Articles
These articles by Robin Van Auken run the gamut of topics such as Inspiration, Writing, Publication, and Promotion. Other topics, such as Archaeology, Sports, Travel, History, Science and more, creep in. Robin is a writer of local history books and contemporary fiction. She lives in the Highlands of Pennsylvania and has advanced degrees in Anthropology and Communications. Enjoy the variety.
Also included in this library are contributions by historians and authors Lou Hunsinger, Jr., Tom “Tank” Baird, and Joan Wheal Blank. Some of these articles were published on the Historic Williamsport website operated by Robin, and are now the News of Yesteryear series.
- To see Robin’s articles, keep scrolling below. They are mingled in with Lou’s and Joan’s.
- To see Lou’s articles and contact him directly, CLICK THIS LINK.
- To see Tank’s articles and contact him directly, CLICK THIS LINK.
- To see Joan’s articles and contact her directly, CLICK THIS LINK.
Browse the Articles Library
Ireland: Land of the People that Sorrow
When planning a trip to Ireland, don't forget destinations that honor the torn country's history. Why "torn country," you ask? Ireland is a country that's been struggling with its identity – one separate from Great Britain – for more than a century. The Irish Republican Army (IRA) and British forces fought the Irish War of Independence from 1919 to 1921.
International Development Internships Abroad | International Relations
Take your business degree to the next level and learn how the economy of a foreign country evolves with an internship in International Development. Or, focus on education policies, governance, conservation, science, health, gender equality, or more with [...]
How to get College Credit for an Internship Abroad
Looking to grow personally and professionally with a global experience? Does your college or university offer credit for internships spent abroad? Many higher education institutions have entire departments dedicated to expanding internship, research, and international travel opportunities for [...]
Leadership Development Abroad: Volunteer & Professional Internships
Rise to your potential with an internship that helps you polish your management style and become a professional leader. Leadership is a skill - it's not a personality trait someone is born with. You can learn how to [...]
Volunteer Abroad for Community Service Credit: High School & College Travel
When you volunteer for community service credit, your effort and energy benefit other people. But what tangible benefits do you receive? Community service is a great way to develop new skills, make new friends, and gain experience working [...]
‘Lost’ History of Andrew Montour in Perry County
“They were driven from the lands on which they had settled and on April 18, 1752, Andrew Montour was commissioned by the governor to settle and reside upon these Indian lands, the Indians on July 2, 1750, having petitioned for [...]
The Plum Tree Massacre and the Iroquois War on Colonial Expansion
The date was June 10th, 1778. In the east, the Revolutionary War raged and colonial forces under General George Washington were seeing key victories producing a turning point in the conflict. People living here in what would become Lycoming County [...]
Volunteer with Children in Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & more
There's a reason why childcare and childhood education programs are the most popular projects chosen by volunteers who travel abroad - it's the most rewarding. And when you combine a trip to Asia with a volunteer experience with [...]
The Widaagh Monument in Antes Fort
So, what does a forty-five-foot tall, forty-one-ton monument on private land, the Susquehannock Indians, an ex-bank president in Indian dress-up, and a magical place called Lockabar have in common? Well, historian Carl Becker once said it best, "history is an [...]
Volunteer Abroad with Pandas & Other Bears
Bears are iconic and have been throughout history, playing a major role in art and mythology. They were traditionally been hunted by humans, often as a challenge to dominate a large, fierce species, or for their rich reserves [...]
Public Health Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad
If you're interested in a career in public health, pursuing a degree in a related field, or already employed in the public health sector, then you have an idea of how critical its initiatives are. Public health personnel [...]
Human Rights & Social Work Internships Abroad: Women’s Support, Law & More
Are you ready to step up for gender equality, education, and basic rights for all? It takes a courageous activist to defend others, especially in countries where basic human rights are mostly ignored. If you feel the call [...]
Child-Friendly Volunteer Abroad Programs: Meaningful Trips for Families
Are you time-poor, finding it difficult to juggle work with family life? Do you feel you're on a hamster wheel, running in circles as your day flies by, a whirl of constant motion, from home to school to [...]
TEFL Certification and English Teaching Programs in Latin America
Leverage your native English-speaking skills for the benefit of others with an international career teaching English as a foreign language! The demand for TEFL teachers is an all-time high as nearly 2 billion people worldwide are learning English. [...]
Travel for Self-Improvement: Combine Volunteering with Yoga, Scuba & More
What do you want to learn today? Is there a skill you'd like to improve, an experience you want to gain, or a physical challenge you've been dreaming about? When you take your personal development into your own hands, you [...]
Amazing Volunteer Programs for Travelers Who Love to Hike, Run, & Swim
Do you have itchy travel feet? Are you more comfortable in boots than sandals? Hikers know that a long, solo walk is the easiest and quickest way to lose yourself and your cares in the beauty of nature. [...]
Adventure and Outdoor Guides Training Abroad
Combine your passion for conservation with the excitement of discovery as an adventure guide - a unique career that promises to keep you outdoors, helping wildlife and introducing visitors to exotic locales! It’s a professional development choice few [...]
Internships that Build a Professional Career: Science, Engineering Opportunities
Don’t visit West Africa for the big game or majestic ruins - instead, focus on the amazing variety of people you’ll meet there, and take time to learn their history, their customs, and share your own. From Nigeria [...]
The Road to Williamsport
Home of the Little League World Series, and So Much More! The road to Williamsport is heavily traveled, despite the fact that this small city in northcentral Pennsylvania is home to only 29,000 people. That's because Williamsport is home to [...]
Stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park
I visited Cherry Springs State Park (Coudersport, PA) once again, this time staying the full night in the campground. The first time I visited was October 2018 with my sisters Susan Ward and Sharon Tracy. We stopped, on [...]