UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — WPSU was awarded a $200,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to support the development and distribution of “Spirits of Sovereignty: The Whiskey Rebellion and the Shaping of a Nation,” a 30-minute documentary about the Whiskey Rebellion. WPSU is one of 84 recipients receiving grant awards with a combined total of more than $75 million in support of research, education and public programs celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“Spirits of Sovereignty: The Whiskey Rebellion and the Shaping of a Nation” will explore the complex and interwoven relationship between citizen protest and federal authority that occurred during the Whiskey Rebellion, which largely centered on events in western Pennsylvania, from 1791 to 1794. The film will highlight how this seminal event influenced American national identity and the meaning of constitutional governance.
"We are honored to receive this award and be able to produce this film about a subject that holds a special place in history, as well as contributes to the commemoration of America's 250th anniversary,” said Mindy McMahon, director of production for WPSU and executive producer of the documentary.
“Spirits of Sovereignty: The Whiskey Rebellion and the Shaping of a Nation” will premiere during the summer of 2026. WPSU senior producer Kristian Berg served as the producer, director and writer, and Susan Chyczewski aided in project development.
WPSU-TV, a PBS member station, serves 24 counties in central Pennsylvania and reaches 515,000 households, and WPSU-FM is accessible to more than 450,000 listeners in 13 counties. The public media station also includes WPSU Digital Studios, which offers original web series that explore science, arts and culture.