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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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Michigan Capitol Tour |
This is an excellent video primer on the Michigan State Capitol building for anyone who is planning a visit. Many historical facts about the building are examined. If a visit is not possible, this is a great way to take a tour without leaving the classroom. | DVD | 17 minutes | Grade 4-12 |
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The Mackinac Bridge Link |
In order to maintain traffic flow between the upper and lower peninsulas of the state, this video explains the various options that were considered. Historic photos of early bridge construction are shown. Walter North explains the daily operation of the bridge. | DVD | 21 minutes | Grade 4-12 |
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Historic Mackinac Island |
In addition to being a scenic treasure, Mackinac Island also has a fascinating history. This colorful video examines early military occupation and what life was like for the soldiers. Current tourism on the island is also covered. | DVD | 19 minutes | Grade 4-12 |
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Fort Michilimackinac Michigan |
This is the state's most important reconstructed military and fur post. Men and women in authentic costumes are shown in their roles as soldiers, traders and housewives. Daily activities are simulated, ranging from food preparation to rifle drills. | DVD | 17 minutes | Grade 4-12 |
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Soo Locks - Linking The Lakes |
Historic reasons for building the locks between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes are examined. Ships are shown in both day and night passage. A view from the visitor platform and dramatic scenes from the elevated control tower help to tell the story. A scale model shows how the locks function. | DVD | 24 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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Mackinac Island - A 600 Year History |
visually walks you through the Native American, French, and British periods, including the building of Fort Mackinac. Hundreds of historic photos depict the years from trading and commercial fishing to the present day tourist destination.
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Ora Labora - Pray & Work |
The story of a group of German Methodists from the eastern states, who, in the 1860's cam ashore at Wild Fowl Bay to for the community fo Ora Labora. This is their "survival story" in the woods.
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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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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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Pre-historic Dugout Builders |
Archaeologist Gordon Peters sheds light on the lives of early canoe builders. Using the techniques applied by indigenous people, at the same location, an U.S. Forest Service archaeologist talks about how he built one of these primitive dugout canoes.
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Michigan's First People |
Fascinating artifacts from archaeological digs reveal much of what daily life was like for the early people of Michigan. With the help of the Sloan Museum staff in Flint, artifacts shed light on the question of what people and animals first inhabited this region.
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Chief Buffalo - Man of Peace |
A Man of Peace;The life of this famous Chief is told, in part, by his great-great grand-daughter. The saga is detailed of how the Chief changed the course of history by going to Washington to plead with President Fillmore for the rights of his people.
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Little Crow's Story |
Little Crow became a sioux chief and struggled to understand the early pioneers language and culture to better lead his people. The story of his life comes to life in this production.
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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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Treaties in Michigan |
Presented in easy to understand, non-technical terms, the substance and spirit of the agreements reached between the U.S. government and the Indian tribes of Michigan is captured in this video. The guaranteed right to hunt, fish and gather food is examined
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Great Lakes Viking Mystery |
While the principal focus is on the famed (though not widely accepted as genuine) Kensington Runestone of Minnesota, the discovery of other "evidence" of the Norsemen here before Columbus is included in this video.
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Great Lakes French Explorers |
French explorers, who first reached what is now Minnesota, are the focus of this video. Emphasis is on Duluth, Father Hennepin, and De La Salle. Artist sketches help to recreate key incidents.
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The Travels of Governor Cass |
The Governor of the huge Michigan Territory was probably the fairest, most humane government official of his day in dealing with the Great Lakes Native Americans. The recorded account of his long, difficult trip to the far reaches of his "domain" 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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Michigan Pioneers |
Historic photos and video of reconstructed frontier homes, farms, and businesses make this a visually interesting feature that tells the story of the people who settled and developed this state. The reality of pioneer life is explained vividly in this fascinating video
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Michigan Homesteads |
The reasons why so many Europeans and New England settlers chose to put down roots in Michigan are examined in this video. Who they were, what drew them, and what they did when they arrived are covered. Costumed reenactments help to tell the story.
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Michigan's Pioneer Farmer |
This video looks at the farmers who came to Michigan by way of the Erie Canal, and those who came here by foot through Ohio and Indiana. Early threshing and farm chores, plus the use of pitchforks, wooden rakes, and ox-driven plows are shown in re-enacted scene.
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Michigan's Pioneer Farmwife |
With the aid of women in period costumes on restored farms, this video looks at the grueling workday of a farmwife including washboard laundering, garden work, spinning, churning, and cooking meals on a wood stove.
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Michigan's Frontier Schools |
Through the eyes of long-retired teachers, memories of the one-room schoolhouses show what school days were like in the early days. Historic photos from Michigan schools and re-created scenes in authentic classrooms add to the appeal of this video.
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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 30's - Summertime |
Fascinating archival film footage provides an entertaining look at what people did for fun when money was scarce. The old swimming hole, fishing in a pond, running a lemonade stand, picking berries, and soapbox carts are among the interesting scenes.
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Life in the 30's - Winter |
Life in the depression years during the colder months is shown through entertaining archival film. Many activities are shown, including a one-boy-one-dog sled race, a wild ride on a sled tethered to a wind driven iceboat, daring and dangerous bobsled rides and vintage ski jumping.
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Charles Lindberg Family |
While the emphasis of this video is on the life of the famous flyer of Little Falls and his early life in Minnesota, this program also traces the origin of his family in the state.
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The Communist Movement |
This is the story of the communist movement during the depression years in the upper midwest. It follows the story of Illimy (lastname) who grew up in a minnesota homestead farm and eventually moved with her family to Russia following dreams of a better life.
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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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Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula |
Take a trip and never leave the classroom! This is a video tour from Houghton to the northern-most tip of the peninsula. The topography of the land, water features, copper mining operations, scenic harbors, lighthouses, and a museum of mining history are explored
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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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