[naviga:h3]History Center sets July 1 reopening[/naviga:h3]

In accordance with new guidelines set by state and local officials, the Senator John Heinz History Center and its family of museums will open to the public beginning July 1.

Included are the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, Fort Pitt Museum, and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village.

All history center museums will begin operating at 50 percent capacity and will eventually accommodate a larger percentage of visitors once permitted.

Sites will implement new social distancing policies for visitors and staff while taking extensive measures to ensure spaces are safe and sanitary, including frequent and thorough cleaning of high-touch areas and the addition of hand sanitizing stations throughout the museums.

More details on advanced ticketing, timed-entry policies, and new procedures will be announced later this month. Visit www.heinzhistorycenter.org for the most up-to-date information.

[naviga:h3]Zelie library cancels more fundraisers[/naviga:h3]

Zelienople Public Library’s trustees canceled Zelie on Tap, a fall event co-hosted by Zelienople Community Park, and the Wine Walk held in June in Harmony.

The two events draw hundreds of people to Zelienople and Harmony every year.

The board had postponed the Wine Walk until September, but continuing concerns with coronavirus, management of crowds larger than 250 people and challenges maintaining visitor safety led to the cancellation.

These cancellations are in addition to the cancellation of the Cash Blast fundraiser, originally scheduled for April.

All three fundraisers will return in 2021.

Trustees said the decision was difficult because one-third of the library’s funding comes from donations and fundraisers. Board members said they hope that donations will help make up for any budget shortfalls and enable the library to maintain programming and materials.

The library is offering curbside pickup of requested library materials. Anyone interested in the service should call 724-452-9330.

[naviga:h3]Pittsburgh’s Irish Festival canceled[/naviga:h3]

The 2020 Pittsburgh Irish Festival has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival’s board of directors, leadership and staff made the decision to cancel the 2020 festival in the light of concerns for the safety of the staff, volunteers, patrons, vendors and entertainers.

Anyone who has purchased an advanced ticket online will be contacted directly with the options to receive a full refund, transfer their ticket to the 2021 festival, or donate the ticket money to the Pittsburgh Irish Festival. Those who received a complimentary ticket or voucher as part of a promotion may use these in 2021.