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Public Media for Central Pennsylvania

Keystone Stories


Now streaming on the PBS App

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.

Episodes

Libations

Posted on October 24, 2023

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 »

 

State Parks

Posted on October 24, 2023

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 »

 

A State of Service

Posted on October 9, 2023

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

Posted on October 2, 2023

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

Posted on September 26, 2023

“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 »

 

Community Theatre

Posted on September 19, 2023

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 »

 

It Came from Pennsylvania

Posted on January 24, 2023

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 »

 

church

Old Spaces, New Places

Posted on January 17, 2023

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 »

 

Firefighter Helmet

Volunteer Firefighters

Posted on January 9, 2023

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 »

 

train

Railroads

Posted on January 2, 2023

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 »

 

Black History Keepers

Posted on May 27, 2022

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 »

 

The Arts are Alive

Posted on May 19, 2022

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 »

 

Drive-Ins

Posted on May 12, 2022

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 »

 

The Forest

Posted on May 5, 2022

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 »

 

More from WPSU

Managing Risk in a Changing Climate

Managing Risk in a Changing Climate

Posted on April 20, 2017

Examine one of humanity’s most pressing challenges through the lens of the many academic disciplines needed to address the impacts and surrounding economic, social, and environmental issues that come with managing risk in a changing climate.

 

The Pennsylvania Game

Posted on November 1, 2022

When did the Liberty Bell first crack? Which industrialist had his very own dinosaur? Play along and test your knowledge of Pennsylvania’s people, places and products. First aired in 1986, the Pennsylvania Game is now streaming for the first time on the PBS App.

 

blurry and grainy photo of a young woman holding a toddler

Telling Amy’s Story

Posted on April 1, 2022

Hosted by actress and advocate Mariska Hargitay, and told by Detective Deirdri Fishel, Telling Amy’s Story follows the timeline of a domestic violence homicide.