For over 20 years WPSU has passionately produced the Our Town series, a show that captures the spirit of local communities from the perspective of the residents. Our Town provides a special opportunity for community volunteers to share their town’s unique features – profiling organizations, arts, schools, attractions, local folklore, places, history, and people. WPSU spotlights and documents the character and culture for you to share with the world!
Each show is shown as a live pledge program. Please check out our archived shows below to learn more about your community and the surrounding area!
Volunteers from the Chestnut Ridge area share stories of the local Quaker history, the lost children of the Alleghenies, Shawnee State Park, Singing Brook Farm, and more. Community pride is on full display in tales about the school district and athletics. Learn to stream on your home TV or device of your choice. Continue »
Volunteers from the Kishacoquillas (or “Big”) Valley come together to share stories of Native Americans, the Amish, the Belleville Civic Club, the Reedsville revitalization, and more. Continue »
Raystown Lake’s history unfolds as community members share stories of the old and new lakes. Hear locals tell tales of fun activities on the lake, the Juniata River, the Striped Bass Association, and the Allegrippis trails. Continue »
Clarion’s long history unfolds as community members share stories of the railroads, the Clarion River, the YMCA, The Fulmer House, and the Autumn Leaf Festival Continue »
Kane’s long history unfolds as community members share stories of Thomas L. Kane and the Lobo wolves. Community pride is on full display in tales about K.A.R.E. and the library, and stories of Art in the Wilds and Wildcat Park. Continue »
Volunteers from the Portage area share stories of coal mining and the railroads, the Portage Women’s Club and library, Summerfest, and Sanders Soda. Continue »
Moshannon Valley’s long history unfolds as community members share stories of coal mining and the Ally Popper. Community pride is on full display in tales about the Houtzdale Revitalization Association and ministerium. Continue »
Volunteers from Hollidaysburg have come together to tell storiesthat capture the heart of their community for the 104th episode in the Our Town series. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Jersey Shore share stories about some of the local community organizations such as the Lion’s Club, Grace’s Closet, and the Honor Guard. Continue »
Volunteers from the Bald Eagle Valley have come together to tell stories about Bald Eagle State Park and dam, Bald Eagle school district, Curtin Village, and talk about current day art, business, and community pride. Continue »
Volunteers from the Mount Union area came together to tell stories about the CHAMP Dance Marathon, the community toolshed, Mount Union Art Guild, Kiwanis, Center for Community Action, and so much more! Continue »
The 99th production in the Our Town series shares the rich history of Boalsburg, from the Pennsylvania Military Museum to the Boal Mansion, the Heritage Museum, the Blacksmith Shop, and many more. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Coudersport, PA share stories about a lumber museum, The Elliot Ness Festival, the community pool, a great flood, spontaneous combustion, and so much more. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Reynoldsville, PA share stories about the future downtown renovations, Carriage House Creations, the community pool, a giant concrete arrow, a local ghost, and so much more. Find out what makes Reynoldsville a GREAT hometown! Continue »
Storytellers from the Lock Haven area came together to capture stories of their community with video, photos, and memories. Continue »
Volunteers from the Northern Cambria area came together to capture stories of their community with video, photos, and memories. Continue »
Volunteers from the Sheffield, Warren County area came together to capture stories of their community with video, photos and memories. Features include Whispering Winds Campground and Music on the Mountain. Continue »
Storytellers from the Curwensville area came together to capture stories of their community with video, photos and memories for the 92nd production in the Our Town series. Continue »
Storytellers from the Martinsburg and Roaring Spring area share stories about local attractions like the Everett Railroad and Mamie's Cafe, and agricultural stories that include Pygmy goats and a world record dairy cow. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Lewistown share stories from friends and neighbors that include Goose Day, canals, railroads, Juniata Terrace, service organizations, fine arts, and a 1920s grand movie theatre. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from the Penns Valley area stories about The Grange, Old Gregg School, farms, monuments, artifacts, art, divining for graves, and so much more. Find out what makes Penns Valley a GREAT place to live. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Cresson share stories about a love for singing, their schools and libraries, reading and sports programs, ambulance and fire departments, and the joys of train watching. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Johnsonburg share stories about their bicentennial, childhood memories, the 1942 flood, their awesome veterans, the Fire Department, their young people’s talent and energy, and much more! Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Brockway, Pa. share stories about Scouting, rails to trails, cleaning up streams, a village choir, young people's careers, volunteer firefighting and so much more. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Somerset, Pa. share stories about the Mary S. Biesecker Public Library, the Fire and Ice Festival, beekeeping, Frederick Goeb’s Bible, The Laurel Arts center, and so much more. Find out what makes Somerset a GREAT hometown. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Port Allegany share stories about Fair on the Square, the exotic animal rescue farm, Port Allegany beautification, alumni football, and so much more. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Geistown, PA share stories about the Underground RR, St. Benedict's School, the Fire Company, local history and so much more. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Everett share stories about Tenley Park, the Everett Railroad Station Museum, the Lincoln Highway Corridor, The Union Hotel and so much more. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Tyrone share stories about Reservoir Park, the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library, the Little Juniata River, the Walter L. Main Circus train wreck, WTRN and so much more. Find out what makes Tyrone a GREAT hometown! Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Smethport share stories about the McKean County Historical Society Old Jail Museum, Compton’s Mom & Pop Shop, the Smethport Fire Dept., the Mansion District, Hamlin Memorial Library and so much more. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Windber share stories about the Arcadia Theater, Windber Youth Football, the Volunteer Fire Department, the Windber Area Museum, the Alumni Band, and so much more. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Brookville, PA share stories about the future town square, Bill's Barn Cats, CREATE Brookville, the Pittsburgh and Shawmut Railroad history, the Red Bank Valley Trail, and so much more. Continue »
Volunteer storytellers from Ebensburg, PA share stories about the Ghost Town Trail, Cambria County Historical Society, local food scene, family memories, and so much more. Find out what makes Ebensburg a great place to visit! Continue »
Discover the people and places of central Pennsylvania through the lenses of local residents.
In each episode, we ask scholars to reflect on ideas in their work in ways that expand and enrich questions of current concern.
Explore some of the many textile arts that can be found throughout the state, examining the traditions behind them and the motivations of the craftspeople creating them.
There is no experience required to become a volunteer. WPSU provides the training and equipment needed to share your story. For more information, please contact project manager Carolyn Donaldson at cld285@psu.edu.
To purchase a copy of an archived Our Town show, please visit Media sales or contact mediasales@psu.edu.
To purchase a recent program, please visit our Donate Page and select your show.
