Start Here! America Did Podcast
“Start here, America did!” This has become a famous line as we approach the semiquincentennial this July. As America250PA works to tell America’s story, podcast host Sydney Harris-White highlights untold stories from across Pennsylvania. Each episode highlights the unique character of the Commonwealth’s counties while connecting them to Pennsylvania’s enduring legacy and its central role in the nation’s 250th anniversary. At its core, the podcast brings forward the lesser-known stories that shape our history, define our communities today, and inspire the future of the Commonwealth.
Unique NEPA Stories
“The magic of hosting this podcast is that I’m constantly learning, discovering the small towns, historic places, and people who shaped our past and continue to lead Pennsylvania forward. Every episode leaves me in awe of just how much there is to explore and how many stories are still waiting to be told,” says host Sydney Harris-White.
Episode 3 features Denise Dennis, President and CEO of the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust, discussing one of Pennsylvania’s most important and underrepresented landmarks: The Dennis Farm. First settled by Prince Perks and his wife Judith, freed slaves who moved to Northeastern PA from Connecticut in 1793, the farm is known as the oldest African American-owned farm in the country. Located in Susquehanna County, Dennis Farm received the first-ever America250PA Semiquincentennial Bell.
It Always Goes Back to Community
The Northeast region has been featured several times throughout the life of the podcast. According to Harris-White, one thing stands out in every Northeastern Pennsylvania episode: “Community is the heart of the region.”
Harris-White features the impact of NEPA, highlighting our region’s dedication to community. Episode 33, Brave the Cold, Embrace the Cause, explores how Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties are working together to support the Special Olympics and their athletes through the Northeast Polar Plunge.
Heather Schreiner, the Regional Executive Director of the Special Olympics, told Harris-White. “Our main [goal] is increasing awareness, awareness of who we are, what we do and increasing the opportunities that we can give to our athletes.”
Share Your Story Ideas
In the most recent episode, Harris-White highlights Dress for Success of Luzerne County. Joined by Founder and CEO, Linda Loop, to discuss how confidence, support and opportunity can change lives for women all across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The episode honored National Women’s History month and serves as a leading example of the power of female leadership and innovation.
“I’ve noticed a common thread in the stories coming out of Northeastern Pennsylvania: they are stories rooted in the strength of community. Through this podcast, we’ve had the opportunity to uncover just a few of the many stories that make this region so special, and we’d love to tell more,” says Harris-White.
Listen Up!
The Start Here, America Did! podcast is dedicated to meeting Pennsylvanians where they are and ensuring their voices are heard. The podcast is now on its 61st episode, with new stories still to come as we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary. Be sure to catch up before the Fourth of July, and if you have a story to share, we’d love to hear it. Submit your ideas at America250PA.org
Check Out the Start Here, America Did! Episodes featuring NEPA Here:
Episode 3: Lifting Up Stories – The Incredible History of The Dennis Farm
Episode 6: Pennsylvania Junkie’s Top Pennsylvania Destinations
Episode 25: Columbia Uncovered: A Pennsylvania Town Steeped in History
Episode 33: Brave the Cold, Embrace the Cause: The Special Olympics Polar Plunge
Episode 45: Sax in the City: Celebrating 20 Years of Scranton Jazz
Episode 61: Shaping the Next Chapter: Dress for Success Luzerne County
