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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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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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Michigan Agriculture |
Michigan's ranking as a food producer in the nation is examined, as well as the various types of crops that are raised. This video teaches a new appreciation for the Michigan farmer and the contribution this industry makes to the livelihood of the state.
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Modern Logging in the North |
In the upper Great Lakes states, logging is a vital industry. This video takes you into the world of today's loggers and examines the latest equipment and techniques used to harvest this natural resource.
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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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The Great Lake Carriers |
With cameras on shore and on board these huge vessels, carrier operations are demonstrated. The dimensions and special features of these ships are illustrated, as are the variations of cargoes carried up and down the lakes.
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Ocean Ships on the Great Lakes |
This video shows all aspects of ocean ship traffic on the upper Great Lakes. It provides a good overview of what the big ships are all about and compares a local "laker" and an ocean going vessel. Docking procedures, immigration, customs checks, cargo loading and unloading are explained.
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Michigan's Ports and Harbors |
The state's ports and harbors on four of the five Great Lakes that are most active in commerce and recreation, or have historical significance, are included in this video. All aspects of these ports are explored through information provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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