We are pleased to partner with our local PBS station, WITF (Harrisburg), and the York County History center to host a public screen of the documentary After Ike, A Journey that Changed America. The event will be held at the York County History Center Museum on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 6 PM until 8 PM. Registration with WITF is required online via WITF After Ike Screening Registration
The documentary is based on the book by Ambassador Michael S. Owen and filmed produced by Dr. Gregory Maassen. The film follows the 1919 journey from Washinton DC then along the Lincoln Highway to San Francisco. A panel discussion will follow the screening to include LHA President, Kay Shelton Kozak, and conference presenter, Dr. Brian C Black, author of Ike’s Road Trip.
Some background to prepare for the screening. A June 1919 Lincoln Highway Association press release incorrectly announced that the Army truck convoy that was departing Washington DC was going to pass through York, PA on their way across the country along the Lincoln Highway. The government had other plans and instead the convoy headed straight to Gettysburg and then west along the Lincoln Highway. We may never know why they decided to bypass York. Perhaps the trip was already behind schedule before it even started? The LHA was providing navigation and publicity for the journey but the government owned and drove the vehicles. This back and forth between the organizations was a theme throughout their historic trip.
Throughout the conference, we’re offering multiple opportunities to learn more about this historic journey. Ambassador Michael S. Owen will be with us at the beginning of the week and we’ll have his book, After Ike, available for purchase at the pop-up. Perhaps you can catch him to autograph his book. Here’s a snapshot of our exhibit during the 2024 LHA Indiana Conference.
We’re also hosting Dr. Brian C. Black from Penn State Altoona to talk about his book about the journey called Ike’s Road Trip. He’ll share a presentation with us on Friday morning, June 26, 2026, at the York College Gunter-Smith Center for Community Engagement. His research takes a different spin on Ike’s journey. His book is also available for purchase in the pop-up bookshop in the Pullo Room at the Yorktowne Hotel.
Finally, if you are staying over after the conference you’ll want to check out the local WITF PBS premiere of the documentary produced by Dr. Gregory Maassen on After Ike. The film will be shown on Friday evening, June 26, 2026, at the York County History Center Museum in downtown York, PA. See above for details on how to register for the screening.
This will be a great opportunity for the community to learn more about the Lincoln Highway Association and the 1919 Army trip. More information on After Ike documentary is available at After Ike.
PS: Don’t forget that the Lincoln Highway Experience in Latrobe, PA has an wonderful exhibit available to visit. They are also offering Road to Independence conference participants free admission before and after the conference for more information go to the Lincoln Highway Experience.
