Keystone Stories is a television and digital series that takes viewers to the breathtaking, interesting, quirky and sometimes hidden gems around central Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s beautiful landscape serves as the backdrop for an exploration of the people, places and culture that make the region unique.
Whether it’s shopping at the 100-mile yard sale in the Quehanna region or visiting Antique Capital USA in Lancaster County, thrifting, antiqueing, and yard saling have become favorite pasttimes of people who love to find a good deal. Continue »
With its picturesque landscapes and fertile soil, Pennsylvania is renowned for its diverse farming. With multi-generational farms using new technology to assist in the work, the state’s agricultural sector thrives, supporting local communities and markets. Continue »
Bellefonte’s role in the history of air mail is still celebrated today, as is Mill Hall’s Piper Aviation’s significance in WWII. Pilots from across the nation travel to Mifflin County to fly aircraft that have no motors. Continue »
Hershey’s chocolate is not the only special sweet treat that comes from Pennsylvania. The stories behind Gardners Candies, Ritchey’s Ice Cream and Inside Out Cookie are calorie-free, but their products will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Continue »
Breweries, wineries and distilleries. This region is experiencing a boom in the business of libations. But the story is much more than the creation of an alcoholic beverage. It’s about the positive effects on the community, the amazing food and the science behind the beverages. Continue »
The Pennsylvania State Park System began in 1893. Today there are 124 state parks covering more than 300,000 acres in our state. From the rare orchids found in the Black Moshannon bog to the spectacular tapestry of stars above the Cherry Springs, a visit to a state park in central Pennsylvania is an excellent way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Keystone State. Continue »
We are constantly bombarded with bad news ranging from the struggling economy to climate change, and it can be easy to feel discouraged. But where there are problems, there are almost always solutions, and Pennsylvanians across the state are finding innovative ways to address the challenges in their communities. Continue »
Polka is more than just music. It’s heritage, culture, dancing and costumes. This rich history is celebrated every June at Polkafest, located in Johnstown. The city’s ethnic heritage makes it the perfect city to host this event, now in its 25th year. Continue »
“New Neighbors” is a term given to immigrants and refugees. These community members work to learn the American ways while keeping their own cultures and traditions alive. We will hear the stories of three immigrant families and follow their journey as they build new lives in central Pennsylvania. Continue »
The arts are on full display as community members take the stage to become theatrical storytellers. Volunteer thespians from the Altoona Community Theatre and Sock and Buskin Theatre Company share stories of why this art form must be kept alive. Continue »
Pennsylvania and its citizens have a long history of innovation and creativity. The Slinky, Jeep, cheesesteaks, the Ferris wheel, the polio vaccine, revolving doors and movie theaters are just a few things that came from Pennsylvania. Continue »
Adaptive reuse is the term given to the repurposing of old buildings, and many of the buildings we use today are serving a very different purpose than originally intended. But repurposing a structure is not always easy. Continue »
All across Pennsylvania, thousands of citizens are volunteering to protect our lives and property. In fact, more than 97% of all firefighters in the commonwealth are volunteers. Such service organizations even predate the U.S. Constitution. Continue »
Why is Altoona known as “Railroad City”? The answer can be found at the Railroaders Memorial Museum, located in Altoona. This home for railfans is where a new project is underway to bring back a legendary locomotive…the K4. Continue »
Bellefonte, Pa. houses rich stories and landmarks of Black history, including St. Paul AME Church, founded in the 1800s, and believed to be part of the Underground Railroad. Its history has been preserved by local historians, as have many other aspects of Black history in central Pennsylvania. Continue »
Creativity thrives in the Commonwealth—from community art projects to makerspaces, galleries and festivals, the arts play a pivotal role in bringing people together throughout our region. Continue »
In the late 1950s, at the height of the drive-in’s popularity, Pennsylvania had more than 180 in operation. Today Pennsylvania still has nearly 30 drive-in theaters in operation, second most in the country. Continue »
In the early days of the Commonwealth, nearly 29 million acres of Pennsylvania were covered in forest. By 1895, this number dropped to 9 million acres. While Pennsylvania provided lumber to build a nation, this invaluable natural resource was almost lost. Continue »
Why We Dance: The Story of THON is a documentary project that chronicles the student-run philanthropy, THON, and the children, families, and students who are changed by their experience.
Pennsylvania Legends and Lore: Ghosts of the Commonwealth is the pilot episode for a series that brings to life the tales and traditions of the Commonwealth. From WPSU’s archive.
Host Satchel Mantz finds unique kitchen devices in area thrift shops and then uses those tools, along with locally-sourced ingredients, to create incredible meals that you can prepare in your own home.
