PITTSBURGH — For the third year in a row, the Smithsonian-affiliated Senator John Heinz History Center has been recognized as the No. 1 History Museum in America by USA TODAY as part of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

Nominated by a panel of industry experts and editors, the history center finished at the top of a best history museum list that included 20 prestigious cultural organizations, including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, National WWII Museum, Museum of the American Revolution, International Spy Museum, and more.

“This national honor reflects the history center’s impact in connecting and inspiring communities here in Western Pennsylvania and across the nation,” said Andy Masich, president and CEO of the history center. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, there is no better time to engage with our shared past, and we welcome visitors to experience America’s No. 11 history museum this year.”

One of Pittsburgh’s premier cultural attractions, the history center recently earned national accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the museum field’s high profile, peer-based, best practices review of an institution’s operations and impact.

Last year, the center announced a major campus expansion that will add new exhibitions, visitor amenities, a 150-seat theater, smart classrooms, the Museum of African American History and much more.

The museum also launched its Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative, which provides free admission to all children aged 17 and under, in perpetuity, supported by a $11.5 million gift by Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin.

The center features six floors of exhibitions and iconic artifacts, from the world’s oldest jeep to the original studio set from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The two-floor sports museum, located within the history center, highlights the region’s unforgettable sports moments.