Keystones Oral History Series

Home
United States
Harrisburg, PA
Keystones Oral History Series

Call Directions Website

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Keystones Oral History Series, Nonprofit Organization, Harrisburg, PA.

It is our mission to provide recognition through documentaries, curriculum development, Living History and Hall of Fame programs to local ethnic and social communities that have influenced the historical development of the region in which they live.

11/03/2026

Born on November 28, 1821, William Still became a prominent abolitionist in Philadelphia and earned the title “Father of the Underground Railroad.”

Still helped hundreds of enslaved individuals escape to freedom, carefully documenting their names, experiences, and journeys. His records later became the foundation of his 1872 book, The Underground Rail Road, preserving stories that might otherwise have been lost to history.

At Keystones Oral Histories, we believe in the importance of preserving these stories so future generations can learn from the courage and determination of those who came before us.

KeystonesOralHistories.com

10/29/2026

Did you know that history is closer than you think?

Right here in York, Pennsylvania, Lebanon Cemetery holds an important place in our community's Black history.

Established in 1872 by nine Black community leaders, Lebanon Cemetery was created at a time when segregation prevented many African American families from having a dignified place to lay their loved ones to rest.

Today, it remains one of the oldest and largest African American cemeteries in York County and is the final resting place of more than 300 Black veterans whose service dates back to the War of 1812.

These sacred places preserve the stories and legacies of generations whose contributions deserve to be remembered and honored.

We encourage you to follow Friends of Lebanon Cemetery to learn more about its history and the ongoing efforts to preserve this important landmark.

Throughout November, we'll be highlighting more historic Black landmarks across Pennsylvania and the stories behind them. Follow along as we explore the places that helped shape our history and honor the legacies that deserve to be remembered.

KeystonesOralHistories.com

10/27/2026

Grateful for Your Legacy: Dr. Wright

Some legacies are built through the opportunities we create for others and the stories we help preserve.

Today, Keystones Oral Histories recognizes Dr. Wright for his dedication to education, mentorship, and preserving African American community history.

With more than 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Wright has worked to expand opportunities for underserved youth, strengthen educational programs, and support students from diverse backgrounds.

His accomplishments include securing grants to improve educational opportunities and leading oral history projects that helped preserve the stories and experiences of African American communities in Cleveland, Ohio.

His legacy reminds us that education opens doors, while preserving history ensures future generations understand the people and experiences that came before them.

We are grateful for Dr. Wright's contributions and the lasting impact of his work!

https://keystonesoralhistories.com/notable-individuals/

10/24/2026

What Would YOU Put in a Time Capsule?

Imagine someone 100 years from now opening a time capsule filled with memories of life today. What would you want them to discover? A photograph, a recipe, a handwritten letter, a newspaper, or perhaps a message for future generations?

History isn't always easy to revisit, but it teaches us valuable lessons. Even today, we're living through moments that future generations will one day reflect upon.

So here's our question:

If you could leave behind ONE thing to help future generations understand our world or learn from our challenges, what would it be?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

Let's preserve not just the memories of today, but the lessons worth carrying into tomorrow.

10/20/2026

As part of our Grateful for Your Legacy series, Keystones Oral Histories continues to recognize individuals whose courage, service, and contributions helped shape Pennsylvania's history.

Born in York County, Pennsylvania, John Aquilla Wilson was just a teenager when he answered the call to serve during the Civil War.

In 1863, he joined the local militia in Wrightsville, helping defend the Susquehanna River crossing against advancing Confederate forces. In 1864, he enlisted in Company B of the 32nd United States Colored Troops (USCT), training at Camp William Penn before serving in South Carolina.

Honorably discharged in August 1865, Wilson returned to Pennsylvania and lived to be 101 years old, becoming one of York County's last surviving Civil War veterans.

His story is one of courage, service, and a legacy worth remembering.

