Keystone Stories: Drive-Ins


Pennsylvania is host to America’s second drive-in theatre, Shankweiler’s Drive-in which opened in 1934. In the late 1950s, at the height of the drive-in’s popularity, Pennsylvania had more than 180 in operation. This number has dropped significantly; 85% have closed. However, today Pennsylvania has nearly 30 drive-in theaters in operation, and this is second in the nation, only behind New York. The recent need for social distancing has provided drive-ins with several new income streams, and has boosted what some feel is a dying business.

More Episodes

Community Theatre

Season 3 Episode 1 | 27 min

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.

Aired 09/18/23

 

Young main with short har and short beard wearing a military green t-shirt.

Honoring Veterans

Season 5 Episode 4 | 27 min

We explore how Pennsylvanians honor the brave men and women who have served our country.

Aired 11/10/25

 

The Forest

Season 1 Episode 1 | 27 min

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.

Aired 05/05/22

 

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