Meet Me in York, Pennsylvania to Screen “Communities That Shaped America” : the New PBS Episode
Meet Darley in York and get the chance to screen an all new episode of “Travels with Darley” featuring York, Gettysburg, Brandywine and Vicksburg. Go in depth on York travel and the 250th with a special panel. RSVP to secure your free spot.
Meet Darley in York, Pennsylvania with Explore York for an exclusive screening of Travels with Darley “Communities That Shaped America,” (link to RSVP) followed by a live panel discussion featuring Darley and several of the inspiring people you’ll see in the episode. This event will be held on March 10th at 3:30pm. Together, we’ll share behind-the-scenes stories about filming in York County and what it means to bring this region’s rich history and hospitality to a national audience.
About the Episode: Communities That Shaped America
This special PBS episode travels through pivotal communities that helped shape the United States — from Revolutionary War towns to legendary Civil War landscapes.
York County plays a starring role in this journey.
In York, we explore the profound impact this community had during America’s founding era — including the time when the Continental Congress met here and adopted the Articles of Confederation.
Highlights from York County featured in the episode include:
• The York County History Center, where rare artifacts tied to the nation’s founding bring Revolutionary history to life
• A walk through historic downtown York with architect Blake Gifford
• Royal Square Mural Park, showcasing York’s vibrant creative energy
• Central Market York, celebrating the region’s deep agricultural roots and diverse cuisine
• A stay at the historic Yorktowne Hotel
• A ride aboard the 100-year-old wooden yacht Chief Uncas at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage on the Susquehanna River
• Perrydell Farm’s “cow-to-cone” dairy experience
• Farm-to-table dining at John Wright Restaurant in a former silk mill
• Rail adventures on the Northern Central Railway
• Colonial-era spirits at Eichelberger Distillery at Dills Tavern
York’s past comes alive through architecture, agriculture, waterways, railroads, food, and the voices of local experts who keep these stories vibrant today. These stories are shared in Darley’s new PBS episode as well as a Pennsylvania chapter of Darley’s “Revolutionary Road Trip” book.
Behind the Scenes
During our panel discussion, we’ll talk about:
• What it takes to film history in active, living communities
• Why York County’s role in America’s founding is so significant
• The importance of local historians, preservationists, and small business owners
• Memorable moments from filming — on land and on the water
This is a chance to go deeper into the storytelling process and celebrate York’s place in American history as we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Our Panel
Darley will join panelists who include local tour guides, historians and artists led by Melissa Beaverson of Explore York:
• Dr. Valerie Long, Manager of School Programs at the York County History Center
• Ashley Zimmerman, Executive Director at Northern Central Railway of York
• Blake Gifford, Artist and Architect of York Architecture Illustrated
York isn’t just a backdrop for history — it was a center of action during the Revolutionary era and continues to preserve and interpret those stories in meaningful ways.
From the Articles of Confederation to vibrant markets and river adventures, York represents the kind of community that shaped America — and continues to shape how we understand it today.
Event Details
Hosted by: Explore York
Featuring: A special screening of Travels with Darley: Communities That Shaped America
Plus: Live panel discussion with Darley Newman and episode participants
Refreshments: Light bites provided
I hope you’ll join us for this special evening of history, storytelling, and community.
Let’s celebrate York — and the communities that shaped America — together. (RSVP link)