Biography
Terry Diener
Historian, Author, Broadcast Journalist, and Pennsylvania Window Keeper
For more than five decades, Terry Diener has dedicated his professional and personal life to telling stories. As a broadcast journalist, author, and local historian, he has developed a passion for preserving the experiences of ordinary people whose lives helped shape the communities of Pennsylvania's Middle Susquehanna Valley.
In October 2026, PA Humanities selected Diener as one of Pennsylvania's newest Window Keepers, recognizing his contributions to preserving and sharing the history of Montour County and the Middle Susquehanna Valley. The statewide honor celebrates individuals whose work in history, storytelling, education, culture, and community service helps connect Pennsylvanians with their shared heritage.
Diener is the author of four books devoted to Montour County history. His historical research and storytelling extend beyond the printed page through newspaper articles, public presentations, cemetery tours, and his Susquehanna Footprints website. His companion podcast, Susquehanna Footprints: Treading Lightly, brings listeners stories of the people, places, events, and traditions that helped shape the region.
His approach to history reflects a belief that the past is best understood not simply through dates and major events, but through the everyday lives of the people who experienced them. From the hardships of early settlers and the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers to the accomplishments, challenges, and sometimes humorous adventures of ordinary citizens, Diener seeks to preserve the human stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
His interest in historical storytelling grew alongside a broadcasting career spanning more than fifty years in Pennsylvania newsrooms, including service as a correspondent for Family Life Network in Bath, New York. The research, interviewing, writing, and storytelling skills developed during that career continue to influence his work as a historian.
Diener has contributed numerous historical articles to the Montour County Historical Society and the Montour County Genealogical Society. During the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, he wrote weekly newspaper columns documenting the experiences of Montour County soldiers and their families. His interest in bringing history to life also led him to portray Colonel Charles W. Eckman, who rose from private to colonel in the 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment. During Danville's popular Heritage Festival Cemetery Tours, Diener portrayed several notable citizens, giving audiences an opportunity to encounter local history through the voices of those who lived it.
His work in historical podcasting began with programs produced for the Montour County Historical Society and eventually grew into Susquehanna Footprints, an independent website and podcast devoted to exploring the rich heritage of the Middle Susquehanna Valley.
Terry and his wife, Ann, are both native Pennsylvanians who were born and raised in Lebanon County.
Through his books, articles, presentations, website, and podcasts, Diener continues his commitment to preserving the footprints left by earlier generations—ensuring that their stories remain part of the region's living memory.
Website: https://susquehannafootprints.com/
Podcasts: https://susquehannafootprints.com/episodes
