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
‘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 [...]
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 [...]
Volunteer Abroad at a UNESCO World Heritage Site
There are few things that people agree upon, but protecting special places and things is one of them. Deciding exactly what makes a landmark or area important because of its cultural, historical, or scientific significance is the quest [...]
Volunteer with Indigenous & Aboriginal Communities Around the World
Are you fascinated by people, their unique traditions, and exotic cultures? Do you like to try new dishes and new phrases? Or do you find it disconcerting, living like a local? Would you rather stay in a comfortable [...]
Travel and Volunteer in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia
Southeast Asia is a favorite corner of the world for globetrotters. Tucked between the Indian and Pacific oceans, and at the intersection of major geological plates, the area is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations despite [...]
Archaeological Dig & Excavation Volunteer Programs Around the World
Thinking about traveling abroad? You're not alone. People have been traveling for 2 million years. It began with Homo erectus, walking out of Africa in the early migrations. Then other archaic people followed, like H. heidelbergensis, the likely ancestor of modern humans, [...]
Volunteer Abroad Opportunities in West Africa: Togo, Ghana, Senegal
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 [...]
Veterinary Volunteer Programs and Internships Abroad
Are you considering a career as a vet tech or veterinarian, and want to know if the field is right for you? If you like being with animals of all shapes, sizes, and breeds, and you want to [...]