To help people fill in common knowledge gaps in the Commonwealth’s colorful history, he created “PENNSYLMANIA,” a podcast series that offers listeners a deep dive into some of the most defining people, places and points from the Keystone state’s history.
Since its launch earlier this year, new episodes have dropped biweekly, with more than 18 episodes available on pennsylmania.com, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
This fall “PENNSYLMANIA” is rolling out a six-part series focusing on the origin story of North Central Pennsylvania, which is centered on the lumber industry and the conservation efforts that followed, leading to the creation of Pennsylvania’s State Forests.
These episodes are a must-listen for not only history buffs but also those interested in Pennsylvania’s role in sustainability, environmental movements and tourism.
The series includes:
-- “The Williamsport Boom” - Williamsport became the lumber capital of the United States, with a population that increased more than 10-fold from 1850 to 1870. This episode details the wood hicks, boom rats and sawmill workers whose labor built the industry, and the lumber barons who controlled it. (Available now: Listen here)
-- “Pennsylvania Lumber Incorporated” - The invention of new railway locomotives led to more economic development throughout North Central Pennsylvania, based on harvesting hemlock and the opening of major sawmills in towns far from Williamsport and other cities. This episode tells the story of the two large, vertically integrated companies that emerged to dominate this trade – Goodyear Lumber and Central Pennsylvania Lumber (CPL) – and the tree that would become the official Pennsylvania state tree. (Available now: Listen here)
-- “Laquin - The Most God-Forsaken Place” - What was life like in Laquin (pronounced LAY-KWIN) – a lumber boom town that appeared out of a previously uninhabited forested valley in Bradford County before becoming another Pennsylvania ghost town? This episode describes the town and gives a sense of daily life for the workers and other residents. When the nearby tracts of lumber were harvested, the businesses packed up and moved. The chemical factory was the last to close in 1932, at which point the town ceased to exist. The last resident moved away in 1941. (Available Nov. 10, 2026)
“The Pennsylvania Desert” - This episode discusses the creation of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry in 1895, led by Joseph Rothrock, and the steps he and others took in the development of the Pennsylvania State Forest system, which now comprises 2.2 million acres of land. The episode also highlights the significant contributions of Mira Lloyd Dock of Harrisburg, an active member of the Forestry Commission. (Available Nov. 24, 2026)
-- “The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania” - As a part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “New Deal,” Pennsylvania had more than 150 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in state forests. This episode covers at length the remaking of the Pine Creek Gorge into the tourist-friendly Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. (Available Dec. 8, 2026)
-- “Saving Ricketts Glen” - The story of the Pennsylvania state forests continues in this episode, which covers the period from the start of World War II onward. During this time, interstate highways and the new state forests made it possible for Pennsylvanians from every corner of the Commonwealth to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the Commonwealth’s restored forests. This episode focuses on the eventual creation of Ricketts Glen State Park, with its 24 waterfalls and old growth forest.
Background
Born in the Lehigh Valley, Smith, the host of “PENNSYLMANIA,” has lived in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Lehigh, Chester and Northumberland counties.
He attended a public school in a Philadelphia suburb and recalls not having classes dedicated to learning about Pennsylvania’s history.
“Pennsylvania’s history is so colorful and important,” he said. “You cannot just sift it out from general American history courses.”
His career has put him at the nexus of business, government and politics for 40 years, which deepened his interest in history and desire to share it with others.
Smith dedicates each episode to a piece of Pennsylvania’s past and takes a narrative approach to unpack it for listeners.
Many narratives also include resources such as books and places to visit that people can check out to learn more about the stories at the heart of the episodes.
“In the U.S., we are all Americans. But in the past, as it is today, the Pennsylvania experience is different, whether it’s due to our people, geography, economy or governance,” he said. “That’s what I seek to show in this podcast.”
Smith hopes to build a community of what he’s dubbed as “Pennsylmaniacs,” or fans of not only the podcast but also Pennsylvania history.
He’s inviting Pennsylmaniacs to weigh in on the episodes – and share their own history insights and ideas for future episodes – on Instagram @pennsylmaniapod.
They can sign up for “PENNSYLMANIA” e-blasts, as well, by sending an email to producer@pennsylmania.com. Listening to the podcast is free.
Smith’s long-term goal for the series is to leverage it to generate support for state legislation that would mandate that Pennsylvania history is taught in the Commonwealth’s public schools at some point between grades eight and graduation.
“Most of all I want people to be entertained, whether by hearing a story that’s completely new or a familiar tale through a Pennsylvania perspective,” he said.
The “PENNSYLMANIA” podcast series launched in January 2026 and unpacks the colorful, entertaining stories behind the defining people, places and points in Pennsylvania’s history.
It’s created and hosted by Mark Smith and features original theme music by Montreal-based musician Kyle Bobby Dunn.
Stream the latest episodes at pennsylmania.com, Spotify and Apple Podcasts and share reactions at @pennsylmaniapod on Instagram.
[Posted: November 10, 2026] PA Environment Digest
