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Home > For Libraries > Learning & Technology > Ed. Video Library > Other Maine Studies Videos

Other Maine Studies Videos

After the Ice Age: What Happened to the Mammoths?

15 min.; K-8; Geology, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Television (1997)

Thousands of years ago as the great glaciers began to recede, giant animals such as the woolly mammoth and mastodon roamed the area now known as Maine . Then, they were suddenly extinct. Was it because of a changing climate, or was it the appearance of man that did them in? Theories are many, but there are few clues. One clue that does exist, however, is a woolly mammoth tusk that was accidentally found in 1959 in Scarborough . Perhaps some pieces of the puzzle can be found within the core of this ancient ivory. Adapted from the award winning QUEST series, an added animated segment briefly explains the last glacial period in Maine .

Artist & the Beach: Clark Fitz-Gerald

20 min.; 9-12; Art, Fine Arts, Maine Studies, Social Studies; Produced by: Maine Maritime Academy (1979)

Clark Fitz-Gerald, a sculptor from Castine , Maine , explores the intertidal zones on local beaches. He shares his thoughts and reactions regarding certain forms and shapes found in nature and how they are involved in creating a piece of sculpture.

Behind the Curtains: Mainers in Russia & China

2 programs - 30 min. each; 7-12; Agriculture, Foreign Countries, Maine Studie; Produced by: Maine Public Broadcasting Network (1984)

Behind The Curtains: Mainers In Russia & China follows a group of 23 Mainers through Russia and China on an agricultural tour that is more than a travelogue while avoiding the pitfalls of propaganda.

  1. Part 1 - Provides a cultural overview of the two countries, following the group from Leningrad , across the Soviet Union and to China.
  2. Part 2 - Is a more specialized look at farming practices in both countries.

Behind the Scenes Look: Making of Made in Maine

11 min.; 7-12; Maine Studies, Social Studies; Produced by: Media Source (1984)

Shows the amazing effort which went into the creation of the permanent museum exhibit at the State Museum . The work includes the careful dismantling, transporting, and reassembling of an 1850 wood working mill (including the granite foundation) from Warren, Maine, to inside the museum walls. The "Made in Maine " exhibit was completed and dedicated in October of 1985.

Can I Get There from Here?

5 programs - 30 min. each; 9-12; Career Education, Economics, Guidance, Maine Studies; Produced by: University of Maine at Augusta (1982)

What kind of future do poor, unskilled, unmotivated young people have in this state? Can I Get There From Here? is a documentary series on employment opportunities, barriers, and support possibilities for young people in Maine which addresses this issue. Teachers are advised to preview before use as dialogue contains some profanity.

  1. Rural Youth
  2. Urban Youth
  3. Disabled Youth
  4. Single Parents
  5. Young Offenders

Copper Kettle

30 min.; 7-12; Foreign Countries, Maine Studies; Produced by: Brenda Nasberg (1985)

The Copper Kettle is about a Maine woman's search for her roots. On a trip to Sweden to research her ancestry, she retraces part of the journey made by Scandinavian immigrants enroute to the United States at the turn of the century. By searching through 500-year-old records at a Swedish archive, she makes many discoveries about her great-grandfather including the fact that he had brothers and sisters. With this information, she travels to his home town near the Arctic Circle and finds relatives living there today.

Discovering Maine 's Mineral Resources

50 min.; 7-12; Geology, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Geological Survey

Profiles the types of mineral resources found in Maine .

Firewood Harvest

2 programs - 45 min. each; 9-12; Energy Use & Conservation, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Broadcasting (1979)

A step-by-step look at woodburning, from forest to flue. Hosted by Elizabeth Swain and produced in cooperation with the Maine Audubon Society and the Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Maine .

  1. Part 1
  2. Part 2

Free Press, Fair Trial

60 min.; 7-12; Communication, Criminal Justice, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Television (1995)

A round table of experts from the courts, the legal profession, and the media examine and discuss the inevitable conflicts between the rights of a free press in America and the right to a fair trial for those accused of crimes.

From Stump to Ship

30 min.; 7-12; Forests & Forestry , Maine Studies; Produced by: Sheldon Weiss Productions (1986)

From Stump To Ship takes a close look at traditional lumbering practices and technology in a time of transition as machines and motor vehicles began to replace workers and animals in the woods. It contains many reminders of the way the lumber industry helped to develop the state of Maine and the character of its people. The images presented are a visual record of an important era in the state's changing industrial history. Note: From Stump To Ship can be duplicated only for schools for classroom use.

