The America250PA ”Start Here, America Did” Podcast

Scranton’s got rhythm—and for the last two decades, it’s been swinging to the sound of jazz. In this episode, Sydney Harris sits down with Marko Marcinko, founder and artistic director of the Scranton Jazz Festival, to reflect on 20 years of music, momentum, and community.
What began as a modest summer concert has evolved into a nationally recognized, three-day celebration that transforms downtown into a jazz-filled hub of culture and connection. From brass bands in the streets to big band headliners at the Cultural Center, the Scranton Jazz Festival blends global talent with Pennsylvania pride—and honors the region’s deep jazz roots, from the Dorsey Brothers to today’s rising stars. Tune in as Marcinko shares why jazz is “the ultimate version of democracy" and why Scranton might just be the coolest place to hear America’s greatest export.

Travel to Doylestown, where Pennsylvania’s past is pressed into every piece of clay. Host Sydney Harris sits down with Brendan Duffey, Administrative Director of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, to uncover the enduring legacy of Henry Chapman Mercer—a visionary tilemaker, archaeologist, and storyteller who helped shape America’s Arts and Crafts movement.Explore how this one-of-a-kind living history museum still crafts hand-pressed tiles using centuries-old methods—and why Mercer’s belief in the power of the handmade continues to inspire artists, designers, and history lovers alike.From the floors of the Pennsylvania Capitol to the kilns of Bucks County, this episode invites you to see craftsmanship—and storytelling—in a whole new light.

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 conflict pitted British forces against a coalition of Native American nations and marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for control over the frontier.Together, they explore how the clash at Bushy Run echoed far beyond the battlefield, influencing the future of colonial expansion, British-Native relations, and even the coming Revolution. From Swiss mercenaries to frontier families, guerrilla warfare to community preservation—this is a story full of unexpected characters and rich historical insight.Tune in as we trace the lesser-known but no less vital roots of American independence and shine a light on the people keeping that legacy alive today.
 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.