The America250PA ”Start Here, America Did” Podcast

Cleared for Takeoff: Celebrating 100 Years of Airshows at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport

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 beginnings in 1925 to this year’s awe-inspiring performances by the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds and F-16 tactical demos, the 2025 Air Show (June 21–22) is set to honor the past and inspire the future. Along the way, we spotlight the people and pride behind the show—and reflect on how Pennsylvania’s rich aviation story fits into the larger celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

The Names We Carry: Memorial Day at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial

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 ultimate sacrifice. It’s a tribute not only to fallen heroes, but to the families who carry their memory forward—on Memorial Day and every day.  
Content Disclaimer: 
This episode contains discussions of war, combat experiences, and loss, including topics such as survivor’s guilt, fallen soldiers, and prisoner of war accounts. These stories are shared with deep respect and serve to honor those who served and sacrificed. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those who may find these themes emotionally difficult.

From Home to Heritage: The Landis House and Perry County's Creative Spirit

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 explore how a small-town family with ties to Cuba, Germany, and Newport, PA turned their personal journey into a legacy for the community. Discover how four railroad cars of priceless art and furnishings, rescued from pre-WWII Germany, found their forever home in Newport—and how the Landis House now serves as a vibrant cultural hub, connecting history with creativity for generations to come.
From art classes and community exhibits to one-of-a-kind historical treasures, this episode is your invitation to experience the rich heritage and creative heartbeat of Perry County. Tune in and find out why the Landis House is more than a museum—it’s a living story still unfolding. Listen now!

Love Where You Live: How You Can Help Keep PA Beautiful

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 litter lining our roads to the 77,000 volunteers who helped remove over 3 million pounds of trash last year, this conversation is a powerful reminder that preserving our Commonwealth is a shared responsibility.
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, there’s no better time to reflect on the legacy we’re leaving behind. With programs like Pickup Pennsylvania, student-led initiatives, and community-driven grants, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is helping people across the state protect the land they love. Whether you’re planting trees, organizing a cleanup, or simply picking up a stray piece of litter, this episode will inspire you to take action— and help ensure that future generations can be just as proud of Pennsylvania as we are today.

The Hidden Threads of American History in Pennsylvania's Small Towns

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 a deadly 1893 circus train wreck, the boom-and-bust legacy of the lumber industry, and the gritty undercurrents of Prohibition.You’ll meet a Revolutionary War general who surveyed the wilds of Centre County, hear how a tiger escaped into the Pennsylvania woods, learn how clear-cutting forests helped shape early conservation efforts, and discover how the temperance movement surged through Bellefonte—culminating in a river that once ran with beer.It’s the kind of history they don’t always teach in textbooks—but should. Tune in and rediscover America, one small town at a time.

From Oil Fields to Asylums: How Two Pennsylvania Women Changed Journalism Forever

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 the systems of their time. Hear from Jennifer Burden of the Oil Region Alliance, who shares how Ida Tarbell’s upbringing in Pennsylvania’s oil country fueled her fearless reporting, and from Alan Morgan and Bill Miller of the Apollo Area Historical Society, who reflect on Nellie Bly’s courage and relentless pursuit of truth.These women didn't just write stories—they changed them. Listen now!

Harriet Tubman - Live!: The Story of a Freedom Fighter

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 of abolitionist efforts.
This episode features an exclusive partial recording of scenes one and two from Shirley Lee Corsey’s performance, offering a vivid and immersive look into Harriet Tubman’s early life and journey to freedom. Following the performance, host Sydney Harris sits down with Corsey to discuss what it means to embody Tubman, the impact of Pennsylvania on her mission, and the enduring lessons of resilience, courage, and justice.
This episode contains sensitive discussions of slavery, family separation, and the Underground Railroad. Listener discretion is advised.

The Tanner House - A Landmark for Progress & Resilience

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 explore the profound impact of this historic site. Once home to Bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner, renowned artist Henry Ossawa Tanner, and trailblazing lawyer Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander, the Tanner House has long stood as a beacon of Black excellence, activism, and cultural significance. Tune in to discover the power of place, memory, and the ongoing fight to keep history alive.

From Church to Museum: How the Gather Place is Keeping History Alive

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 to interactive reenactments, this museum is shining a light on Pennsylvania’s powerful African American heritage. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about preserving the past to empower the future—tune in now!

Brave the Cold, Embrace the Cause: The Special Olympics Polar Plunge

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 boldest fundraising events of the year—the Polar Plunge. With thousands of participants and millions raised last year alone, this icy tradition isn’t just about the thrill; it’s about supporting Special Olympics athletes across the Commonwealth.
From heartwarming stories of athletes overcoming obstacles to the community-wide camaraderie of Plunge Day in Pennsylvania's northeast, this episode takes you behind the scenes of a truly special movement. Learn how you can get involved—whether by taking the plunge yourself, joining the Too Chicken to Plunge crew, or participating in the fun from the sidelines.
Take the plunge with us into one of Pennsylvania’s most exciting and meaningful winter traditions!
🔹 Listen now and join the movement! Sign up for a plunge near you at plungepa.org.