WVIA Launches Crowdfunding Campaign to Uncover Hazleton’s Underground Secrets

New Documentary – The Secrets Beneath Hazleton: Digging Deeper – aims to reveal hidden tunnels, a Prohibition-era speakeasy, and a forgotten chapter of American history— all hiding beneath the streets of Hazleton, PA.

WVIA’s Emmy Award-winning production team is proud to present its latest original documentary film, The Secrets Beneath Hazleton: Digging Deeper. To bring this expanded story to life, WVIA has launched a Kickstarter campaign inviting public support.

Building on the viral success of the original VIA Short Take, The Secret Beneath Hazleton—which garnered over 2 million views and ignited widespread engagement across social media—this 30-minute documentary will unearth the astonishing, long-buried stories of Hazleton’s mysterious underground world.

Beneath the quiet streets of Hazleton lies a hidden network of tunnels, sealed mine shafts, and secret passageways— remnants of a city shaped by coal, immigration, and industrial might.

WVIA’s new documentary will venture into previously unexplored territory, including private home tunnels, underground banking corridors, and a mysterious speakeasy said to have been sealed for over 75 years.

“This is more than just a story about Hazleton,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “It’s a story about the history Hazleton has buried— literally. It’s about the people of Hazleton that worked underground, and the people that have been living above this underground city, some unknowingly, for decades. This film will bring history to light before it’s lost forever.”

A Deeper Dive into Hidden History

The Kickstarter campaign seeks to fund the next phase of this groundbreaking project, allowing filmmakers, historians, and urban explorers to:

  • Document the secret tunnels built from private residences that lead into Hazleton’s vast mine network.
  • Investigate a rumored speakeasy believed to be accessible only through underground bank vaults.
  • Interview local experts and dig into newly uncovered mine maps and archives.
  • Preserve these locations with high-definition film and photography before they succumb to development or decay.

This is not just a documentary—it’s a rescue mission for Hazleton’s hidden past.

Why Now?

Many of the underground structures identified in the first film are already at risk of permanent collapse or demolition. As interest grows and new leads surface, the WVIA team believes this is a critical window of opportunity to preserve these stories for future generations through a new full-length documentary.

“There are places under Hazleton no one has entered in decades,” said the film’s producer, Tim Novotney. “And once they’re gone, they’re gone. This film is our chance to capture that lost world so the masses can see it.”

WVIA invites the public to become part of this journey by contributing to the Kickstarter campaign, which will fund equipment, research, expert interviews, and post-production for the full-length documentary.

Back the Project, Preserve History

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform for creative projects. Everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of ambitious, innovative, and imaginative ideas that are brought to life through the direct support of others.

To learn more and support The Secrets Beneath Hazleton: Digging Deeper, visit the Kickstarter page here.

WVIA President & CEO Urges Support to Keep Local News Funded

WVIA’s President & CEO, Carla McCabe has released the following statement.

Yesterday the White House formally asked Congress to rescind federal funding that had already been appropriated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). 

This effort would zero out any funds that have already been approved by Congress to fund CPB (and NPR and PBS) over the next two years, approximately $1.1 billion. 

On the surface, this reads like a national issue with no clear impact on our region. But let me be clear: the consequences will hit home—right here, in our communities. Currently, WVIA receives approximately $1.2 million in critical federal funding from CPB each year – roughly 20% of our overall budget. 

If this funding is cut, local stations like WVIA could be forced to immediately reduce—or eliminate—the trusted local news, educational programs and resources, tv and radio programs, and emergency broadcasting services you rely on.

Congress now has 45 days to vote on the rescission request but we anticipate that the House may bring it to a vote as early as next week. So what can you do right now to help?

Call and email your congressional representatives today and urge them to oppose efforts to rescind federal funding for public media. 

Your voice matters to your lawmakers, which is why it’s important for you to take action now to protect public media.

Eliminating federal funding for public broadcasting would have a devastating impact on local stations, the communities that depend on them, and the public media system as a whole. We don’t know what the specific ramifications of this would be on WVIA but we do know that we must stop it from happening now.

Through your continued support, WVIA has delivered relevant, balanced and in-depth programing for nearly 60 years, including award-winning locally produced documentaries, performances, news and public affairs programs across TV, radio and digital platforms.

Thank you for believing in the value that local public media brings to our community and empowering us to serve you every day — no matter the challenges ahead.

Remember, these are your stories. This is your community. And WVIA is where it all comes together. 

Public media is for all of us. Let’s continue to fight for it together.

Best,

Carla McCabe

President & CEO, WVIA

WVIA Honored with Seven American Advertising Federation of NEPA Awards

WVIA, Northeastern Pennsylvania’s PBS and NPR station, is thrilled to announce a resounding win at the 2024 American Advertising Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania (AAF NEPA) Awards. Taking home an impressive seven awards, WVIA’s content and creative teams were recognized for their exceptional work in crafting impactful messages that resonate with viewers.

“This recognition is a true testament to the dedication and talent of our entire production team,” said WVIA President & CEO, Carla McCabe. “At WVIA, we believe in the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and make a difference. These awards validate our commitment to using that power to serve our community.”

WVIA’s award-winning entries spanned a diverse range of categories, showcasing their versatility and ability to deliver impactful messages across platforms. From promotional campaigns to documentaries, their work left a lasting impression on the AAF NEPA judges.

“We are incredibly proud of the stories we tell and the messages we share,” continued Ben Payavis II, WVIA Chief Content Officer. “These awards motivate us to keep pushing boundaries and finding new ways to connect with our audiences on a deeper level.”

This significant win at the AAF NEPA Awards further solidifies WVIA’s position as a leader in creative storytelling within the region and their dedication to using their platform for positive impact.

WVIA received the following seven awards:

  • GOLD (Single Spot)- ROAR Documentary Trailer. 
  • GOLD (Single Entry and Best of Show)- The Hooded Graves of Catawissa.
  • GOLD (Integrated Campaigns and Judge’s Choice)- Pizza!
  • SILVER (Television Advertising)- ROAR Documentary.
  • SILVER (Integrated Campaigns)- ROAR Documentary.

The award ceremony was held on Friday, March 8th at The FM Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. All winners and professional entries can be viewed here