The Story of Our National Anthem is presented by John Maietta.

Much loved by Americans today, The Star-Spangled Banner long held a disputed place in our national civic life.  During its first hundred years, patriots and teetotalers condemned the song for its musical roots in a British drinking tune.  Later, it vied with other popular songs for designation as our official anthem – an honor not achieved until 1931.  This program explores these and many other facets of the history and meaning behind The Star-Spangled Banner.

Presenter Bio:

John Maietta is a native of Williamsport, PA. Maietta retired from a public relations career in 2010. For many years he operated a successful free-lance business in the Harrisburg area, while simultaneously serving as a public affairs officer with the Pennsylvania National Guard. Starting in 2002, he completed numerous active-duty assignments with the U.S. Army, including multiple long-term deployments. In 2014, he received a Master's Degree in applied history from Shippensburg University. He later taught introductory courses in world history at Shippensburg and York College of Pennsylvania. His popular presentations on history and culture have been featured at many libraries, retirement centers, and other ventures throughout the region. In 2024, Maietta received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the Williamsport Area School District. 

If you have any questions about this program, please reach out to Programming Director, Nicole Rader at (570)326-0536 ext. 116