The Bost Building Rivers of Steel
Explore Pittsburgh's industrial past at The Bost Building, featuring exhibits on the steel industry, the Homestead Strike, and a massive mill site mod...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, staff available
The Bost Building Rivers of Steel
Best Time
Less crowded, staff available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Pittsburgh's industrial past at The Bost Building, featuring exhibits on the steel industry, the Homestead Strike, and a massive mill site model.
"A great look into the past that forged the future of the nation. "
Ring the Doorbell! 🛎️
Don't hesitate to ring the front doorbell; staff like Christine are welcoming and eager to guide you.
Self-Guided Exploration 🚶♀️
The visit is largely self-guided, but staff are available to answer questions and share their knowledge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
USS Mill Site Model
1st Floor
An impressive, full-scale model showcasing the USS Mill site at its peak operational capacity. A must-see for understanding the scale of industry.
"Safety First" Exhibit
3rd Floor
Explore the crucial role of safety in steel mills with this exhibit, highlighting historical equipment and practices.
Historical Timeline & Artifacts
1st Floor
Trace the evolution of the steel industry from 1882 onwards through original artifacts and a comprehensive timeline.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Experience
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Has anyone done any of the tours or classes at the Carrie Furnace? Are they worth it?
Ring the Doorbell! 🛎️
Don't hesitate to ring the front doorbell; staff like Christine are welcoming and eager to guide you.
Self-Guided Exploration 🚶♀️
The visit is largely self-guided, but staff are available to answer questions and share their knowledge.
I made a video about the Homestead Steelworks / Carrie Furnace park in Homestead I thought y'all might find interesting.
steel mill, Pittsburgh [2136 × 1424]
Connect with History Steelworker
If your family has roots in the steel industry, this museum offers a profound connection to that heritage.
Check Exhibit Dates 🗓️
Special exhibits, like 'Safety First,' have end dates, so check the schedule if you want to see them.
Just visited the Carrie Blast Furnaces, NEED to find this owl sculpture they moved. Any info?
Tips
from all over the internet
Ring the Doorbell! 🛎️
Don't hesitate to ring the front doorbell; staff like Christine are welcoming and eager to guide you.
Self-Guided Exploration 🚶♀️
The visit is largely self-guided, but staff are available to answer questions and share their knowledge.
Connect with History Steelworker
If your family has roots in the steel industry, this museum offers a profound connection to that heritage.
Check Exhibit Dates 🗓️
Special exhibits, like 'Safety First,' have end dates, so check the schedule if you want to see them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Bost Building to be an informative and worthwhile museum, particularly for those with ties to the steel industry. The exhibits, including a detailed mill site model and historical artifacts, offer a strong look into the past. While the building itself is described as non-descript, the content provides significant historical insight.
"Non-descript building on the main street. Easy to drive by it. Park in the rear. The front door will be locked if you are the first visitor from the general public. Born and raised in Homestead? Dad or granddad a "steelworker"? If so, you will like this place. Dark inside when you first come in. Like OSHA and NIOSH safety requirements for a Steel mill? No....or Yes? You better say yes...that equipment helped you go home to your bachelor pad or family at every end of your shift. See it here."
T Cloonan
"I have been wanting to visit this museum at the Bost building for years and finally made it on a Friday just before noon. Do not hesitate to ring the doorbell at the front door. We were warmly greeted by Christine. As for so many, Christine wears many hats for the museum and took some time out of her day to welcome us and guide us through our visit. Christine shared her extensive knowledge of the history of the Bost Building and the mission of Rivers of Steel. The 1st floor consists of an impressive full scale model of the USS Mill site when it was at full capacity. There are also some original artifacts and an historical timeline starting @ 1882. Next, we took the elevator to the 3rd floor Exhibit “Safety First” available until May 30, 2025. Also on the 3rd floor is a small theater space for you to view their collection of historical videos and two restored rooms with additional exhibits. Our visit was self-guided, but Christine was available as needed with any questions we had. All and all it was worth the visit. A great look into the past that forged the future of the nation."
Daniel Conner
"Open for four hours a day. Informative interesting displays about the Homestead strike and the history of the steel industry and unions."
Melinda Ambrose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bost Building is located on the main street. Parking is available in the rear of the building.
Information on public transportation options is not readily available, but it's recommended to check local transit schedules for the Homestead area.
The building is described as non-descript on the main street, making it easy to drive by. Parking is in the rear.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is typically open for four hours a day. It's essential to check their official schedule before visiting as hours can vary.
Advance booking information is not specified, but arriving just before noon on a Friday worked for one visitor. Ringing the doorbell upon arrival is recommended.
Admission fee details are not explicitly stated, but the experience is described as 'worth the visit,' suggesting a nominal fee or donation is expected.
If you are the first visitor from the general public, the front door may be locked. Ring the doorbell, and staff will assist you.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on the steel industry, the Homestead Strike, view a full-scale model of the USS Mill site, and see historical artifacts. There's also a 'Safety First' exhibit and historical videos.
Yes, the visit is largely self-guided, but staff are available to answer questions and provide insights.
Yes, there is a 'Safety First' exhibit available until May 30, 2025, on the 3rd floor.
While informative, some experiences, like boat tours associated with Rivers of Steel, have had mixed reviews regarding tour guide interactions with children. The museum itself offers historical context.
The building and its exhibits delve into the history of the steel industry in Pittsburgh, the labor struggles of the Homestead Strike, and the impact of industrialization.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies are not explicitly stated, but one reviewer mentioned a tour guide scolding children for being on their phones to take pictures during a boat tour. It's best to inquire upon arrival.
The full-scale model of the USS Mill site and historical artifacts offer unique visual opportunities for those interested in industrial history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's worth noting that while the museum itself is generally suitable, associated Rivers of Steel tours have received mixed feedback regarding interactions with children. For a museum visit, encourage kids to engage with the displays and ask questions. The historical context of the steel industry and the Homestead Strike can be a valuable learning opportunity about labor history and societal change.
Steelworker Heritage Enthusiasts
Exploring the original artifacts, the historical timeline, and especially the USS Mill site model can evoke powerful memories and a profound sense of pride. The exhibits provide context for the sacrifices made and the vital role the steel industry played in shaping communities and the nation. It’s an opportunity to honor that heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for the industry's impact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Steel Industry and Labor History
Visitors can expect to see original artifacts that tell tangible stories of the workers' lives and the demanding conditions they faced. A standout feature is the impressive full-scale model of the USS Mill site, which provides a breathtaking visual representation of the industrial complex at its zenith. This model, combined with historical timelines, helps contextualize the sheer scale and complexity of steel production.
For those with personal connections to steelworker families, the museum offers a deeply resonant experience. It's a place to connect with the heritage that forged the region and understand the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped modern America. The exhibits are designed to be informative and engaging, making the history accessible to a broad audience.
Safety in the Steel Mills
Visitors can learn about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requirements, understanding how these regulations, even in their early forms, were crucial for ensuring workers could return home safely after their shifts. The displays likely feature historical safety equipment and illustrate the challenges faced in implementing and adhering to safety standards in such a high-risk industry.
This focus on safety is not just about equipment; it's about the culture and the human cost of industrial accidents. The exhibit aims to educate visitors on the progress made in workplace safety and the ongoing importance of vigilance in hazardous environments.
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