Allegheny River Waterways

Flow, Power & Lore

Step into the story of the Allegheny River — a waterway that has carved valleys, fueled communities, and carried countless adventures downstream. This exhibit blends science, engineering, and the living folklore of Appalachia to show how clean water and human ingenuity shape our world.

The River’s Lifeline

Trace the Allegheny from its headwaters in northern Pennsylvania to its meeting with the Ohio. Along the way, discover how clean waterways nourish fish, forests, and families alike. Interactive touchscreens reveal how pollution can spread — and how communities protect their rivers so future generations can drink, fish, and play.

Engineering Marvels

At the mini lock-and-dam station, turn a crank and watch boats rise and fall just as barges do in real life. At the bridge and boat-building table, test your designs against the “current” to see if your creation can hold strong. These hands-on stations bring to life the ingenuity of those who tamed the Allegheny’s flow for travel, trade, and safety.

River Lore of Appalachia

Listen closely, and you might hear the whispers of old Appalachian river tales: stories of lantern lights on foggy nights, river spirits said to protect the waters, or the songs boatmen once sang to keep time as they paddled. Illustrated panels and subtle soundscapes share this folklore, reminding visitors that rivers are more than water — they are keepers of memory and culture.

Why It Matters

The Allegheny is more than a river. It is a source of clean drinking water, a highway for commerce, and a thread in Appalachian storytelling. By understanding its history, engineering, and lore, we celebrate the river as both a vital resource and a timeless voice of the land.