History and Culture Podcast on PCN

Today we will be speaking with Signe Wilkinson who has over 40 years experience creating political cartoon commentary. Wilkinson will share the history of this form of commentary and its impact on society. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com

In this episode, we talk with Geoffrey Ward about his experience writing the script for Ken Burns' documentary The American Revolution and its companion book. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com

Join us as we explore John Dickinson's role in the American Revolution and why he abstained from the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We are joined by Jane Calvert, Founding Director and Chief Editor of The John Dickinson Writing Project, who will guide us through Dickinson's experiences during the revolution. 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

In 1776, Thomas Paine's Common Sense was published & quickly became a sensation, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. Harvey J. Kaye explains what inspired Paine to write Common Sense, what he argued within its pages, & how the public responded. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com

David Fleming joins us to talk about the legendary Pottsville Maroons football team that dominated the league in 1925 and won the NFL championship only to have the title taken away on a technicality. Fleming is the author of "Breaker Boys: The NFL's Greatest Team and the Stolen 1925 Championship." Donate | Signup | pcntv.com

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

During the American Revolution, Lydia Darragh eavesdropped on British generals and snuck through army lines to pass information to American troops. Robert Fanelli, author of Lydia's Tale: The Mystery of Lydia Darragh, Irish Quaker, Patriot Spy, breaks down this legend and finds historical context to this piece of American mythology. Donate | Signup | pcntv.com

Learn about the "Place for All" exhibit featured at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. The exhibit tells the stories of three integration efforts in Pennsylvania in the years following WWII. Curt Miner, Chief of Interpretation and Senior History Curator at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, provides information about the exhibit and these integration efforts. Donate | Signup | pcntv.co...

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

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

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

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 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 talk with historian Tim McGrath about the founding and history of the Continental Navy during the American Revolution. 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

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...

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

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

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

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 remarka...

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

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

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

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...