Susquehanna Scout

Major NPS initiative to hold its 2027 annual meeting in Harrisburg

Hear the story of Rob Evans, a lifelong artist based in York County with a passion for the Susquehanna River. He began collecting works of art depicting the Susquehanna River several years ago, and it’s grown to the point that he helped found the nonprofit Friends of the Susquehanna River Art Collection. He explains how this collection of river-inspired art serves as a microcosm of American history. Additionally, it establishes the Susquehanna River as a key influence in the founding of the first authentic school of American art, the Hudson River School. The Friends organization continues to grow: They’re acquiring a gallery space in Columbia, Lancaster County, that will serve as a permanent home for part of the collection. And the Friends are appointing Rob Evans’ daughter and artist Quinn Evans as the organization’s first executive director. Meantime, part of the collection is also housed in the renovated farmhouse galleries at the Historic Hellam Nature Preserve owned by the Lancaster Conservancy. And in today's Final Four: Cassie Farrelly of Hershey shares her memories of the Lock Haven Labor Day Regatta which takes place on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. She also discusses her favorite spot on the Susquehanna, the lookout at Hyner Mountain, and some of the recreational activities that are common there. The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast by WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.

What are the lessons learned from the nation’s worst nuclear disaster along the Susquehanna?

Lancaster-based genealogist, historian and researcher Eric Schubert guides us through a fascinating story weaving together Pennsylvania history, early industries such as lumber, and Susquehanna River towns that sprung up as a result. Against this backdrop, many community leaders’ careers were made – and that included a fascinating figure named Barr Spangler. Spangler, 1822 – 1922, was a prominent resident of a river town, Marietta, Lancaster County, who ran a dry goods store and became the oldest-serving bank president of his time – and quite possibly in American history. Schubert, of ES Genealogy, explains how listeners can begin similar research and genealogy projects of their own. And he explains why he believes there are many additional stories such as Barr Spangler’s waiting to be discovered along the Susquehanna. Schubert’s Master’s thesis from Millersville University of Pennsylvania, “Barr Spangler (1822–1922) and the Prohibition Party of Pennsylvania,” was recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical Association. And in today's Final Four: Cassie Farrelly of Hershey shares her memories of growing up along the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven and how the Susquehanna compares to other rivers she's seen in her world travels. The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast by WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.

If Pennsylvania had an “eel whisperer” or “eel ambassador” it might be Aaron Henning, an aquatic biologist with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. In this podcast, he demystifies this snake-like fish to explain why this native species is so unique, and why it was historically vital to Pennsylvania’s Native American populations. Henning also explains why American Eels virtually disappeared from Susquehanna River waterways over the years – and how they’re now making a comeback. We also learn how, ten years ago, Henning created the program “Eels in the Classroom,” now flourishing in 81 school districts across the Susquehanna River watershed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. And on a personal note, he explains why “Eels in the Classroom” honors the memory of his mother. The Susquehanna Scout, hosted by journalist Karen Hendricks, is a weekly podcast by WITF that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond.