The Spark

In this episode, we talk with Danielle Keperling of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County about an important local preservation effort—saving the historic Hoober Eby Barn. Built in 1860, this remarkable timber-frame structure is a rare surviving example of Lancaster County’s agricultural heritage, showcasing original craftsmanship, traditional joinery, and distinctive rural architecture.

also, on the program, we’re joined by Amyra Weiss—Chief Communications Visionary, storyteller, and organizer of Architecture Week 2026 with AIA Pennsylvania—alongside Board President Elysia Mikkelsen.

They discuss how Architecture Week earned a statewide proclamation (April 12–18, 2026) and mobilized an incredible grassroots effort: over 60 volunteers hosting 45 library story hours across 23 counties. The initiative reached communities statewide with thoughtfully prepared kits—featuring the book Iggy Peck, Architect, hands-on design activities, certificates for future architects, and themed materials for young learners.

This special Memorial Day edition of The Spark featured excerpts from WITF’s podcast Cloth of the Nation, highlighting personal stories from veterans as a way to reflect on service, sacrifice, and the human cost of war.

Listeners heard conversations with Army veteran Joe Yurick, Navy veteran Lisa Carrie, James Ulinksi, and Charles Lafferty, each sharing deeply personal experiences connected to military service, life after war, and the lasting impact those experiences can have on veterans and their families.

Through these stories, the program honored the meaning of Memorial Day while exploring themes of resilience, loss, healing, and remembrance.

In this episode, we sit down with Rear Admiral Eric Ver Hage, a Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania native whose Navy career began with an enlisted role in 1984 and led to his rise as a senior leader in the United States Navy. From his time as an electronics technician to graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and earning a master’s degree in national security, RDML Ver Hage shares insights from decades of service.

We also explore the impact of Navy Week in Harrisburg—why the city was chosen, how the Navy connects with inland communities, and the powerful outreach happening in schools, businesses, and local organizations. The conversation highlights community engagement, the economic and cultural benefits of the event, and the significance of USS Harrisburg in strengthening ties between the Navy and the region.

Discover the history and hidden gem that is Union Canal Tunnel Park in Lebanon, Pennsylvania—home to the oldest existing water transportation tunnel in the United States. Operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, this 110-acre park preserves a remarkable piece of American infrastructure history dating back to 1827, when the Union Canal connected Harrisburg, Reading, and the port of Philadelphia.

In this episode, we explore the canal’s legacy, the engineering feat of its 729-foot tunnel, and the park’s role today as both a historical site and a recreational destination. Learn about public tours, summer kayak experiences, and the passionate people—like local expert Ed Martel Jr.—who keep this history alive.

We’re joined by Dr. Robert Reynolds, Associate Professor of History at Kutztown University, to explore the fascinating history of one-room schoolhouses in Pennsylvania and across the United States. Dr. Reynolds sheds light on how these small, rural schools operated, the unique challenges and opportunities they presented for both students and teachers, and their lasting impact on American education. Drawing from historical research and recent scholarship, we’ll uncover what daily life was like inside a one-room schoolhouse and why these institutions remain an important part of our educational heritage.

We’re also joined by Cathy Horner, former board member and author of Three Women, a War, and a Tradition, to uncover the powerful story behind the origins of Memorial Day in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. Known as the birthplace of the holiday, Boalsburg’s history is rooted in a heartfelt act of remembrance during the Civil War, when three local women were inspired to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves.

From longer growing seasons to stronger storms and increasing pest pressure, climate change is reshaping the way plants grow and how gardeners and growers respond.

We also spotlight photojournalist Ann Hermes and her powerful visual project documenting the slow disappearance of local newsrooms. Drawing on her years of experience covering major global events, Hermes turns her lens closer to home—capturing the quiet, often overlooked spaces where local journalism once thrived. Her photographs preserve the people, routines, and environments that are fading as community news outlets shut down.

