Abney announces cultural and historical grants supporting Allegheny County institutions

Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney    September 10, 2026 | 2:38 PM

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 10 –  State Rep. Aerion Abney today announced more than $200,000 in Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Cultural and Historical Support Grants for four Allegheny County institutions that preserve history, inspire young people, and strengthen communities across the region.

The grants provide essential operating support to the Kamin Science Center, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Senator John Heinz History Center and Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. Together, the institutions play a vital role in educating students and families, preserving Western Pennsylvania’s history, promoting STEM learning and combating antisemitism and other forms of hate.

“These institutions are a tremendous asset to our community, and I’m proud to see state funding helping them continue their important work,” Abney said. “Whether it’s inspiring a child to pursue a career in science, introducing families to the rich history of our region, or teaching future generations the lessons of the Holocaust, these organizations make a lasting difference in the lives of people throughout Western Pennsylvania.”

The funding is part of nearly $4 million in Cultural and Historical Support Grants announced by the PHMC for the 2026-27 grant cycle. The program provides unrestricted operating support to eligible museums and official county historical societies across Pennsylvania. This year, 182 institutions in 60 counties received grants.

According to the PHMC, the program is designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum and historical community as the Commonwealth continues to preserve and celebrate its history ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary and beyond.

The institutions receiving grants include:

• Kamin Science Center — $47,000: The grant will support operating expenses at the nationally recognized science center, whose interactive exhibits, immersive experiences, planetarium shows and STEM education programs serve students and families throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond.
• Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh — $45,000: Funding will help offset the costs of building and grounds maintenance, utilities, marketing, personnel and insurance as the museum prepares to welcome more than 300,000 children, youth and families in fiscal year 2027. The museum provides hands-on cultural and educational experiences through its Children's Museum, MuseumLab and Buhl Community Park.
• Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, a program of The Tree of Life — $65,000: Funding will support staff salaries associated with preserving and interpreting the Holocaust Center’s permanent collection, operating its public exhibit and providing educational programs connecting Holocaust history to antisemitism and other forms of hate.

The Senator John Heinz History Center, which is located outside Abney’s legislative district, also received a $65,000 Cultural and Historical Support Grant. The grant was supported by members of the Allegheny County legislative delegation, reflecting a broader regional commitment to the History Center and its role in preserving and sharing Western Pennsylvania’s history.

The History Center will use the funding to help launch a major exhibition on the region’s iconic amusement park history, drawing on its extensive Kennywood collection. The funds will also support public programs, publications and operations during the institution’s major facility expansion in Pittsburgh.

“Museums and historical organizations are an important part of what makes Allegheny County such a vibrant place to live, learn and visit,” Abney said. “I’m pleased to join my colleagues across the Allegheny County delegation in supporting these institutions and the work they do for our communities.”

The PHMC grant program is designed to provide unrestricted operating support to qualifying institutions and strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum and historical community as the Commonwealth continues to preserve and celebrate its history in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary and beyond.

“This funding recognizes that preserving our past and investing in education are investments in our future,” Abney said. “I will continue working with my colleagues to make sure Allegheny County’s cultural and educational institutions have the resources they need to serve residents and visitors for years to come.”

Abney represents the 19th Legislative District, comprised of the Hill District, North Side, South Side, Allentown, Hazelwood, Downtown, The Bluff, Knoxville, Beltzhoover, Manchester, Allentown, Windgap, Chartiers, Sheraden, Elliot, and North, South and West Oakland sections of Pittsburgh.

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