Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story
FAIN: GG-280428-21
University of Scranton (Scranton, PA 18510-2429)
Julie Cohen (Project Director: January 2021 to present)
Implementation of a public discussion series addressing Scranton and U.S. history as they relate to questions of national identity and citizenship.
“Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” explores the aspirational journey to fulfill our national ideals through the lens of Scranton, Pennsylvania, an iconic American city that has experienced many of the key elements of our nation’s experience: industrial era growth and decline, waves of immigration past and present, and Black and Indigenous experiences. Programs in a variety of scholarly and participatory formats, and across eight themes related to history, philosophy, English/literature, and religious studies, will engage a diverse group of Scrantonians in humanities-based conversations and story-sharing about founding debates, local and national identity, and our role as citizens in a democracy.
Media Coverage
Grant to allow University of Scranton to explore, celebrate Scranton's story (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Sarah Hoffius Hall
Publication: Scranton Times Tribune
Date: 8/27/2021
Abstract: Newspaper provided a summary of the goals and themes of the project.
URL: https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/grant-to-allow-university-of-scranton-to-explore-celebrate-scrantons-story/article_3b09b856-01b8-583a-8624-4c970101b60d.html
Julie Schumacher Cohen; August 26, 2021 (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Erika Funke and Julie Schumacher Cohen
Publication: WVIA Public Media
Date: 8/26/2021
Abstract: Project Director Julie Schumacher Cohen, Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement and Government Affairs at the University of Scranton,
speaking about "Scranton's Story --Our Nation's Story", a National Endowment for the Humanities grant awarded to the University of Scranton as part of the NEH Discussions Initiative.
The project will run for two years and will be organized along 8 thematic streams. The first public event will be held on October 19, 2021. For more information: www.scranton.edu/
URL: https://soundcloud.com/wvia-public-media/julie-schumacher-cohen-august-26-2021
Project Brings Diversity to Forefront (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Julie Schumacher Cohen
Publication: Scranton Times Tribune
Date: 1/30/2022
Abstract: This article/op-ed provided an update on the project to the Scranton community/public.
URL: https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/project-brings-scrantons-diversity-to-forefront/article_9a1dcae0-70db-5a6a-a94c-d69fda9d5b4e.html
Who is Scranton? Social media campaign seeks to answer (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Joseph Kohut
Publication: Scranton Times Tribune
Date: 3/18/2022
Abstract: Effort part of larger project telling Scranton's story.
URL: https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/who-is-scranton-social-media-campaign-seeks-to-answer/article_608e26c4-b45f-5bcb-80f1-e243925562bb.html
ArtScene with Erika Funke: Adam Pratt (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Erika Funke and Adam Pratt
Publication: WVIA
Date: 5/9/2022
Abstract: Interview by WIVA's Erika Funke with Dr. Adam Pratt, History University of Scranton faculty member and main coordinator of theme 3 of the project, Indigenous History of NEPA.
URL: https://soundcloud.com/wvia-public-media/adam-pratt-may-9-2022?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fwvia-public-media%252Fadam-pratt-may-9-2022
Project collects Scranton stories to chronicle history, diversity (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Gia Mazur
Publication: The Times Tribune (Scranton, PA) and Yahoo News
Date: 8/21/2022
Abstract: Article highlighting the project, Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story including year 1 events and with a focus on the story collection/oral histories part of the project.
URL: https://news.yahoo.com/project-collects-scranton-stories-chronicle-001600693.html
Getting involved with the Black Scranton Project! (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Chris Bohinski
Publication: PA Live
Date: 2/7/2023
Abstract: TV coverage of Black History month events that included mention of our Feb. 9th humanities lecture.
URL: https://www.pahomepage.com/pa-live/getting-involved-with-the-black-scranton-project/
Videos of Scranton's Black history to be unveiled (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Melissa Janoski
Publication: The Times Tribune
Date: 2/18/2024
Abstract: This article previewed the sharing of the Black Voices of the Scranton Stories oral history collection during Black History month.
