On March 1 1780 Pennsylvania became the first state to adopt a gradual abolition law. This was the first extensive legislative attempt to end slavery in the United States. We speak with Lucien Holness as he discusses the details of this legislation and the impact of this law in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Richard Mellon Foundation to highlight the essential role of southwestern Pennsylvania in American history on the occasion of America's two hundred fiftieth anniversary.

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Historian Brady Crytzer joins us to talk about an infantry unit known as the Pittsburgh Blues that was formed for the War of 1812 and fought at the Battle of Mississineway (December 18, 1812) and the Battle of Fort Meigs (April 26, 1813).

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Today we'll be speaking with Doug Miller, Museum Director of Pennsbury Manor Historic Site. Doug will share with us the life and legacy of Hannah Penn. Following the death of her husband, William Penn, Hannah assumed responsibility for the colony of Pennsylvania. She took on and resolved many of the major challenges left behind after William Penn's death.

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Join us as we explore the first school and museum of fine arts in the United States, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. We will be joined by Lea C. Stephenson, Kenneth R. Woodcock Curator of Historical American Art for PAFA, who will guide us through the history and mission of the academy.

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In the 1800s, log rafts were a common sight drifting along Pennsylvania's rivers. Although the work could be dangerous, it was a familiar way for families to earn a living. In this episode, Van Wagner explores the history of Pennsylvania's log rafting industry.

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Today we will be speaking with Signe Wilkinson who has over 40 years experience creating political cartoon commentary. Wilkinson will share the history of this form of commentary and its impact on society.

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In this episode, we talk with Geoffrey Ward about his experience writing the script for Ken Burns' documentary The American Revolution and its companion book.

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Join us as we explore John Dickinson's role in the American Revolution and why he abstained from the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We are joined by Jane Calvert, Founding Director and Chief Editor of The John Dickinson Writing Project, who will guide us through Dickinson's experiences during the revolution.

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Join us as we explore the History of African American cemeteries in Pennsylvania. Steven Burg, a history professor at Shippensburg University, will tell us about his research on the topic and his involvement in the preservation of these unique sites.

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In 1776, Thomas Paine's Common Sense was published & quickly became a sensation, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. Harvey J. Kaye explains what inspired Paine to write Common Sense, what he argued within its pages, & how the public responded.

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