We’re going to be off Monday for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, so I wanted to open today’s newsletter by highlighting the cultures and histories of Pennsylvania’s real founding fathers—the nine Indigenous tribes that came first.

According to the most recent census data, tens of thousands of Indigenous people live in Pennsylvania. Many of them are descendants of the region’s original inhabitants, the Lenape (also known as Delaware) tribe and the Susquehannock tribe. Others may be descendants of the Nanticoke and the Shawnee tribes who migrated to Pennsylvania from other regions after the Europeans arrived. 

There are destinations throughout the state where you can learn about the people who lived here for thousands of years before European settlers—and who continue to live here today.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter in Jefferson Township is the oldest known site of human habitation in North America, offering a glimpse of what life was like for Paleo-Indians who lived here 19,000 years ago.

Jeannette’s Bushy Run Battlefield is the only preserved American Indian battlefield in Pennsylvania. It marks the place where several American Indian nations (Delaware, Shawnee, Mingo, and Huron) allied to try to stop the British from advancing farther into their lands.

And Indian Steps Museum in Airville is located near where American Indians carved “steps” into the rocks along the Susquehanna River to make it easier to fish for shad. The museum has thousands of artifacts embedded in its walls.

We’ve got much more below about the multitude of Native Americans who once made, or still make, the lands of Pennsylvania their home.

(L-R): US Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti. (Bill Clark/Roll Call via Getty Images, Sean Kitchen)

As National Voter Education Week draws to a close, here’s more on the candidates, the issues, and what you need to know about voting in Pennsylvania for this year’s midterm election.

NEPA’S CONGRESSIONAL RACE: Scranton’s Democratic Mayor Paige Cognetti is challenging incumbent US Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Luzerne) to represent Pa.’s 8th Congressional District in Washington. Learn about Cognetti’s plan to strengthen unions and bring manufacturing jobs back to NEPA in this story, and Bresnahan’s voting record here.

KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS: Check out our comprehensive guide to Pennsylvania’s voting rights right here.

KNOW YOUR DEADLINES: The deadlines to register to vote and to register for a mail ballot are fast approaching. We’ve got the deets on the deadlines here.

You’re election-ready. 🙌 Now help a friend get there, too—forward this email before Nov. 3.

In just 26 days, Pennsylvania voters will decide whether Josh Shapiro will remain in office or if Stacy Garrity will become the commonwealth’s 49th governor.

For our QOTW, we’d like to know: If you could ask either of the gubernatorial candidates one question, what would it be?

Here’s what you’re saying:

“Would you introduce and support legislation that would amend our election laws to prohibit anyone with felony convictions from holding public office? We have a convicted felon in the White House who ignores all laws he doesn’t like. He’s wasted billions of dollars on his vanity projects, an illegal war, and has ignored the emolument clause to pocket billions of dollars since taking office, while Americans can’t afford groceries and gas for their vehicles. Action must be taken to keep this from happening ever again.” — Kathy Feuchtenberger, Carlisle

“How may we reduce the influence of money in elections? Some elected officials spend quite a bit of time fundraising for elections and work more on electioneering than governing.” — Mark Hiester

“For Treasurer Garrity: You’ve said in the past that you think Trump won the 2020 election. Care to retract that lie?” — Debbie W., Allegheny County

“For either candidate: At what point will you stop letting neighboring states collect all this tax revenue for adult-use cannabis and really crack down on our state legislature to legalize it in the commonwealth? It’s laughable how far behind the curve Pennsylvania is on this issue. You’d think we were Mississippi.” — Benny, Erie

What would you ask Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial candidates? Reply with your question below. 👇

Kreidersville Covered Bridge in Allen Township, Northampton County, is framed by fall foliage. (Creative Commons)

There are plenty of opportunities to lean into the fall season in the Lehigh Valley, whether you’re channeling the Halloween spirit (or other spirits) on a ghost walk, Oktoberfesting, or admiring peak fall foliage.

To help you get in the spirit, our food and travel writer Kalena Thomhave is highlighting October festivals, day trips, and programs you should know about in the Lehigh Valley.

(Cecelia Butz)

Cecelia Butz shared this photo of a 340-year-old oak tree she encountered in the Allegheny National Forest.

If that tree fell in the forest and no one was around to hear it, it would most definitely make a sound.

Show us YOUR Pennsylvania! Email photos of cool things in your area below. 

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Kalena Thomhave, Sean Kitchen, Ava Edwards, and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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