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Before the Bridge - Story of the Mackinac Straits Ferries |
This is the story of the fleet of ferries and their predecessors that formed the first link between Michigan's two peninisulas. Today travelers cross the Mackinac Straits via the Mackinac Bridge without ever leaving their cars, but untill 1957 it was necessary to take a break from driving in order to cross via one of the many state-operated ferries. The carferries operated along with the famous train ferry "Cheif Wawatam". While the 'Chief' operated into the 1970's, carferry service ended on November 1, 1957 (after the Mighty Mac was opened). Take a trip with us back in time and see what straits travel was like before the bridge. Through the use of rare color footage and interviews with former ferry workers, we'll make this journey possible. | DVD | 55 minutes | grades 4-12 |
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Building the Mighty Mac |
Building the Mighty Mac is an award-winning documentary about the Mackinac Bridge. The program was produced in Hollywood by Mark Howell and includes extremely rare 16 mm color footage showing all stages of the bridge’s construction. These digitally restored archival finds are blended with interviews with those who helped build the structure, presenting a fast-moving, informative program, fun for all ages to enjoy. Recently, more rare color footage of the bridge’s construction was located, restored and added to the program. | DVD | 60 minutes | grades 4-12 | Plus: Includes Two Fully Restored Bonus Documentary Films !! - Miracle Bridge Over Mackinac (DVD - 30 Minutes) and Mackinac Bridge Diary (DVD - 30 Minutes)
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Ballooning, Blimps and Airship |
The Producers of this program, Al and Dave Eicher, have spent 8 years researching historic events in Michigan and Ohio relating to man’s involvement in flight. Over 500 scenes were gathered from old photos, vintage movie films and artwork to build a timeline of events. The documentary covers the 19th century experiments, the Civil War, WWI and WWII. Movie footage of the Gordon Bennet Balloon Races show the WJR Radio Balloon and other Michigan Balloon entries. In 1998, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. commissioned the Eicher’s to produce a video documentary for their 100th Anniversary. Information was also found in more than 50 newspapers throughout Michigan and Ohio. This documentary also covers the history of the U.S. Navy’s Rigid Airships, the Akron, Macon, Los Angeles and the Shenandoah, plus the Hindenburg and the Graf Zeppelin, made in Germany. 42 minutes plus historic previews.
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The Michilimackinac Massacre |
This is the story of Alexander Henry. It is a tale of survival during and after a Chippewa attack that killed many at Fort Michilimackinac. The events that lead up to the uprising, as well as some of the brutal acts that Henry witnessed are covered.
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Treaty of Traverse Des Sioux |
This is an account of how the new frontier people pressured the federal government into a treaty that left the Sioux without grazing land for the buffalo and enough land to meet their basic needs. A re-enactment of the 1850 gathering among teepees, canvas tents, and ox carts is shown.
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Mississippi Seeking the Source |
This video looks at the journey of Henry Schoolcraft through Lake Superior into what was then Michigan Territory. Other explorers who tried to locate the true source are also included. Artist's conceptions and video at crucial points help to tell the story.
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Civilian Conservation Corps MI |
The immeasurable contributions and the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps are told in this video. This is an inspiring story of a federal-state program that employed thousands of destitute young men during the depression years.
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Final Days of the Edmund Fitz. |
Coast Guard reports and historic photos help to examine the saga of the Edmond Fitzgerald. An interview with a ship captain who was one of the last to be in contact with the "Fitz" explores one of many theories. An actual storm shows what a crewmember may have seen.
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