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. Watch »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
“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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
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. Watch on the PBS App »
Water Blues Green Solutions tells stories from across the country of communities that are adopting new ways of thinking about how to protect, restore, and preserve our rivers and sources of drinking water.
This WPSU documentary explores the impact of the Vietnam War on the lives of Pennsylvanians who fought, protested, or prayed for their loved ones to come home alive.
Girls are stepping onto the mat in record numbers, making wrestling the fastest-growing high school sport in the country. In this WPSU original documentary, Pennsylvania high school girl wrestlers try to find their footing in a historically male-dominated sport.
