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Fur Trade on the Great Lakes |
-------CLICK TITLE FOR MORE-------Those who sought furs to meet European demand were the first wave of expansion in The Great Lakes. The impact of the fur trade industry is still felt today. This video is an overview of the people, places, and animals involved in this defining era in the Great Lakes region | DVD | 17 minutes | Grade 4-12 |
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The Voyageurs - Men of The Fur Trade |
The full story of the fur trade transporters and the important contribution they made to Midwest history. [CLICK TITLE FOR MORE INFORMATION]
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Peak of the Fur Trade - Grand Portage |
This is a reenactment of the days when fur traders gathered in a village in the far northeastern corner of Minnesota. Life inside the stockade is demonstrated, including cooking, making fires, paddle carving and dancing. | DVD | 19 minutes | Grade 4-12 |
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Life at Michigan's Fur Posts |
Fur trading played a major role in the development of Michigan. This video traces the fur industry from its start and tells about the lives of individual traders, as well as the role of the Native Americans. Maps are included to pinpoint the location of early posts. | DVD | 25 minutes with quiz | Grade 4-12 |
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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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When Copper Was King |
Jack Foster, recognized authority on history of the Keweenaw, unfolds a spellbinding account of the copper era. The 86-year-old grandson of an immigrant Cornish woman is shown telling the story of copper diggings from the 1840's to the close of the era. | DVD | 23 minutes | Grade 4-12 |
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Early Copper Mines in Michigan |
Copper deposits on Isle Royale and the mainland, from the time of aboriginal people through the time of the Indians and beyond, are the focus of this video. Mining methods are covered, as well as how the metal was used in the early days. | DVD | 19 minutes | Grade 4-12 |
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Michigan's Iron History |
This is an historical look at the development of the iron mining industry in this state. Archival photos and slides help to tell the story of the early years as well as the final years of underground operations. An interesting look at the life of a miner is included. | DVD | 23 minutes with quiz | Grade 4-12 |
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Michigan Oil and Gas Industry |
How the oil and gas industry has developed over the last 55 years is chronicled along with the challenges of the industry. The immense deposits of oil shale in the state are examined as well as the geological forces that created the deposits. | DVD | 19 minutes | Grade 4-12 |
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Michigan's Commercial Fishery |
The history of Michigan's largest commercial fishing industry on Saginaw Bay from the 1850's to present. The fishing industry also developed at Bay City, Essexville, East Tawas, Au Sable, Caseville, Oscota, and Sebewaing. This is a 150 year visual history including rare film footage
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Railroads Connect Michigan |
The advent of the railroad expanded commerce and added to the growth of towns. This video looks at the negative and positive impact of this new transportation. Historical facts and a generous number of interesting sidelights keep the story interesting.
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Great Lakes Fish Rise and Fall |
In 1907, some 6,500 men worked in commercial fishing. They used 2,100 boats to place 74,000 nets and made this the regions fifth largest business. More than statistics are covered in this story and the emphasis is on why and how this business peaked and then declined
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The Grange & Oliver Kelly |
Videotaped mostly on the restored 1875 Kelley farm at Elk River, Minnesota, this is the story of the man who founded the organization that united farmers and their families in 20,000 chapters across America.
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Life in the Lumber Camps |
Four retired lumberjacks give first person accounts of life in the woods. They describe what the dawn-to-dusk routine was like including the food, bunkhouses, log drives, and other fascinating elements of lumbering life.
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Michigan Lumberjacks |
The first woodsmen in Michigan were called "shanty boys". This program looks at the jobs they did, the tools they used, the food they ate, and the bunkhouses in which they lived. This is a fascinating look into the everyday lives of these men in our state's history.
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Michigan Logging |
All aspects are covered including areas logged, tree types harvested, camps, methods of logging, sawmill operations, log drives, and other facets of early lumbering activities. The industry story is told here. For the "people" story, refer to the video entitled "Michigan Lumberjacks."
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Michigan's Timber |
This video explores the use of Michigan forests by the timber industry. The effects of both good and bad logging practices are examined. The importance of preserving our forestlands through responsible harvesting of this natural resource is reinforced.
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Michigan's Lumbering Days |
recreates the life and times in the woodlands, from the 1850’s to the 1920’s. You will see hundreds of archival photos and the big trees of Hartwick Pines set the stage to take you back in time and show you how the “Shanty boys” lived.
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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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