The newly opened, state-of-the-art structure to preserve the prehistoric Rockshelter at Meadowcroft Village in Avella, right, was the culmination of a collaboration by archaeologists, contractors, architects and museum professionals.

AVELLA — The Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life has now reopened at 401 Meadowcroft Road.

The site was closed for more than a year due to construction of a new roof for the rockshelter, the earliest site of human habitation in North America.

The new enclosure for the 16,000-year-old shelter will help preserve the world-renowned archaeological site.

Combination rockshelter, village and museum admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for children younger than 6. Just the rockshelter or just the village and museum costs less for admission.

Meadowcroft is open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays though Labor Day.

Call 412-587-3412 or visit the Web site, www.pghhistory.org/meadowcroft.

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The new structure provides visitors more dramatic views into the oldest parts of the 16,000-year-old rock shelter.