The America250PA ”Start Here, America Did” Podcast

Long before the shot heard 'round the world, another critical battle was shaping the course of American history—deep in the woods of Western Pennsylvania. In this episode, host Sydney Harris is joined by Matthew Adams, museum manager at Bushy Run Battlefield, to uncover the dramatic and often overlooked events of the Battle of Bushy Run. Fought in 1763 during Pontiac’s War, this fierce two-day con...

Buckle up—Episode 42 is cleared for landing! In this special edition of Start Here, America Did, we’re soaring into the skies over Westmoreland County to celebrate a century of airshows at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. Host Sydney Harris is joined by longtime Executive Director Gabe Monzo to explore the legacy of one of Pennsylvania’s most thrilling and community-driven events. From humble b...

Join host Sydney Harris and Vietnam veteran Joseph J. Daly, President of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial, for a powerful conversation about remembrance, resilience, and the stories behind the names etched in stone. From the memorial’s striking design to its deeply personal ceremonies, this episode explores how one corner of Pennsylvania keeps history alive and honors those who made the ultim...

In this milestone 40th episode, we’re unlocking the doors to one of Pennsylvania’s hidden gems—the Landis House in Perry County. What looks like an ordinary brick home holds an extraordinary story of international adventure, cultural preservation, and artistic inspiration. Join host Sydney Harris as she sits down with Rebecca Myers, Project Director at the Perry County Council of the Arts, to expl...

Pennsylvania’s forests, rivers, and wildlife are some of the most treasured in the nation—but they don’t stay beautiful on their own. In this episode, host Sydney Harris sits down with Heidi Pedicone, Director of Programs at Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, to talk about the environmental challenges we face and the small, everyday actions that can lead to big change. From the 500 million pieces of lit...

Think you know American history? Think again. In this episode, we uncover the forgotten and fascinating stories hidden in Pennsylvania’s small towns—stories that reveal just how deeply local history weaves into the national narrative. Guest Dustin Elder, co-owner of Local Historia, takes us on a captivating journey through central PA, from a daring Revolutionary War expedition to the aftermath of...

In this special Women’s History Month episode of Start Here, America Did, we uncover the fearless legacies of two Pennsylvania trailblazers who revolutionized investigative journalism: Ida Tarbell and Nellie Bly. From exposing the corrupt practices of Standard Oil to going undercover in a mental asylum to reveal inhumane treatment, Tarbell and Bly reshaped the role of the journalist and challenged...

In honor of Women's History Month, this special episode brings history to life with a powerful performance of Harriet Tubman Live! by Shirley Lee Corsey. More than just a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman was a fearless leader, Civil War spy, and champion for women's rights. Pennsylvania played a pivotal role in her journey, serving as a refuge for freedom seekers and a center...

The walls of the Tanner House have witnessed history in the making—intellectual movements, civil rights milestones, and a legacy that extends far beyond Philadelphia. But like many historic Black landmarks, it now faces urgent challenges in preservation and recognition.    In this episode, host Sydney Harris sits down with Christopher R. Rogers, co-coordinator of Friends of the Tanner House, to ex...

In Episode 34, From Church to Museum: How the Gather Place is Keeping History Alive, we dive into an incredible story of transformation and resilience! Host Sydney Harris sits down with Shirley Lee Corsey, Executive Director of the Gather Place Museum, to uncover how a historic AME church in Yardley Borough became a powerful hub for storytelling, education, and community. From forgotten histories...

Would you willingly dive into freezing water in the middle of a Pennsylvania winter? Thousands do—and for an incredible cause! In this episode of Start Here, America Did, host Sydney Harris sits down with Heather Schreiner, Regional Executive Director of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, serving Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties. Sydney and Heather discuss one of the...

Dive into the creamy, dreamy tradition that has become a hallmark of the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Episode 32: "The Pennsylvania Farm Show: Complete with a Milkshake." Host Sydney Harris sits down with David Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, to uncover the story behind the Farm Show’s most beloved treat: the legendary milkshakes. From their humble beginnings at...

This holiday season, step back in time to one of the most daring moments in American history—Washington’s legendary crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day, 1776. Join host Sydney Harris as she chats with Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of Friends of Washington Crossing Park, to uncover the dramatic story behind this pivotal event and its enduring legacy. Discover how this historical m...

