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Politics & Policy History & Culture PA Sports & PIAA State Championships Pennsylvania's Neighborhood America's 250th in Pennsylvania Civics 101 Weather World
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Programs Politics & Policy History & Culture PA Sports & PIAA State Championships Pennsylvania's Neighborhood America's 250th in Pennsylvania Civics 101 Weather World

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SCHEDULE
01:45 PMPennsylvania's Neighborhood Altoona: Rep. Lou Schmitt
02:00 PMPennsylvania's Neighborhood Altoona: Allegheny Ukulele Soiree
02:05 PMPennsylvania's Neighborhood Altoona: Allegheny Ukulele Soiree
02:10 PMPennsylvania's Neighborhood Altoona: Historic Altoona Architecture
02:40 PMPennsylvania's Neighborhood Altoona: Mayor Matt Pacifico
03:00 PMPennsylvania's Neighborhood Altoona: Fort Roberdeau
03:20 PMPennsylvania's Neighborhood Altoona: "The Horseshoe Curve"
04:20 PMPennsylvania's Neighborhood Altoona: Paul Misko
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PCN Tours

PCN Tours

One of our most popular weekly series, PCN Tours has brought viewers into more than 500 Pennsylvania museums and manufacturing facilities like Martin Guitars, Crayola, Harley-Davidson, Utz, Yuengling, and Hershey's. Each episode is led by an expert from the company to give you an insider’s experience. See what makes Pennsylvania an exciting place to live and work. Viewers can also get a behind-the-scenes look at how local products are made in Pennsylvania.

Watch previous PCN Tours episodes weekdays at 7 AM and 6 PM or stream on demand with PCN Select.

Have a suggestion for where we should tour next? Send us an email here.

April Schedule

2023 Program Schedule

PCN Tours episodes air on Sundays at 6 PM.

Sunday, April 9

Kepner Scott Shoes - Orwigsburg, PA (2012): In 1888, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania was beginning to emerge as a footwear manufacturing hub. That same year Kepner Scott Shoe Co. was founded from the former shoe firm of Haeseler, Kepner and Co. by Alexander Scott and W.C. Kepner. The Kepners are now 3rd generation shoemakers. Join us as we learn how they make their shoes!

Sunday, April 16

Byers' Choice Figurines - Chalfont, PA (2011): Originally founded in the 1960's, Joyce Byers, Created Byers' Choice Figurines. They have been creating Christmas figures for years and perfecting the technique. Known for their Caroler set which is greatly popular around the holidays. Join us as they show us their process!

Sunday, April 23

Strong Spas - Northumberland, PA (2018): Located in Northumberland, PA, Strong Spas competes at a global level for manufacturing. Known for their DURA-SHIELD hard cover system and the ULSTRASTRONG CoverLift system, they make all of their products right in central PA. See how they mold their spas and build their products to last on this episode of PCN Tours.

Sunday, April 30

Frederic Loraschi Chocolates - Harrisburg, PA (2015): Frederic Loraschi spent years learning his craft and skills alongside chefs from all over the world. He has taken this and created Frederic Loraschi Chocolates. They Source the finest ingredients from all over the world, dark chocolates of Venezuela, cocoa of Mexico, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Join as they share their technique and show us the skills they use.

 

Previous PCN Tours

 

Previous PCN TOURS

Watch previous PCN Tours episodes weekdays at 7 AM and 6 PM or stream on demand with PCN Select.

Lockheed Martin (2023): Join PCN as we travel to Lockheed Martin. They were originally formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. Responsible for creating planes, plane parts and flight related parts. They take us through the process of creating these parts that will later be used by pilots and other flight related uses. 

Artifaqt Woodworking & Casting - Phoenixville, PA (2021): Starting in 2006, Artifaqt Woodworking & Casting has been perfecting their craft! At Artifaqt wood pieces go from rough lumber to fine finish. Artifaqt is a family business centered around making, sharing food and gathering the community. Join us as we watch them and they take us through their process! 

Tex Visions - Carlise, PA (2018): Tex Visions has a vast array of methods at their disposal for getting their clients’ messages out to the public. They manufacture flags, tents, banners, backdrops, promotional counters, literature stands, advertising umbrellas, and flagpoles for their customers worldwide.  Since they began their business in 2004, Tex Visions says they have evolved from a start-up company to one of the world’s leading manufacturers of display hardware and custom large format printing.  They offer their products and services across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin and South America.

DiamondBack Truck Covers - Philipsburg, PA (2019): DiamondBack makes metal covers for the beds of pick-up trucks.  Some have a hinge in the middle allowing the driver to use half of the truck bed as a tool box and the other half to store everything else.  Other covers allow division of a truck bed into three compartments.  All cover variations emphasize easy access and security.  After you’ve filled up your bed, don’t stop there. Join us as we explore the process to create these products!

An Article from PCN Tours Producer Larry Kaspar

Putting Together PCN Tours

By: Larry Kaspar, Senior Producer, and Host

“Assembly required” are words some people dread reading.  Often there’s a cartoon next to them to soften the blow that shows a hapless guy with crumpled instructions scratching his head and a bike with the handlebars where the seat should be.

Me, they make my heart sing. I run for the toolbox. I actually take inventory of the parts before I dive in.  Who does that? 

Anyone who’s seen and enjoyed PCN Tours knows what I mean. The series shows how things are made in Pennsylvania.   

