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.
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.
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.
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.