Good Read, Season 2

5 programs - 30 min. each; 7-12; Language Arts, Maine Studies; Maine Public Television, Lewiston , ME (2001)

  1. Linda Greenlaw: Linda Greenlaw has been a commercial fisherman for the past 20 years. But it wasn't until she was described as "one of the best captains, period, on the East Coast," that she considered writing. In 1999, her first book, The Hungry Ocean: A Swordboat Captain's Journey, catapulted to the New York Times Bestseller list and remained there for over 6 months.
  2. Richard Russo: Richard Russo didn't start writing until he was nearly 30 because he was busy teaching college students writing and literature. By the time he found teaching jobs that allowed him enough time to write, like Colby College, he was making enough money writing books and screenplays that he ddin't need to teach anymore. he's now a full-time writer based in Camden .
  3. Cathie Pelletier: Cathie Pelletier hasn't lived year-round in Maine for 25 years, but that hasn't stopped her from writing about us. She also put a fictitious place called Mattagash on the map. Surrounded by storytellers while growing up in the Allagash on the St. John River, Cathie knew she'd be a writer when she was still a young grade school student.
  4. Ashley Bryan: Ashley Bryan's fascination with books started at a very young age. In kindergarten, he was a self-publisher; writing, illustrating, binding, and distributing his own books. It's little wonder that he later became the only black in his art school class, a Fulbright scholar, and an instructor at Dartmough College. Now this children's author and illustrator and painter is in demand.
  5. Baron Wormser: Maine's second poet laureate, Baron Wormser, loves to write about pop culture and considers himself both a Zen Buddhist and a Jew. Baron is a former librarian and teacher who worked in Maine schools for more than 25 years. He has five published collections of poetry, as well as a guide to teaching poetry. The Balitmore native came to Maien in the back-to-the-earth movement of the early 70s.

Good Read with Stephen King

30 min. ; 7-12 ; Language Arts; Maine Studies ; MPBN, Lewiston , ME (2004)

In a rare interview in his home state, famed horror novelist Stephen King sat down with A Good Read host Sandy Phippen for an in-depth discussion about King's writing career and aspirations for his future. King speaks candidly about his choice to leave horror and fantasy behind. "I've done all the major monsters," he says, but he remains faithful to the craft. "I can't imagine giving up writing. It's a blast."

Good Read: Writers on Writing

6 programs - 30 min. each; 7-12; Language Arts, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Television (2000)

Maine is home to some of the country's very best writers. So what is it about this place that makes for such good storytelling? In search of an answer, Host Sandy Phippen calls on six of Maine's most gifted authors in this new series. Support for this project provided by the Davis Family Foundation.

  1. Gerald E. Lewis
  2. Constance Hunting
  3. Carolyn Chute
  4. Leo Connellan
  5. Miriam Colwell
  6. Janwiillem van de Wetering

Hazard

20 min.; 9-12; Career/Vocational Education, Forests & Forestry, Maine Studies, Safety; Distributed by: Maine Dept. of Labor (1988)

The program presents 11 hazards associated with cutting in logging operations and makes practical suggestions for dealing with these hazards.

Home to the Sea

60 min.; 7-12; Maine Studies, Social Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Broadcasting Network (1978)

Home To The Sea is an impressionistic film tracing the state's seafaring heritage from the 1600's to the present. It incorporates a wide array of visual materials. Folk music composed by Gordon Bok is interspersed throughout the program along with legends, passages from diaries, excerpts from ships' logs and stories of Maine captains and their families.

In Search of the Missing Iapetus Ocean

45 min.; 7-12; Environment, Geology, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Geological Survey (1993)

Discusses the geology of Maine and New England and shows the various geological formations such as mountains and ancient oceans.

Jackson Laboratory

60 min.; 7-12; Career Education, Health, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Broadcasting (1984)

A setting that speaks of summer pleasures and the dramatic beauty of the rock-bound coast of Maine seems an unlikely spot for scientists whose influence and abilities are known world-wide, ongoing research vital to health and well-being, and buildings housing appealing mice especially bred to make their contribution to future generations. The program takes an in-depth look at the three principal functions of the extensive facility: the breeding of laboratory mice, cancer and genetic research, and education. Viewers are given a look at the research lab through the eyes of seven scientists who work there. Topics explored are: the difference between basic and applied research; the use of mice for research; concerns for the health and treatment of mice; cancer research; concerns for genetic manipulation and its moral and ethical considerations; the quest for funding.

Landowner Relations

25 min.; 7-12; Maine Studies, Safety, Social Studies; Produced by: Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (1996)

Landowner Relations addresses sportsman's ethics, behaving appropriately in the outdoors, and safety. Almost 95% of Maine is privately owned; and in most cases people hunting, snowmobiling, hiking, or accessing remote fishing spots are all doing so on privately owned land. How do we keep the land from being posted? How do we encourage all outdoor enthusiasts to behave responsibly and ethically while roaming the fields, forests, and waters of the state.

Maine Art Museum Trail

4 programs - 30 min. each ; 6-12 ; Art/Fine Arts; History; Maine Studies ; MPBN, Lewiston , ME (2004)

Since the 1800's, the splendor of Maine has provided inspiration to many of America 's most important artists, including Winslow homer, Edward Hopper, Louise Nevelson, Berenice Abbott, and three generations of Wyeths. To showcase the magnificent art that is Maine 's heritage, seven Maine art museums have collaborated to create the Maine Art Museum Trail, bringing stories and collections of Maine art museums.