Back in 1995, Harley-Davidson in York was a logical place to start. Their motorcycles inspire a unique brand of loyalty.  We asked them to do the narration as the bikes went down the production line. That’s it. No professional voice-over, no script, strictly spontaneous. That simple, durable formula endures to this day.

Ever seen a wad of Silly Putty as large as your sofa? 

At the factory, the Silly Putty ingredients are put into a re-purposed dough kneader to mix them together. You know how when you kneaded Silly Putty in your fingers, the air bubbles made little cracking sounds? Well, the popping sounds at the factory might send you running for cover. They sound like gunshots. No kidding.    

Take Martin Guitars in Nazareth. If you play acoustic guitar, this place is mecca. When you see the craftsmanship here, you gain an appreciation for guitars, whether or not you’re a musician. 

These older episodes are a glimpse into the past, but viewers still stay in touch by giving us tips for new shows. Next time you’re intimidated by an assembly job, here’s a tip: don’t do it on a deadline. Then take a deep breath, take the plunge, and create.

 
 FREE TO WATCH - PCN Tours: From the Factory
img1664796010135529407Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld, PCN Tours From the Factory
img1664796010135529407Eight Oaks Farm Distillery Hand Sanitizer, PCN Tours: From the Factory
img1664796010135529407Smile Spinners, PCN Tours: From the Factory

 On Demand - PCN Tours Fall 2022-2023
img1677365674205141211Boyer Candies, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Lockheed Martin, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Signature Door, PCN Tours
 On Demand - PCN Tours Fall 2021-2022
img1677365674205141211Artifaqt Woodworking & Casting Pt.1, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Artifaqt Woodworking & Casting Pt. 2, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Betts Industries, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Conneaut Cellars Winery and Distillery, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211The Drunken Smithy, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Glades Pike Winery, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Knouse Foods Apple Sauce, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Knouse Foods Cherry Filling, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211PennDOT Road Sign Sculpture Garden, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Plot Twist Farm, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Whitehorse Brewery, PCN Tours
 On Demand - PCN Tours Fall 2020-2021
img1677365674205141211Appalachian Brewing Company Sodaworks, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Boardroom Distilling, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Mompops Ice-Pops, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, PCN Tours
 On Demand - PCN Tours Fall 2019-2020
img1677365674205141211Aul Bat Company, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Bluett Brothers Violins, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Coolspring Power Museum, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Cunningham Piano, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Diamondback Truck Covers, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Kite Tales Weaving, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Speckled Hen Chocolate, PCN Tours
 On Demand - PCN Tours Fall 2018-2019
img1677365674205141211Agworks Aquaponics Program at Commonwealth Charter Academy, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Custom Built Manufacturing, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Elsner Engineering, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Gertrude Hawk, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Hotsticks Firewood, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211KME Fire Trucks, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Patterson-Kelly Boilers and Water Heaters, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Pennsylvania Precision Cast Parts, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Pulakos Chocolates, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211 Shade Mountain Naturals, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Shriners Hospitals for Children, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Strong Spas, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Tex Visions, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Timberhaven Log and Timber Homes, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Versant Health Eyeglasses, PCN Tours
 On Demand - PCN Tours Classics
img1677365674205141211Afro-American Collection, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Alcoa Aluminum, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Allegheny County Courthouse, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Arnold Palmer Memorabilia Warehouse, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Beistle Party Favors, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Bill's Old Bike Barn - Harleys
img1677365674205141211Bluecoat American Dry Gin
img1677365674205141211Chanticleer, A Pleasure Garden, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211DS Wood Bats
img1677365674205141211Edgar Allen Poe House, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Fabspeed Motorsports, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211FPL Energy
img1677365674205141211Ghosts of Gettysburg, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211GK Elite Sportswear, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Great Coasters International
img1677365674205141211Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
img1677365674205141211Heinz History Center, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Independence Hall
img1677365674205141211Little League Museum, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Martin's Potato Chips, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Mini Golf Inc.
img1677365674205141211National Civil War Museum, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211National Weather Service, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Pennsylvania State Museum Quilt Collection
img1677365674205141211Phillips Mushroom Farms
img1677365674205141211Presque Isle Wine Cellars, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211QVC, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Radius Toothbrush, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Scaramuzza's Pasta Products, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Snyder's Pretzels, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Sunny Hill Farms Belgians, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Troxel-Steckel House and Farm Museum, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211United Defense Tanks, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Valley Forge National Historical Park
img1677365674205141211Wege Pretzels, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Weyerbacher Brewery, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Wigle Whiskey
img1677365674205141211Worthington Acres, PCN Tours
img1677365674205141211Zippo Lighters


Shop PCN Tours

  • 2021 PCN Tours: Artifaqt Metal Works

    $25.00 – $30.00
    Select options
  • 2021 PCN Tours: Artifaqt Woodworking & Casting

    $25.00 – $30.00
    Select options
  • 2021 PCN Tours: Betts Industries

    $25.00 – $30.00
    Select options
  • 2021 PCN Tours: Conneaut Cellars Winery & Distillery

    $25.00 – $30.00
    Select options
  • 2021 PCN Tours: Glades Pike Winery

    $25.00 – $30.00
    Select options
  • 2021 PCN Tours: Knouse Foods Cherry Filling

    $25.00 – $30.00
    Select options

Click here to see more

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