URL: https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/videos-of-scrantons-black-history-to-be-unveiled/article_f094dd74-a6a0-50f4-8fdf-3c74158298c4.html
Julie Schumacher Cohen; Kimberly Crafton; October 26 2023 (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Erika Funke
Publication: WVIA Arts Scene
Date: 10/26/2023
Abstract: Julie Schumacher Cohen, Project Director, and Kimberly Crafton, Oral Histories Coordinator, for "Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story," made possible through a grant from the NEH, speaking about the premiere of oral history interviews and an exhibition of photographs titled, ""Scranton Stories" at the University of Scranton on Friday, October 27, 2023, with a panel discussion in Brennan Hall at 5:00 pm, and an opening reception in Hyland Hall at 6:00. The exhibition runs through November 17th.
URL: https://soundcloud.com/wvia-public-media/julie-schumacher-cohen-kimberly-crafton-october-26-2023
Robert Wolensky; September 1 2022 (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: WVIA, Art Scene with Erika Funke
Date: 9/1/2022
Abstract: Dr. Robert Wolensky, noted sociologist & anthracite historian, speaking about his presentation, "The 1902 Anthracite Strike: Causes & Consequences" on September 8, 2022 at 5:30 pm, at the Lackawanna
County Courthouse, hosted by the University of Scranton and its partners as part of a special two-year project made possible by a grant from the NEH: Scranton's Story; Our Nation's Story.
For more information: www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory
URL: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/robert-wolensky-september-1-2022/id892405689?i=1000578111851
Maureen McGuigan; September 20 2022 (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: WVIA
Date: 9/20/2022
Abstract: Maureen McGuigan, Deputy Director of Arts & Culture for Lackawanna County (PA), speaking about her documentary film, "A Shop on Every Corner: Memories of the Garment Industry" to be screened September 21, 2022, at 7:00 pm, at the Ritz Theatre, 222 Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton, with a discussion to follow. The event is part of the special initiative, "Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story" presented by the University of Scranton & its partners through a grant from the NEH. www.scranton.edu/
URL: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/maureen-mcguigan-september-20-2022/id892405689?i=1000580127678
Curtis Zunigha; November 14 2022 (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Curtis Zunigha
Publication: WVIA
Date: 11/14/2022
Abstract: Curtis Zunigha, enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma, and Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Lenape Center in NewYork City, speaking in anticipation of his presentation on November 17, 2022, at 7:00 pm at the University of Scranton titled,
"Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History & Homecoming". The program is part of "Scranton's Story; the Nation's Story" made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the
Humanities. The talk & discussion will be held in the DeNaples Center Ballroom on the campus, and admission is free. For more information: www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory.
URL: https://soundcloud.com/wvia-public-media/curtis-zunigha-november-14-2022
Lenape experts offers insights on healing the region's relationships with indigenous peoples (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Kat Bolus
Publication: WVIA News
Date: 11/25/2022
Abstract: The City of Scranton, Lackawanna County and Pennsylvania are just awakening to and learning actual truths from the Native American perspective about the history of the region, said Curtis Zunigha, an enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians.
URL: https://www.wvia.org/local/2022-11-25/lenape-experts-offers-insights-on-healing-the-regions-relationships-with-indigenous-people
Guest Speaker Curtis Zunigha Comes to Scranton (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: Aquinas
Date: 12/8/2022
Abstract: On November 17, The University of Scranton welcomed Curtis Zunigha, co-director and co-founder of the Lenape Center in New York.
In his public keynote lecture on ”Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History and Homecoming,” at the University of Scranton, he shared the story of the Lenape people through explaining the hardships, challenges, and most of all the beauty of their culture.
URL: https://aquinas.scranton.edu/2022/11/29/guest-speaker-curtis-zunigha-comes-to-scranton/
Black History Month celebrated by local colleges (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Fox56 Newsroom
Publication: Fox56
Date: 2/10/2023
Abstract: A TV news story featuring project partner Glynis Johns, CEO and Founder of the Black Scranton Project discussing her humanities lecture on "Black history and housing in Scranton."
