are interested in the history of Johnstown. But I believe that you have to be really interested in Johnstown to really enjoy this museum.

Really interesting place! You can get an "Immigrant ID card" upon entering, and can use it to activate little testimonials and vignettes as you tour thru the exhibits. This place does a really great job of telling the stories of immigrants in general to the Johnstown area, of the unique experience specific nationalities endured, and of the lives and communities they built for themselves, and the kinds of jobs they did. At the end, there's a good film explaining the steel-making process, and some of the innovations developed in the area. There's also a cafe on site. Admission includes the Flood Museum and the Ritter-Wagner House, as well.

This is an interesting look at Industrial history and the ethnicities that built America. The exhibits are a little worn but remarkable for all ages. The steel making exhibit is great and the children's museum, shop and ice cream store are very fun. There are often special exhibits upstairs. You could spend an entire day here. Worth the admission price. The reuse of the old building is very impressive. Also go to the Wagner Ritter House across the street.

The exhibit on immigration was very moving. It shows living conditions, working opportunities, transportation, clothing styles of the late 1800's. You hear actual voices talking in first person. Very interesting.Also a nice play/inter- acting area for children . A play area, a general store, a coal mine, a game area,a kitchen area with tables and plastic food, etc.Our family spent 2 1/2 hours one Wednesday afternoon. We all enjoyed the time.

Some things should be free.... Felt uncomfortable going in building even though I needed to use restroom. Was not going on walking tour. Was interesting to see where the "club" homes were and the lake prior to bursting.