Virtual Events
Through the generous support of PA Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, WVIA presented a series of 3 live events in 2022. You can re-watch each of them now on-demand.
Art Treasures of Europe with Rick Steves
Originally streamed on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 at 7pm
Rick Steves Art of Europe showcases stunning art masterpieces in historical context. Now WVIA ArtScene host Erika Funke talks with Rick Steves and regional art historians about their favorite discoveries in a special free virtual event from the WVIA studios. Joining Erika on the panel are Dr. Jo-Ann Reif, independent art historian; Mark Webber, teacher, Director of the Rusty Flack Art Gallery at Wyoming Seminary; and Dr. Saadia N. Lawton, Visiting Assistant Professor of Art History at Lycoming College.
Songs and Stories from Coal Country
Originally streamed on Monday, October 3rd, 2022 at 8pm
Robert Wolensky is a historian and sociologist with a special interest in our region’s coal mining heritage. He’ll join singer-songwriters Tom Flannery and Jay Smar for “Songs and Stories of Coal Country,” part concert, part discussion, hosted by WVIA's George Graham.
Ben and Joe
Originally streamed on Thursday, April 14th, 2022 at 7pm
Central Pennsylvania has an interesting connection to the Benjamin Franklin story.
Franklin was a long-time friend of the English chemist, philosopher, theologian, and political theorist Dr. Joseph Priestley, best remembered for his discovery of oxygen. Priestley moved to America and settled along the Susquehanna River in Northumberland, PA, where the Joseph Priestley House continues to tell the story of his accomplishments and relationship with Franklin.
See actors portray a conversation between Franklin and Priestley and costumed docents take you on a virtual tour of the historic Priestley House.
WVIA host Erika Funke interviews actor/director/playwright Laurie McCants and Penn State Professor of English and Women's, gender, and Sexual Studies Carla. J. Mulford, Ph.D., who has written extensively on Benjamin Franklin.