URL: https://fox56.com/news/local/black-history-month-celebrated-by-local-colleges#
Associated Products
Scranton in the Popular Imagination Panel (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)Title: Scranton in the Popular Imagination Panel
Writer: Julie Schumacher Cohen
Director: Julie Schumacher Cohen
Abstract: This is a recording of the first public event of the project. Scranton in the Popular Imagination with keynote speaker Jay Parini and local panelists Joe Kraus, Glynis Johns and Maria MacDonald.
Year: 2021
Primary URL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlqWEVdIKlU&t=2sPrimary URL Description: You Tube video recording
Format: Other
Project Website (Web Resource)Title: Project Website
Author: Carolyn Bonacci
Author: Julie Schumacher Cohen
Abstract: This is the project website and will include various events, updates and information as well as the oral histories/Scranton stories. Short cut link is: www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory
Year: 2021
Primary URL:
https://www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory/index.htmlSecondary URL: www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory
Secondary URL Description: Shortcut
Project Brings Diversity to the Forefront (Article)Title: Project Brings Diversity to the Forefront
Author: Julie Schumacher Cohen
Abstract: This article provided an overview of the project and specifically themes covered and still to come with a focus on underrepresented stories to be shared through the project.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/project-brings-scrantons-diversity-to-forefront/article_9a1dcae0-70db-5a6a-a94c-d69fda9d5b4e.htmlFormat: Newspaper
Publisher: Scranton Times Tribune
Hispanic Americans honor heritage with pride (Article)Title: Hispanic Americans honor heritage with pride
Author: Jenny Gonzalez
Author: Alejandra Marroquin
Abstract: This article reflected on Hispanic Heritage Month by two of the project steering committee members and particularly on immigration as part of theme 5, "The Journey from 'Immigrant' to Citizen."
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/columnists/hispanic-americans-honor-heritage-with-pride/article_23ebf94e-8d06-548b-b0d9-380a47e7eb6b.htmlPrimary URL Description: Scranton Times website
Access Model: Subscription
Format: Newspaper
Publisher: Scranton Times Tribune
The 1902 Anthracite Strike: Causes and Consequences, A 120th Anniversary Evaluation (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)Title: The 1902 Anthracite Strike: Causes and Consequences, A 120th Anniversary Evaluation
Writer: Bob Wolensky and Melissa Meade
Director: ECTV
Producer: ECTV
Abstract: “The 1902 Anthracite Strike: Causes and Consequences, A 120th Anniversary Evaluation,” 9/8/22
This keynote lecture featured Dr. Bob Wolensky, sociologist and anthracite historian, with panel respondent, Dr. Melissa Meade on, “The 1902 Anthracite Strike: Causes and Consequences, A 120th Anniversary Evaluation.” This event took place at the Lackawanna County Courthouse on Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
This event is part of the Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story project, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities on the theme, “From the Industrial Revolution to Act 47 and Beyond.”
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy8R4pBOh8g&t=5sPrimary URL Description: Event Recording posted on YouTube
Secondary URL:
https://www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory/themes/industrial-revolution/the-1902-anthracite-strike-causes-and-consequences,-a-120th-anniversary-evaluation.htmlSecondary URL Description: Recordings are also available via the project website: https://www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory/themes/industrial-revolution/the-1902-anthracite-strike-causes-and-consequences,-a-120th-anniversary-evaluation.html
Access Model: Open
Format: Video
Format: Web
Humanities Lecture "Freedom and Our Founding: What do they mean for us today?" (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)Title: Humanities Lecture "Freedom and Our Founding: What do they mean for us today?"
Writer: Annalien de Dijn, Aziz Rana, Matt Mayer, Dave Dzurec
Director: Recorded via Zoom
Producer: Recorded via Zoom
Abstract: This Humanities Lecture & Audience Q&A on “Freedom and Our Founding: What do they mean for us today?" featured distinguished scholars Annelien de Dijn and Aziz Rana. This event took place via Zoom webinar with a University of Scranton watch party on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 5 pm.
