Hershey Gardens opened in 1937 with Milton Hershey’s request to “create a nice garden of roses.” More than 85 years later, the small rose garden has blossomed into 23 acres of botanical beauty providing visitors with unique experiences and enriching opportunities.

We spoke with Amy Zeigler, Senior Director with the M.S. Hershey Foundation about Hershey’s Gardens history, the butterfly atrium, how the gardens are maintained, renovations taking place, and how you can get involved.

Listen to the podcast to hear more.  

<a href="https://www.hersheygardens.org/">Hershey Gardens</a> opened in 1937 with Milton Hershey&rsquo;s request to &ldquo;create a nice garden of roses.&rdquo; More than 85 years later, the small rose garden has blossomed into 23 acres of botanical beauty providing visitors with unique experiences and enriching opportunities.
We spoke with Amy Zeigler, Senior Director with the M.S. Hershey Foundation about Hershey&rsquo;s Gardens history, the butterfly atrium, how the gardens are maintained, renovations taking place, and how you can get involved.
Listen to the podcast to hear more. &nbsp;

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at&nbsp;<a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

The History of Hershey Gardens

If you’ve walked through Harrisburg, you’ve likely encountered the bold, vibrant work of artist Dionn Reneé — murals that don’t just brighten walls but tell stories, honor neighborhoods, and reflect the city’s spirit. A painter, photographer, designer, and community builder, Reneé is shaping the capital city’s visual identity while expanding her reach far beyond it.

and

A rare and disturbing story from Cumberland County’s past is reaching a global audience through new historical research and a BBC podcast, shedding light on the life of Cloe, an enslaved teenage girl whose words survive in court and newspaper records. “For enslaved women in the United States, there’s only a handful of women whose words were actually recorded and preserved in the historical record, and Cloe’s was one of them,” said local historian Merri Lou Schaumann. Born in 1782, Cloe was enslaved by multiple people before being purchased at age 14 by the Carruthers family in what was then East Pennsboro Township.

If you&rsquo;ve walked through Harrisburg, you&rsquo;ve likely encountered the bold, vibrant work of artist&nbsp;Dionn Rene&eacute;&nbsp;&mdash; murals that don&rsquo;t just brighten walls but tell stories, honor neighborhoods, and reflect the city&rsquo;s spirit. A painter, photographer, designer, and community builder, Rene&eacute; is shaping the capital city&rsquo;s visual identity while expanding her reach far beyond it.
and
A rare and disturbing story from Cumberland&nbsp;<a href="https://www.historicalsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Local-Historical-Society-on-the-BBC-podcast-Lady-Killers-with-Lucy-Worsley-Press-Release.docx.pdf">County&rsquo;s</a>&nbsp;past is reaching a global audience through new historical research and a BBC podcast, shedding light on the life of Cloe, an enslaved teenage girl whose words survive in court and newspaper records. &ldquo;For enslaved women in the United States, there&rsquo;s only a handful of women whose words were actually recorded and preserved in the historical record, and Cloe&rsquo;s was one of them,&rdquo; said local historian Merri Lou Schaumann. Born in 1782, Cloe was enslaved by multiple people before being purchased at age 14 by the Carruthers family in what was then East Pennsboro Township.

The Spark Weekly 2/5/2026: Artist Dionn Reneé and The Story of Cloe 

J Roundtable

Braver Angels

(00:00:00)

WITF’s Jaxon White breaks down Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026 budget address, delivered to the Pennsylvania legislature on Tuesday, Feb. 3. He explains the administration’s key priorities, proposed spending, and what the plan could mean for communities across the Commonwealth.

WITF reporter Jordan Wilkie also joins us to discuss his recent reporting on efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reinterpret or narrow long‑standing constitutional protections. He outlines what these actions look like on the ground, their potential legal implications, and how affected families are responding.

(00:22:37)

Later in the episode, Dr. Mary Theresa “Terry” Webb of Braver Angels shares why she believes the country is facing a dangerous moment of toxic politics and weakened leadership, and why courageous citizenship is more essential than ever.

Listeners interested in Braver Angels can visit braverangels.org, use the “Find My Alliance” tool to locate the Lower Susquehanna Alliance, or join for $12/year to receive national and local updates and access free virtual events.

(00:00:00)
WITF&rsquo;s&nbsp;Jaxon White breaks down Gov. Josh Shapiro&rsquo;s 2026 budget address, delivered to the Pennsylvania legislature on Tuesday, Feb. 3. He explains the administration&rsquo;s key priorities, proposed spending, and what the plan could mean for communities across the Commonwealth.
WITF reporter Jordan Wilkie also joins us to discuss his recent reporting on efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reinterpret or narrow long‑standing constitutional protections. He outlines what these actions look like on the ground, their potential legal implications, and how affected families are responding.
(00:22:37)
Later in the episode, Dr. Mary Theresa &ldquo;Terry&rdquo; Webb of Braver Angels shares why she believes the country is facing a dangerous moment of toxic politics and weakened leadership, and why&nbsp;courageous citizenship is more essential than ever.
Listeners interested in Braver Angels can visit braverangels.org, use the &ldquo;Find My Alliance&rdquo; tool to locate the Lower Susquehanna Alliance, or join for $12/year to receive national and local updates and access free virtual events.

Shapiro’s 2026 Budget, ICE and Constitutional Rights, and Why America Needs Courageous Citizenship

Linda Gottfried

Dan Tomaso

Cervical Cancer

(00:00:00)

Author Linda Gottfried joins us to share insights from her new book How to Live Your Life Like You’ve Already Won the Lottery, a guide to shifting perspective, embracing abundance, and finding purpose beyond financial luck. She invites readers to rethink what it means to “win” and to cultivate joy in everyday life.

(00:16:00)

Then, with a grateful heart, Dan Tomaso returns to walk us through last week’s powerful winter storm — what drove its intensity, how it compares to past systems, and what Pennsylvanians can expect for the rest of the season.

(00:27:29)

Finally, Dr. Josh Kesterson helps us mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month with essential, empowering information. We discuss what cervical cancer is, the symptoms women should watch for, why HPV vaccination and regular screening remain the strongest tools for prevention, and how advances in imaging, treatment, and mobile health services are expanding access. Dr. Kesterson also outlines the resources available through UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Magee‑Women for women who may face barriers to care.

(00:00:00)
Author&nbsp;Linda Gottfried joins us to share insights from her new book How to Live Your Life Like You&rsquo;ve Already Won the Lottery, a guide to shifting perspective, embracing abundance, and finding purpose beyond financial luck. She invites readers to rethink what it means to &ldquo;win&rdquo; and to cultivate joy in everyday life.
(00:16:00)
Then, with a grateful heart, Dan Tomaso returns to walk us through last week&rsquo;s powerful winter storm &mdash; what drove its intensity, how it compares to past systems, and what Pennsylvanians can expect for the rest of the season.
(00:27:29)
Finally, Dr. Josh Kesterson helps us mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month with essential, empowering information. We discuss what cervical cancer is, the symptoms women should watch for, why HPV vaccination and regular screening remain the strongest tools for prevention, and how advances in imaging, treatment, and mobile health services are expanding access. Dr. Kesterson also outlines the resources available through UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Magee‑Women for women who may face barriers to care.

The History of Hershey Gardens

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