Discover the people, places, and events that shaped Pennsylvania with PCN's History and Culture podcast series.
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Edward Hand had a distinguished military career as George Washington's Adjutant General during the American Revolution. He eventually went into business and politics, and moved into a mansion on a thirty-three acre property in Lancaster County which can be visited by the public. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
The Continental Marines were established on Nov. 10, 1775 in Philadelphia. Originally intended to serve on Continental Navy ships to maintain order and discipline, man the ship's guns, and lead boarding and landing parties, the Marines would also fight on land alongside Continental Army troops and militia. Joining us to talk about the Marines and their operations during the first two years of the Revolutionary War is Jason Bohm, author of "Washington's Marines: the Origins of the Corps and the American Revolution, 1775-1777." Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Andy Warhol was an American artist who rose to fame during the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Internationally recognized Andy Warhol expert Jean Wainwright walks us through his life - from his upbringing in Pittsburgh, to his lasting legacy in New York. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Rachel Carson was born outside of Pittsburgh. She was an author and environmentalist who's book "Silent Spring" changed the way the United States used pesticides and viewed environmental protection. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
In this episode, we'll explore the history of the Old Stone Jail in Wayne County, built in 1859. Carol Dunn will tell us about the jail itself examining its stone construction, design features to prevent escapes, and the reasoning behind its location. She'll also describe what life would have been like for anyone unlucky enough to be confined within its cells. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Join us as we explore the History of African American cemeteries in Pennsylvania. Steven Burg, a history professor at Shippensburg University, will tell us about his research on the topic and his involvement in the preservation of these unique sites. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Ronald Kirkwood joins us to talk about the experiences of soldiers at hospitals located on the Spangler Farm during the Battle of Gettysburg. Kirkwood is the author of "Tell Mother Not to Worry: Soldier Stories from Gettysburg's George Spangler Farm." Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
In this episode we will explore the history and importance of limestone in Pennsylvania, from its early discovery and use by settlers, to its role in construction, agriculture, and industry. We'll discuss quarrying methods and the work of lime burners, including how kilns operated and lime was produced. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Historian Brady Crytzer joins us to talk about the role of Fort Pitt and the frontier during the American Revolution. Crytzer tells the stories of Army officer Edward Hand and his campaign against the Delaware Indians, Continental Navy Capt. James Willing's Ohio and Mississippi River raids and more. Crytzer is a professor at Robert Morris University. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Thaddeus Mortimer Fowler, an American cartographer, offered a unique perspective on Pennsylvania, mapping over 200 cities with incredible detail. Curtis Miner is the senior curator of history at the Pennsylvania State Museum and will be discussing Fowler's mapping techniques and how he achieved these remarkable "bird's-eye views". This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Department of Community and Economic Development. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Boathouse Row in Philadelphia on the Schuylkill River is a dramatic sight after sundown. The lights that outline each building are a reminder of the rowing competitions, and the clubs that dominated spectator sports in the mid-19th century. Dotty Brown, author of "Boathouse Row", explains its colorful history. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Jeff Broadhurst, chair and CEO of Eat'n Park Hospitality Group, joins us to talk about the history of the Eat'n Park restaurant chain. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Mal Goode (1908-1995) became network news's first African American correspondent when ABC News hired him in 1962. Raised in Homestead and Pittsburgh, he worked in the mills, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and went on to become a journalist for the Pittsburgh Courier and later for local radio. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Peter "Charlie" Besharo created 69 paintings during his lifetime. These paintings were almost discarded after being discovered in the garage where he painted. Today, those same pieces have earned national recognition, with several now housed in institutions like the Smithsonian and the American Folk Art Museum. Today we'll be speaking with Larry Boehm about Besharo's life, his art, and the remarkable journey from being virtually unknown in Leechburg to becoming a celebrated figure in American folk art. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Alice Paul is an American Suffragist and women's rights activist. In this interview Heather Sharkey, a University of Pennsylvania Professor, joins us in discussing Paul's research and her dissertation on the Legal Position of Women in Pennsylvania. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Historian Mary Stockwell joins us to talk about the life of Anthony Wayne. Wayne served as a general during the Revolutionary War and then fell on hard times after the war. In 1794, Pres. George Washington tapped to form a new army and lead in the fight over the Northwest Territories. Wayne would lead that army to victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Author Jack McCarthy joins us to talk about his history of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts and Robin Hood Dell in Philadelphia. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Although Philadelphia and Pennsylvania have a rich aerospace history, there has never been a dedicated hall of fame to honor it. Today, we're speaking with the creator of the city's first Aerospace Hall of Fame. In this interview, we'll explore the proposed nominees, the importance of establishing this hall of fame, and why it's essential to preserve the stories of those who helped shape aerospace in Pennsylvania. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Christopher Pearl joins us to talk about the Walking Purchase of 1737. A historic land deal with the Lenape people for the Lehigh Valley area. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
In this episode, we talk with historian Tim McGrath about the founding and history of the Continental Navy during the American Revolution. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Join us as we explore the life and legacy of Tom Ridge, former governor of Pennsylvania and the first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. We'll be speaking with Mercyhurst University and Ridge archivist Bryan Colvin, who will share insights into Ridge's life and how it is preserved and remembered in the archives today. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
In this episode, we will speak with Eric Cook, Executive Director of the Venango County Historical Society. Join us as we learn about the rich history of the oil industry and other unique aspects from Venango County. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Join us as we explore the legacy of John and William Bartram, often hailed as America's first naturalists. Born in Philadelphia, this pioneering father-and-son duo is credited with cultivating and identifying about 200 native plants. We'll be joined by Jonathan Lady, who will delve into the lives, extensive explorations, and influence of the Bartrams. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Joel Horst Nofziger, Executive Director of the Mennonite Heritage Center, joins us to talk about the lives and culture of the Mennonite community in colonial Pennsylvania. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
Jennifer Thompson joins us for a conversation about the life and legacy of Anna Wilstach, highlighting key works from the collection and exploring her lasting impact on today's art community. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com
