The America250PA ”Start Here, America Did” Podcast

Anything But The Ball, Pennsylvania’s Unique New Year’s Eve Drops

In this engaging episode of "Anything But The Ball, Pennsylvania's Unique New Year's Eve Drops" host Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, invites listeners to a festive exploration of Pennsylvania's unique New Year's Eve traditions. Venturing beyond the typical ball drop, Cassandra introduces three towns - Mechanicsburg, Bethlehem, and Dillsburg - each with its own distinctive way of ringing in the new year. From the impressive Wrench Drop in Mechanicsburg, symbolizing the town's mechanical heritage, to the sweet PEEPSFEST in Bethlehem, celebrating the iconic PEEPS marshmallows, and the quirky Pickle Drop in Dillsburg, the episode uncovers the stories and community spirit behind these unique celebrations.
Throughout the episode, Cassandra engages in insightful conversations with key figures from each town. Darrell Westby from Mechanicsburg shares the origins and impact of their Wrench Drop, Courtney Angle from Bethlehem delves into the history and joy of PEEPSFEST, and Chad Reed from Dillsburg reveals the fun and community bonding through the Pickle Drop. This episode not only highlights the creativity and cultural richness of Pennsylvania but also showcases how these unique traditions foster community spirit and joyous celebrations.

Timeless Tales with Bruce Haines: Unveiling Bethlehem’s Legacy and the Hotel Bethlehem Story

Join guest host Sydney Harris in the next installment of the America250PA Start Here, America Did podcast, as we journey into the storied past of the Hotel Bethlehem and the historic town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In a rich and engaging conversation with Bruce Haines, managing partner of the hotel, we're taken on a historical tour of both the town and the hotel. Discover the transformation of the Hotel Bethlehem from its 18th-century beginnings as the 'First House of Bethlehem' to its prestigious title as America’s #1 Best Historic Hotel by USA Today.
 
Bruce delves into his pivotal role in the hotel's success, discusses current projects like the World Heritage Designation application, and shares his visionary plans for the hotel's future. This episode is more than a journey through time; it's a vibrant celebration of Pennsylvanian history and the enduring allure of its unique heritage.

Cat Janisko “Pennsylvania Junkie’s” November Series, Episode 2 - Pennsylvania Junkie’s Top Pennsylvania Destinations

Join host Sydney Harris as we conclude 'Pennsylvania Junkie’s November Series' with a captivating interview featuring Cat Janisko, the creator of "Pennsylvania Junkie." With over 270,000 TikTok followers, Cat is known for her virtual tours of Pennsylvania's hidden gems and insights of Pennsylvania culture and unique characteristics.
 
In this episode, we explore Cat's top Pennsylvania destinations! Join us on a journey across six regions of the Commonwealth—from state parks to theaters to historic sites and more—to learn about some of the #EPIC places Pennsylvania has to offer near you!

Cat Janisko “Pennsylvania Junkie’s” November Series, Episode 1- Keystone Inspirations: Cat Janisko and the Creation of PennsylvaniaJunkie

Join host Sydney Harris as we kick off the "Pennsylvania Junkie’s November Series" with a captivating interview featuring Cat Janisko, the creator of "Pennsylvania Junkie." With over 270,000 TikTok followers, Cat is known for her virtual tours of Pennsylvania's hidden gems and insights of Pennsylvania culture and unique characteristics.
 
In this episode, we explore Cat's early experiences in Pennsylvania, her inspiration for starting "Pennsylvania Junkie," and the rewarding moments of sharing her love for the Commonwealth. Cat also discusses the challenges she's overcome and her vision for how "Pennsylvania Junkie" contributes to Pennsylvania's culture.

Fun Isn’t Far Away - Pennsylvania Festivals, Fairs and Celebrations

Fun Isn’t Far Away – So hit the road and make seasonal events the reason to explore the four corners of Pennsylvania as part of your celebration of America250PA. This podcast will provide an overview of the range of events and how they are important to the heritage, and culture of Pennsylvanians, today and in the past. This podcast will feature examples that cover geography, the four pillars of EPIC (Educate, Preserve, Innovate and Celebrate) and, where it makes sense, affiliates.

Lifting Up Stories — The Incredible History of The Dennis Farm

America250PA’s Semiquincentennial Bell project aims to lift up the stories of communities that have been untold or not widely known, yet shaped the history of Pennsylvania. The first bronze, permanent Semiquincentennial Bell was unveiled on June 28th, 2023, at The Dennis Farm—a 200-year-old farm in Susquehanna County originally settled by the family of Prince Perkins, free African Americans who moved to Northeastern Pennsylvania from Connecticut in 1793, and later expanded by their descendants, the Dennis family. Learn more about The Dennis Farm’s incredible history and the importance of the Semiquincentennial Bell Dedications from special guests, Denise Dennis, President and CEO of The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust; George Stark, Director of External Affairs at Coterra Energy; Speaker of the Pennsylvania House Joanna McClinton; and Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor.

“Pennsylvanians First”—The Importance of our Nation’s 250th As Told By Pennsylvania’s Governors

No matter which side of the aisle you fall on, we are all Pennsylvanians first. This episode takes a deep dive into why America’s 250th anniversary is important to ALL Pennsylvanians, and what legacy the America250PA Commission can leave behind. Featuring special guests, Former Pennsylvania Governors Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker, Ed Rendell, Tom Corbett, and Tom Wolf.

The Pennsylvania State Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial - America250PA

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. Learn more about how this Commission came to be, why it’s important, and how you can become involved in its programs, projects and events leading up to 2026. With special guests, Rep. Jared Solomon, one of the original authors of the America250PA Legislation; Patrick Burns, America250PA Chairman; and Cassandra Coleman, America250PA Executive Director.
 
Learn more about America250PA at www.America250PA.org
Follow us on social media
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Youtube