Keystones Oral History Series

08/31/2026

Follow us all month long as we honor International Underground Railroad Month and highlight the Underground Railroad history in our great state of Pennsylvania.

08/25/2026

Right here in York, PA, stands the former home of William C. Goodridge (1806–1873), a formerly enslaved man who became one of Pennsylvania’s most successful and influential Black businessmen. Today, the historic home houses the Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum.

Bring stories like this into the classroom with Keystones Oral Histories Underground Railroad curriculum, created to help students discover Pennsylvania’s Underground Railroad and African American history.

https://keystonesoralhistories.com/curriculum/

08/20/2026

Next month is International Underground Railroad History month. We'll be doing a series on this topic around our local history and how much of an impact Pennsylvania has on America's Underground Railroad history. We hope you share and follow along!!

KeystonesOralHistories.com

08/18/2026

In 1794, Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was founded in Philadelphia by Richard Allen, a formerly enslaved man who became a minister, abolitionist and community leader.

Even more remarkable, Mother Bethel continues to worship on the same parcel of land purchased by Richard Allen more than 200 years ago.

Another powerful piece of Pennsylvania’s Black history worth remembering and sharing.

08/17/2026

Today’s trivia takes us to the beginnings of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and an important chapter in Black history.

Think you know the answer? 👀 Drop your guess in the comments before you look it up!

We’ll share the answer soon.

08/13/2026

“...these young students need to be introduced to the true leaders of their community here at home.”

That is at the heart of why we do this work.

There are still so many stories of local African American history waiting to be researched, preserved, and shared, including the stories of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and the men from our own communities who served.

Our upcoming projects will help bring more of these stories into classrooms and into the hands of the next generation.

And this work is something our entire community can be part of.

When individuals, businesses, and community partners support Keystones Oral Histories, they help make the research, educational resources, and future projects possible. You’re not simply supporting a project; you’re helping make sure our local history has a place in our community’s future.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or supporting an upcoming project? We’d love to have you be part of what comes next.

https://keystonesoralhistories.com/donate/

08/10/2026

A few weeks ago we shared these worksheets to do with kids based on answers they can find on our website! Was anyone able to print and do these with any kids and teens!?

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19c6oysVJ9/

08/07/2026

When a Maryland slaveholder arrived with federal officials to recapture freedom seekers, local Black residents, led by William Parker and supported by members of the community, stood their ground. The confrontation became known as the Christiana Resistance and drew national attention, fueling the growing debate over slavery in the years leading up to the Civil War.

It's a powerful reminder that Pennsylvania played an important role in the fight for freedom, and that ordinary people helped shape the course of history.

KeystonesOralHistories.com

08/04/2026

We're honored to share that Bryan Wade, CEO and Founder of Keystones Oral Histories, has been named one of PA Humanities' inaugural Window Keepers.

The Window Keepers recognition celebrates Pennsylvanians whose work helps strengthen communities through the humanities.

This honor reflects the importance of preserving the stories, voices, and history that connect us. At Keystones Oral Histories, that mission remains at the heart of everything we do, and we're grateful to everyone who has shared their stories and supported this work along the way.

Thank you to PA Humanities for this meaningful recognition, and congratulations to all of this year's Window Keepers.

Maddie SeilerThe Sentinel