Keystone Stories: Drive-Ins


Pennsylvania is host to America’s second drive-in theatre, Shankweiler’s Drive-in which opened in 1934. In the late 1950s, at the height of the drive-in’s popularity, Pennsylvania had more than 180 in operation. This number has dropped significantly; 85% have closed. However, today Pennsylvania has nearly 30 drive-in theaters in operation, and this is second in the nation, only behind New York. The recent need for social distancing has provided drive-ins with several new income streams, and has boosted what some feel is a dying business.

More Episodes

train

Railroads

Season 2 Episode 1 | 27 min

Why is Altoona known as “Railroad City”? The answer can be found at the Railroaders Memorial Museum, located in Altoona. This home for railfans is where a new project is underway to bring back a legendary locomotive…the K4.

Aired 01/02/23

 

Man in a small yellow aircraft looking over shoulder at the wooded landscape below.

Taking Flight

Season 4 Episode 2 | 27 min

Bellefonte’s role in the history of air mail is still celebrated today, as is Mill Hall’s Piper Aviation’s significance in WWII. Pilots from across the nation travel to Mifflin County to fly aircraft that have no motors.

Aired 10/07/24

 

A collection of horror film memorabilia on several shelves.

More Than a Collection

Season 6 Episode 1 | 27 min

From dollhouses to vintage fans, meet this Pennsylvanians with fascinating collections.

Aired 05/18/26

 

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