Draft Release – Not for Distribution

DRAFT RELEASE – NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION

Contact: Ned Schano Gina Pferdehirt Heinz History Center UPMC Health Plan 412-454-6382 412-454-4953 [email protected] [email protected]

History Center Enhances Healthy Initiatives with the Introduction of UPMC SmartSteps - Nation’s First Stairwell Exhibit Encourages Visitors to Enjoy Health and History - - SmartSteps Ties Into National “Let’s Move” Campaign -

PITTSBURGH, June 23, 2011 – The Senator John Heinz History Center and UPMC Health Plan have partnered to encourage museum visitors to climb the stairs and blend health and history with the launch of SmartSteps, a new fun and fit exhibit which opens on Wed., June 29.

Visitors who forego the elevator and take the steps to explore the History Center‟s six floors will be treated to a unique exhibit in the stairwells, featuring innovative facts and artifacts related to Pittsburgh history along with UPMC Health Plan health and wellness tips, such as how many calories they have burned, that will encourage them to lead a healthier lifestyle.

“As the Smithsonian‟s home in Pittsburgh, the History Center is proud to be, as far as we know, the first museum in the nation with an exhibition in its stairwell,” said Andy Masich, president and CEO of the History Center. “The SmartSteps exhibit will motivate History Center visitors to exercise their body while engaging their minds with Western Pennsylvania history.”

“We hope this initiative will be a fun and easy way to spread the message about the benefits of incorporating light exercise into your day,” said Diane P. Holder, President, UPMC Health Plan. “By choosing activities that you can easily fit into a daily routine – such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator – you can accumulate small amounts of exercise throughout the day that can provide significant health benefits.”

The steps will contain artifacts and fun Pittsburgh facts related to local people, places, and events that tie into History Center themes:

1st – 2nd Floor – Starting Line 2nd – 3rd Floor – Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation 3rd – 4th Floor – Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum 4th – 5th Floor – Heinz 57 and Rosie the Riveter 5th – 6th Floor – Clash of Empires: The British, French, & Indian War 6th Floor – Library & Archives and the Finish Line

In addition to the floor-by-floor themes, visitors can keep track of their step count through several numbered steps that correspond to notable Pittsburgh facts and figures. For instance, step #3 highlights the three rivers, step #21 denotes Roberto Clemente, and step #57 is for Heinz.

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Visitors who participate in SmartSteps and take the stairs to all six levels of the History Center will be rewarded with a complimentary collectible Heinz pickle pin. The pin was one of H.J. Heinz‟s earliest marketing tools, used to lure visitors to his company‟s exhibit at the 1893 World‟s Fair.

Let’s Move! – National Wellness Campaign The innovative collaboration between the History Center and UPMC provides a unique way to learn about history while getting fit.

SmartSteps ties into the national initiative “Let‟s Move! Museums & Gardens,” started by First Lady Michelle Obama and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The new campaign, which was announced in May 2011, is designed to provide opportunities for millions of museum and garden visitors of all ages to learn about healthy food choices and to promote physical activity through interactive exhibits and programs.

The History Center is one of a select few museums across the nation and just the sixth site in Pennsylvania to participate in the IMLS initiative.

“The History Center continues to strive for a healthy and participatory experience for our visitors,” said Masich. “The SmartSteps exhibit and „Let‟s Move!‟ program is the latest of our wellness initiatives, which also include the Health & Body section inside our Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, our new MixStirs Café with healthier eating options, and our upcoming „History & Fit‟ program, which encourages visitors to enjoy a whirlwind 45 minute walking tour of 250 years of local history.”

More information on the SmartSteps exhibit is available at www.heinzhistorycenter.org.

The Senator John Heinz History Center is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in Pennsylvania. The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is a museum within a museum, comprehensively presenting the region‟s remarkable sports story through hundreds of artifacts and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. The History Center and Sports Museum are located at 1212 Smallman Street in the city‟s Strip District, and are open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available at www.heinzhistorycenter.org.

About UPMC Health Plan UPMC Health Plan, the second-largest health insurer in western Pennsylvania, is owned by UPMC, one of the nation's top-ranked health systems. The integrated partner companies of the UPMC Insurance Services Division – which includes UPMC Health Plan, UPMC WorkPartners, LifeSolutions (EAP), UPMC for You (Medical Assistance), and Community Care Behavioral Health – offer a full range of group health insurance, Medicare, Special Needs, CHIP, Medical Assistance, behavioral health, employee assistance, and workers' compensation products and services to nearly 1.5 million members. Our local provider network includes UPMC as well as community providers, totaling more than 125 hospitals and more than 11,500 physicians throughout Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland. For more information, visit www.upmchealthplan.com.

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