In this milestone 30th episode of Start Here, America Did, host Sydney Harris explores the magic of the Phoenixville Firebird Festival with volunteer Marianne Calilhanna. Learn how this fiery celebration of art, renewal, and community spirit emerged from Phoenixville's rebirth after economic hardship. From the festival's Greek mythology inspiration to cherished traditions like crafting baby phoeni...

Embark on a journey into the heart of Pennsylvania's wild beauty with our next episode, The Wild Heart of Pennsylvania: Discovering Elk County and its Majestic Herd. Join Morgan Lovenduski, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, as she guides us through the enchanting landscapes of Elk County. Home to the largest free-roaming elk herd in the northeastern Un...

Buckle up as we take a journey through history and into the future with PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll! In this episode of the 'Start Here, America Did' Podcast, we explore the new "Let Freedom Ring" license plates, featuring the iconic Liberty Bell, set to hit Pennsylvania's roads in 2025. These plates aren’t just a redesign—they’re a symbol of Pennsylvania's pivotal role as the birthplace of Ame...

As Halloween approaches, we invite you to step into the chilling past of Erie County. In our next episode, host Sydney Harris takes you on a haunted journey to the Fort LaBoeuf Historical Society and the mysterious Eagle Hotel in Waterford, PA. Join us as we uncover tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained phenomena, and the eerie presence of Matilda, a spirit said to haunt the 200-year-old hotel...

In the next installment of the Start Here, America Did podcast, host Sydney Harris sits down with Page Weinstein, the Miss Pennsylvania 2024, to discuss her remarkable journey from winning pageant titles at a young age to representing the Keystone State on a national stage. Page shares the story of her upbringing in Pittsburgh, her passion for inclusivity, and her ambitious goal of visiting all 67...

In this episode of "Start Here, America Did," host Sydney Harris takes us on a journey to the small but historically rich town of Columbia, Pennsylvania. Returning guest Christopher Vera, the Director of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society, shares fascinating stories that showcase Columbia’s remarkable role in American history. From being a key site on the Underground Railroad to narrowly m...

In this episode of America250PA: Start Here, America Did, we dive into the power of family legacy and history with Pennsylvania Representative Christopher Rabb. Hosted by Sydney Harris, this thought-provoking conversation explores the remarkable journey of Representative Rabb’s family, tracing their roots from both enslaved and enslaving ancestors, and how their stories have influenced his life an...

In the conclusion of our two-part series on Pennsylvania cryptids, join host Sydney Harris as we venture deeper into the realm of the unknown. This week, we're unraveling the stories behind two of Pennsylvania's most intriguing creatures: the pitiful yet beloved Squonk and the legendary Bigfoot. Discover the folklore these enigmatic beings with special guests Lisa Russell and Joe Fogle, founders o...

Get ready to dive into the mysterious and eerie world of Pennsylvania cryptids in this thrilling episode of the America250PA Podcast! Join host Sydney Harris as she explores the strange creatures that roam the forests and backroads of the Keystone State. In the first part of this two-part series, we journey to Clinton and Lancaster counties to uncover the legends of the elusive Giwoggle and the mi...

Join Sydney Harris this July as we dive into a captivating exploration of Pennsylvania’s unique and cherished symbols. With the 250th anniversary of America's Declaration of Independence on the horizon, we’re celebrating the Commonwealth’s rich heritage through its official icons. This episode will reveal fascinating stories behind several distinctive symbols, each reflecting the essence of Pennsy...

Join us for our 20th installment,where we explore the rich history of Adams County and the iconic town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This episode, hosted by Andrew Dalton, the executive director of the Adams County Historical Society, features captivating stories from Andrew and his esteemed guests: Timothy Smith, ACHS's director of education and licensed Battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Mi...

In our exciting 19th episode, join us as we venture into the Wolf Sanctuary of PA in Lititz, Pennsylvania! Discover the captivating story of Pennsylvania's wolves—once eradicated by the early 1900s—and the passionate efforts of the sanctuary to revive and protect these magnificent creatures. Featuring an engaging conversation with Michelle Mancini, the educational coordinator of the Wolf Sanctuary...