In this episode of Public History with Jake and Justin, we’re joined by Matt Maris, public historian and founder of Local Historia, a history-focused small business based in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.
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Matt has built a reputation for creating immersive walking tours and community-based history programs that bring the past to life while strengthening local identity. Together, we talk about his deep love for Bellefonte’s layered stories, how Local Historia began, and the ways that public history can serve as a tool for economic development in small towns across Pennsylvania and beyond.
This conversation explores how connecting people to their communities through walking tours and storytelling can foster pride, tourism, and revitalization. You’ll hear how Matt uses local landmarks, hidden histories, and human stories to help residents and visitors alike see Bellefonte – and places like it – through fresh eyes.
In this episode we discuss:
- Matt’s love for history in his adopted hometown of Bellefonte, PA
- Why the walking tour is a great public history format
- How public history and walking tours can assist in economic development for historic communities
Listen to previous podcast episode about museums and historical interpretation
Podcast | Rose Hill Manor with Amanda Venable and Kari Saavedra
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