The Spark

As tens of thousands of visitor's flock to Gettysburg each year to witness dramatic Civil War reenactments, what they see on the battlefield is just the tip of the iceberg.

The team behind these large-scale events—including reenactors Chris and Doug Jones—is already deep in planning mode for 2026. 

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As the cost of living continues to rise across the U.S., parents in Pennsylvania are feeling the squeeze — especially when it comes to raising young children. In a recent interview on The Spark, Laura Beltrán Figueroa, Director of Policy and Research at the Pennsylvania Policy Center, shared how childcare expenses are forcing many working families into impossible financial choices.

also, on the program.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania is going through a remodeling overhaul starting Spring of 2026 as the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is going through with a $55 million infrastructure revitalization of the building

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As America approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, is taking a dynamic and deeply local approach to honoring the milestone through the statewide initiative, America 250PA. With a strong focus on community, heritage, and education, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau is leading the charge to ensure their corner of Pennsylvania—and the nation’s history—is not overlooked.

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The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has announced a $55 million, multi-year revitalization of the State Museum of Pennsylvania — the largest investment in the museum’s history since it opened in 1964. The sweeping renovation project is set to begin in spring of 2026 and will include major infrastructure upgrades, accessibility improvements, new exhibit spaces, and even a rooftop event terrace with views of the Susquehanna River and State Capitol.

Executive Director of PHMC Andrea Lowery joined The Spark to share details of the ambitious project and what it means for the future of the museum and for Pennsylvanians.

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In a sweeping decision with far-reaching consequences, Congress has officially cut federal funding for public media with the passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025. The legislation not only halts future appropriations—it also pulls back already-promised funds, leaving public media outlets like WITF reeling and planning for an uncertain future.

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As the cost of living continues to rise across the U.S., parents in Pennsylvania are feeling the squeeze — especially when it comes to raising young children. In a recent interview on The Spark, Laura Beltrán Figueroa, Director of Policy and Research at the Pennsylvania Policy Center, shared how child care expenses are forcing many working families into impossible financial choices.

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At Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County, history is more than something to read about — it’s something to experience.

The reconstructed 18th-century fort, which played a pivotal role in the French and Indian War, offers visitors a full immersion into colonial life, complete with authentic artifacts, historical interpreters, and a sprawling museum collection.

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At the Fashion Archives & Museum at Shippensburg University, fashion isn’t just about style—it’s a portal to the past. Dr. Karin J. Bohleke, director of the museum, calls it her “dream job,” and she’s using it to bring centuries of history to life through original clothing and textiles.

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As the summer sun blazes on, the sounds of marching steps and brass instruments echo from Hershey High School, where band camp is in full swing. Director of Bands Brandon Buterbaugh says while the rehearsals may be long—spanning eight to nine hours a day—the energy and excitement among students are unmistakable.

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A new campaign in Harrisburg is working to reconnect Pennsylvanians with a powerful—but largely erased—chapter of the capital city's history.

The “Look Up, Look Out” campaign seeks to reimagine Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that was demolished in the 1910s to make way for Capitol Park. The effort uses historical research and digital tools to draw connections between the once-thriving community and today’s cityscape of state offices and government workers.

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