This event is a part of "The U.S. Citizen and the American Founding," the second theme in the "Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story" project led by The University of Scranton with community-partners supported in part by a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
For more information on this event and project, please visit www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory
Speakers:
Annelien de Dijn, Professor of Modern Political History and section chair of the Political History Department, Utrecht University, and author of “Freedom: An Unruly History”
Aziz F. Rana, Richard and Lois Cole Professor of Law, Cornell Law School, and author of The Two Faces of American Freedom
This lecture focused on the evolution of the concept of freedom, how it has been understood and interpreted by the founders of our nation, and what this means for our democracy as we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmOY_9lMkdgPrimary URL Description: YouTube
Secondary URL:
https://www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory/themes/us-citizen-american-founding/humanities-lecture-freedom-and-our-founding.htmlSecondary URL Description: Project website
Access Model: Open
Format: Video
Format: Digital File
Format: Web
Removal and the Right to Remain in the United States, Humanities Discussion with Samantha Seeley (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)Title: Removal and the Right to Remain in the United States, Humanities Discussion with Samantha Seeley
Writer: Samantha Seeley
Director: ECTV recorded
Producer: ECTV recorded
Abstract: This Humanities Discussion event, "Removal and the Right to Remain in the United States" featured speaker Samantha Seeley and took place on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 5 pm in the Henkelman Room at the Albright Memorial Library in Scranton, PA, as a part of the "Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story" project led by The University of Scranton with community partners.
Samantha Seeley, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Richmond. Her book, Race, Removal, and the Right to Remain: Migration and the Making of the Early United States, highlights early efforts at U.S. nation building and the use of migration to construct a white republic. Situating the struggles of Native and Black Americans into the larger story of the early U.S, Seeley argues for a more inclusive way to tell the story of forced removal and its implications on early U.S. statehood.
This event is a part of the "Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story" project's third theme, Indigenous History of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu095NRx8kgPrimary URL Description: You Tube
Secondary URL:
https://www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory/themes/indigenous-history-of-nepa/removal-and-the-right-to-remain-in-the-united-states.htmlSecondary URL Description: Project Website
Access Model: OPEN
Format: Video
Format: Digital File
Format: Web
Curtis Zunigha, keynote lecture on Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History and Homecoming (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)Title: Curtis Zunigha, keynote lecture on Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History and Homecoming
Writer: Curtis Zunigha
Director: Curtis Zunigha
Producer: Curtis Zunigha
Abstract: On Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. Curtis Zunigha, enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians (Oklahoma) and co-founder/co-director of the Lenape Center in New York, offered a public keynote lecture on Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History and Homecoming in the DeNaples Ballroom of The University of Scranton.
Zunigha shared his experience and mission to heal the wounds of forced removal and colonization and his desire is to restore the circle of friendship, respect, and shared occupancy. This lecture is part of the Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story initiative funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and supported by a grant through the Office of Equity and Diversity. This visit is organized by the University of Scranton Office of Community Relations and the Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story initiative, the Office of Equity and Diversity, and the History Department.
Last year, the University adopted a land acknowledgement statement which includes the Lenape as among those Indigenous peoples for whom Northeastern PA is their ancestral homeland:
The University of Scranton acknowledges the original inhabitants and nations of this land: the Lenape, the Munsee, the Shawnee and the Susquehannocks. May we be ever mindful of their legacy and contributions and commit ourselves to stewarding this land with care and compassion as we navigate our communities towards faith and justice.
Zunigha’s lecture is aimed at fostering deeper learning and engagement in ways that honor Indigenous peoples and cultures and the history and ongoing legacy and impact of colonialism.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnlfnnddwWUPrimary URL Description: On Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. Curtis Zunigha, enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians (Oklahoma) and co-founder/co-director of the Lenape Center in New York, offered a public keynote lecture on Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History and Homecoming in the DeNaples Ballroom of The University of Scranton.