We are grateful for the legacy of John Aquilla Wilson and the many African American soldiers whose contributions to American history deserve to be preserved and shared.

Learn more about the individuals and stories featured in our Oral Histories Exposé on the Keystones Oral Histories website.

https://keystonesoralhistories.com/notable-individuals/

Your donations help Keystones Oral Histories preserve and share important stories like John Aquilla Wilson's through future documentaries and educational curriculums, ensuring the contributions of African Americans throughout Pennsylvania's history are never forgotten.

https://keystonesoralhistories.com/donate/

10/15/2026

The Stories We Almost Lost.

Think about the stories passed down from your grandparents, parents, neighbors, or community elders. The memories of growing up, the challenges they faced, the changes they witnessed, and the lessons they learned.

Now imagine if no one had taken the time to listen.

So much of our history lives in the memories of everyday people. Stories that may never appear in textbooks but are just as important to understanding who we are and where we came from.

At Keystones Oral Histories, we believe these voices deserve to be heard, documented, and preserved for future generations.

Here's a challenge: Take time this week to ask someone about their past. Listen to their story. With their permission, record it. You might discover a piece of history you never knew existed.

Because once a story is lost, we may never get it back.

Your donations help us continue preserving these important stories through future documentaries and bringing our educational curriculums into schools. With your support, we hope to pursue our next documentary project exploring the history and contributions of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) in Pennsylvania, ensuring their stories are remembered for generations to come.

https://keystonesoralhistories.com/donate/

10/13/2026

We're glad you're here! Whether you've been following us for a while or are just discovering our page, we invite you to follow along, share our content, and help us keep history alive!

At Keystones Oral Histories, we're dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped our communities, particularly the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans throughout Pennsylvania's history.

And there's more to come! We have exciting projects on the horizon, including future documentaries and continued efforts to bring our educational curriculums into schools.

But we can't do it alone! Through community support, donations, and people like YOU spreading the word, we can continue preserving these important stories and making history accessible to future generations.

https://keystonesoralhistories.com/donate/

Follow our page. Share our mission. Support our work.

Together, we can make sure these stories are never forgotten!

10/09/2026

Grateful for Your Legacy: Former Mayor, Kim Bracey

As part of our Grateful for Your Legacy series, Keystones Oral Histories is recognizing individuals whose leadership, service, and contributions have helped shape our communities and inspire future generations. Specifically from the stories shared on our website!

Born and raised in York, Pennsylvania, Kim Bracey made history as the city's first African American mayor and second woman to hold the position. Serving from 2010 to 2018, she broke barriers and became an important part of York's history.

A graduate of William Penn Senior High School and proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Bracey returned to her hometown following her military service and continued her commitment to the community through her work with the Crispus Attucks Association.

Her deep roots in York, dedication to public service, and historic leadership reflect a lifelong connection to the city she calls home. Bracey's legacy is not only one of breaking barriers but also of representing, serving, and inspiring the community that helped shape her.

We are grateful for your legacy, Kim Bracey!

https://keystonesoralhistories.com/notable-individuals/

10/07/2026

At Keystones Oral Histories, we’re preserving the stories of the past through education, storytelling, and our curriculum programs while continuing to build new projects for the future.

There’s more history to uncover and more stories to tell. We’re just getting started.

KeystonesOralHistories.com

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19fFhCnmx1/

10/03/2026

Grateful for Their Legacy.

Bishop Nathan Baxter is a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a decorated U.S. Army Combat Medic who served in Vietnam, and the 10th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. He served as the second African American Dean of Washington National Cathedral, from 1991–2003. A respected faith leader and educator, Bishop Baxter has devoted his life to ministry, service, and community.

Follow us all month long as we share different legacies and their stories that are featured on our website.

Sharing their stories.
Preserving their legacy.

KeystonesOralHistories.com

Address

Harrisburg, PA

Telephone

+17176019314

Website

https://keystonesoralhistories.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Keystones Oral History Series posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.