Click the brick to learn more about our
HERITAGE WALK CAMPAIGN
About Us
Our Mission
We operate our museum and research facility to preserve and present the history of McKeesport and its surrounding communities for public education and enjoyment.
Our Vision
We're creating a community (members, visitors, and residents...past, present, and future) with a greater understanding and appreciation of this region's history and its diverse cultural heritage.
Our History
Founded in 1980, the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center preserves and shares the history of McKeesport and the Mon Valley. Our museum features McKeesport’s first schoolhouse, built in 1832, seven rooms of exhibits, and a research library. Our collections are made possible by donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations.
Members from near and far enjoy free admission to most programs, private tour arrangements, gift shop discounts, research archive access, and use of our Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com subscriptions.
Our People
THE STAFF
Tim Kunes
Executive Director
tim.kunes@mckeesportheritage.org
Tim Kunes, a McKeesport native raised on upper Soles Street, graduated from McKeesport Area School District in 1982. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Geneva College and a master’s in Education from George Mason University.
Returning to McKeesport in 1993, Tim taught social studies for 30 years, serving as department head for his final decade before retiring in 2023. His passion for history and world cultures led him to educational programs in India, China, Japan, and Turkey, two backpacking trips through Europe, and three European trips he led for McKeesport students.
Tim enjoys family time, reading, gardening, genealogy, restoring his 200-year-old farmhouse, and walking his dog. He stays active in the community through local events and White Oak Rotary service projects.
As Executive Director of the Heritage Center, Tim brings experience in education, curriculum development, and community engagement, along with a lifelong connection to the region. He looks forward to developing programs that preserve and share the history of McKeesport and its surrounding communities.
Bonnie Stern
Administrative & Research Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
info@mckeesportheritage.org
Bonnie Stern was Born in Connellsville PA. She graduated from McKeesport High School, the Pittsburgh Institute of Automation and CCAC in Business Management.
She is married to Dennis Stern and they have 1 son, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Bonnie worked at Keystone Auto Parts in McKeesport for 15 Years then, Middle Atlantic Warehouse in Turtle Creek for 25 years as a Buyer, Office Manager, and Administrative Assistant.
Bonnie is very active in her community. She is a Charter Member of Christ United Methodist Church in North Huntingdon, President of McKeesport Confederation of Women’s Clubs, a former President of McKeesport Business and Professional Women, and Home Gardeners Guild.