Zunigha shared his experience and mission to heal the wounds of forced removal and colonization and his desire is to restore the circle of friendship, respect, and shared occupancy. This lecture is part of the Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story initiative funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and supported by a grant through the Office of Equity and Diversity. This visit is organized by the University of Scranton Office of Community Relations and the Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story initiative, the Office of Equity and Diversity, and the History Department.
Access Model: open
Format: Video
Format: Digital File
Format: Web
Native History of the Wyoming Valley (Web Resource)Title: Native History of the Wyoming Valley
Author: Peter Burke
Author: Adam Pratt
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to shed light on the far understudied indigenous history of the Wyoming Valley. The hope for this website is that it can reach a broad audience and allow inhabitants of the Wyoming Valley to engage in meaningful and informed discussions of the history of their hometowns and paths forward toward justice and remembrance.
Year: 2021
Primary URL:
https://digitalprojects.scranton.edu/s/native-history-wyoming-valley/page/aboutPrimary URL Description: Weinberg Memorial Library Digital Project
Diverse input sought to assemble Scranton's story (Article)Title: Diverse input sought to assemble Scranton's story
Author: Kimberly Crafton
Author: Gerard Hetman
Abstract: Describes the work of the project and invites diverse members of the community to share their story.
Year: 2022
Primary URL:
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/columnists/diverse-input-sought-to-assemble-scrantons-story/article_55e04060-25fc-56b2-bdeb-53c7b0d9fe09.html/#cement-areaPrimary URL Description: Scranton Times Tribune
Access Model: Subscription
Format: Newspaper
Publisher: Scranton Times Tribune
Scranton Stories Oral Histories (Web Resource)Title: Scranton Stories Oral Histories
Author: The University of Scranton
Abstract: “Scranton Stories” is part of a community-wide project, Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story, which explored themes of history, belonging, identity, community, and democracy. These 25 "Scranton Stories" are excerpted from the oral history interviews of 33 individuals. Each give voice to a broad array of Scranton experiences that connect our city to our nation’s ongoing story, in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Year: 2023
Primary URL:
https://www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory/video-library.htmlPrimary URL Description: This is the video library of the Scranton Stories oral histories that is located on the Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story project website.
Scranton Stories You Tube Playlist (Web Resource)Title: Scranton Stories You Tube Playlist
Author: University of Scranton
Abstract: Scranton Stories oral history initiative is part of the broader Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story project, a community-wide effort that has explored themes of history, belonging and identity through a multi-year series of humanities-based programs. This collection of interview videos gives voice to a broad array of Scranton experiences that connect our city to the nation’s ongoing story. For more information on the initiative, visit www.scranton.edu/stories.
Year: 2023
Primary URL:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbsV7qLR2tZL78bScN3YbLnMRazF083ywPrimary URL Description: This is the YouTube of the University of Scranton with a dedicated playlist for the Scranton Stories Oral Histories.
Scranton Stories (Digital Exhibition) (Exhibition)Title: Scranton Stories (Digital Exhibition)
Curator: Julie Schumacher Cohen
Abstract: This collection of oral history portrait photographs by photographer Byron Maldonado is part of the Scranton Stories oral histories initiative which gives voice to a broad array of Scranton experiences that connect our city to the nation’s ongoing story. 25 video interviews feature a total of 33 local residents. Each photograph is accompanied by a link to the interview, the name of the interviewee, the location of the photo, the reason they chose that location and quotes from their interview. For more information on the project and to view all the interviews, visit www.scranton.edu/stories.
Year: 2024
Primary URL:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.377593341448727&type=3Scranton Stories Exhibition Booklet (Exhibition)Title: Scranton Stories Exhibition Booklet
Curator: Julie Schumacher Cohen
Abstract: Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story Oral History Portrait Photographs Exhibition Booklet.
Year: 2024
Primary URL:
https://www.scranton.edu/scrantonstory/exhibit-program-booklet.pdf