Wingspan grantees illuminate Pennsylvania’s past through storytelling
PA Humanities’ Wingspan grants are helping organizations across Pennsylvania bring community stories to life and spotlight voices too often left out of the historical record. From documentaries exploring the Underground Railroad to award-winning films uncovering Jefferson County’s industrial and agricultural past, Wingspan funding has given historians and storytellers the flexibility to research, film, teach, and share their work in meaningful ways. The result is history that feels personal, connected, and alive.
Voices of History Scranton: Identity and community
Welcome to Voices of History Scranton, a PA Humanities project inspired by the works of renowned playwright August Wilson and designed to showcase the voices of everyday Black Pennsylvanians. In these three videos, you’ll hear the stories of young adults who discovered identity, purpose, and community through the challenges and opportunities that shaped their journeys in Scranton. Whether arriving from elsewhere or returning home, each of them reflects on what it means to navigate unfamiliar spaces, build connections, and turn personal experience into inspiration for creativity, leadership, and belonging.
Voices of History Scranton: Stories of family
PA Humanities is excited to present Voices of History Scranton. In these first two videos, we meet women whose lives were shaped by family, faith, loss, and identity. Both stories illuminate the strength found in belonging, both newly discovered and long-cherished, and the ways in which the women carry memories, build connections and find meaning in where they come from.
Let’s Rise: Stories of Pennsylvania history
Welcome to the next installment of LET’S RISE, the PA Humanities statewide video project, created in partnership with Emmy-winning filmmaker Kelly Dessoye in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We’re spotlighting Pennsylvania’s multi-layered history, exploring how the humanities help us remember, honor, and learn from the stories that shape who we are.
Heart & Soul brings new energy to “The Biggest Little Town”
Through PA Heart & Soul, Youngsville residents have learned how challenges can become opportunities when people come together and listen to one another. Learn more about how the process is impacting this small northwestern Pennsylvania community.
Voices of History: Stories of family
Welcome to Voices of History, a PA Humanities project inspired by the works of renowned playwright August Wilson and designed to showcase the voices of everyday Black Pennsylvanians. In these videos, you’ll hear remembrances and reflections on family, and the many ways in which family nourishes us, inspires us, protects us and gives us a home, in every sense of the word.