Frank Stroik, Board President of Preservation Mifflinburg, shares the remarkable rescue story of the Gutelius House Museum. When the historic 1803 log home faced demolition in a 1997 auction, a small group of community members came together in an unforgettable moment of urgency and purpose. With help from nearby neighbors and a local Justice of the Peace—honoring Frederick Gutelius himself, Union County’s first Justice—they secured the property and sparked a preservation movement.

Conrad Fisher shares the story behind Ragamuffin Hall—its deep roots, remarkable transformation, and growing cultural impact. Once the historic McCoysville Presbyterian Church, founded in 1777 by circuit preacher William Logan, the building has witnessed centuries of change, from open-air sermons to its 19th-century brick structure completed in 1871. After serving its congregation for over 150 years, the church closed its doors in November 2022—only to begin a new chapter the very next day when Conrad took ownership and reimagined the space as Ragamuffin Hall.

WITF's Jordan Wilkie speaks with Berwood Yost, who leads public opinion research at Franklin and Marshall College, and with Stephen Medvic, professor of government also at Franklin and Marshall. They talk about lessons learned from the primary and what to expect in the general election this fall, with a special focus on Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District in Cumberland, Dauphin and York counties. 

We also spotlight photojournalist Ann Hermes and her powerful visual project documenting the slow disappearance of local newsrooms. Drawing on her years of experience covering major global events, Hermes turns her lens closer to home—capturing the quiet, often overlooked spaces where local journalism once thrived. Her photographs preserve the people, routines, and environments that are fading as community news outlets shut down.

Jeremiah Miller, Executive Artistic Director of Lancaster Shakespeare Theatre, returns to discuss the company’s upcoming production of Henry IV, Part 1, opening on the 22nd. Following last fall’s Vietnam-era drama Streamers, the theatre shifts back to Shakespeare with an exciting and unconventional take. Featuring direction by Shakespeare scholar Dr. Justin Hopkins and starring acclaimed local actress Elizabeth Pattey as Falstaff—a role traditionally played by men—this bold casting choice brings fresh perspective to one of Shakespeare’s most iconic characters. This conversation explores the creative vision behind the production and what audiences can expect from this innovative staging.

Sydney Ernst, Museum Director at the Cumberland County Historical Society, shares details about the upcoming exhibition Freedom to Be: LGBTQ+ Journeys in the American Story. Opening May 1, 2026, at the History On High Museum in Carlisle, the exhibit highlights LGBTQ+ experiences within the broader American narrative. On view through June 20, these timely and impactful installation invites visitors to explore stories of identity, resilience, and history.

This episode highlights Tim Alexander, founder of Mansion Concerts Inc., and introduces The Harrisbird Café – A 2026 Songwriter Showcase, a Nashville Bluebird Café–inspired event spotlighting talented regional artists.

Featured performers include:

We also explore how climate change is reshaping horticulture, from shifting growing seasons to increasing environmental stress on crops. As temperatures rise, plants are flowering earlier, cool-season crops are struggling, and extreme weather events—like droughts, heavy rainfall, and late frosts—are becoming more common.

We dive into the real-world impacts on plant health and soil, including erosion, water stress, and higher plant mortality, while also examining how warmer winters are allowing pests and diseases to thrive and spread.

As spring and summer travel seasons ramp up, so does credit card use—and the risk of fraud. In this episode, we’re joined by Bijal Gami, Vice President of Card Portfolio and Operations at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, to share smart, simple ways consumers can protect their money while traveling.

We cover common scams like fake booking sites, phishing emails, and card skimming, along with how built-in tools like transaction alerts, card controls, and fraud monitoring can help catch suspicious activity early.

also, on the program;

In a time of rising loneliness and emotional burnout, Grandma Stand offers a powerful reminder of the healing power of simply being heard. In this episode, we explore the new documentary by filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz, which follows real-life conversations between strangers and volunteer “grandmas” in public spaces across New York City.

Through candid, unscripted exchanges on everything from anxiety and grief to aging and uncertainty, the film reveals how deep listening can bring calm, connection, and emotional release. We also discuss how this grassroots movement—founded by Mike Matthews—has grown nationwide, creating free, accessible spaces for mental wellness and human connection.