  1. Bowdoin College Museum of Art
  2. Farnsworth Art Museum
  3. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art
  4. The University of Maine Museum of Art
  5. Portland Museum of Art
  6. Bates College Museum of Art
  7. Colby College Museum of Art

Maine Artist and Landscape Project - The Lucid Mark - South School Interviews Dennis Pinette

K-8 ; Art/Fine Arts, Maine Studies; Maine Artist and Landscape Project

Dennis Pinette talks about painting a landscape: mixing colors and building the texture. He also talks about what matters to each individual student when painting landscapes.

Maine Artist and Landscape Project: Waypoints - Tanglewood Interviews Eric Hopkins

30 min.; K-8; Art/Fine Arts; Maine Stuides

Eric Hopkins talks about the meaning of the landscape in his life and work. Among the dynamic paintings in his Farnsworth Art Museum exhibit, the campers ask him the kind of questions all children would want to know. Mr. Hopkins gives a lively response about the inspiration for his work in "the meeting of land, sea, and sky." In a rousing session, the campers then paint in his style. They take up brushes again to do paintings of landscapes that are important to each of them. As one girl says "...it was a once in a lifetime experience."

Maine Artists

4 programs - 16 min. each; 7-12; Art, Fine Arts, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Coast Artists (1980)

Several of Maine's most distinguished artists are shown discussing their philosophies, goals, attitudes and techniques.

1) Reuben Tam 2) Neil Welliver 3) Denny Winters 4) Leonard Craig (1982)

Maine Field Trips

17 programs - 15 min. each; 5-10; Energy Use & Conservation, Environment, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Broadcasting (1981)

The Maine Field Trips are intended to supplement and extend field trip opportunities still available to Maine children in the 1980's. They run the gamut from historical to industrial and environmental sites.

1) The Maine Potato (1983) 2) Between High Tide & Low (1982) 3) Power from Water 4) Yacht Building 5) The Little Time Machine 6) Harvesting our Forests 7) Making Paper 8) "The Play's the Thing" 9) Growing Salmon 10) Update: Defence (1982) 11) The Weaver (1982) 12) Maine Black Bear (1983) 13) Aquaculture: Harvesting Clams (1983) 14) Early Man in Maine (1983) 15) On the Bangor River (1986) 16) Making Maple Syrup (1986) 17) JAX - Jackson Labs (1986)

Maine Student Film Festival

120 min.; K-12; Art, Fine Arts, Maine Studies; Sponsored by: Maine Alliance for Media Arts (1989)

Shows the work of the winners and finalists in the annual student film and video festival (13th Annual, 1989). Includes examples of both live action and animation techniques.

Maine Works

7 programs - 50 min. each; 7-12; Career Education, Economics, Maine Studies; Produced by: Governor's Office, MDECS, and UMA (1990)

Maine Works, hosted by Governor John McKernan, is a career information series. The programs introduce students to a variety of careers, allow them to see Maine people working in those fields, and to explore and gather information about the skills, interests, and education needed for a particular job.

1) Journalism 2) Athletics 3) Small Business 4) Environment 5) Health Care 6) Criminal Justice 7) Human Services

Maine's Surprising Christmas Wreath Industry

5 min.; 7-12; Agriculture, Economics, Maine Studies; Produced by: Media Source (1984)

A look at the winter time agricultural industry that generates thousands of dollars in Hancock and Washington Counties.

New England Christmas

30 min.; 9-12; Maine Studies, Social Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Broadcasting (1972)

The program follows Jon Emery as he returns to his childhood home in Maine to spend Christmas with his father. An odyssey rich in tradition and alive with the past-the one room school house, the general store, the country church, the farm. Filmed at various Maine locations.

No Boss on Your Back

31 min.; 9-12; Career Education, Forests & Forestry, Maine Studies, Safety; Distributed by: Maine Dept. of Labor (1992)

No Boss On Your Back deals with safe trucking in the wood industry.

Our Stories

4 programs - 60 min. each; 7-12; Maine Studies, Social Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Television (1998)

This four-part television series documents a rural view of culture, community and family in the four corners of Maine. From the lobster co-op in the fishing community of Islesford, to the cow barn on the Hastings family farm in Bethel, we share family stories of tradition, survival, victory, love and longing. From the woods of Indian Township, to the potato fields of an Acadian family near Ft. Kent, we learn how culture enriches our lives and boradens the definition f amily.

1) The Cranberry Report 2) Harvest of Hope 3) Healing Woods 4) At the Center of Things

Pokin' Fun

60 min.; 9-12; Maine Studies; Produced by: MPBN and Lev Sherman (1992)

What's in a good laugh? Over the years, Maine Public Broadcasting has recorded some of the many traditions of Maine humor, and the story-tellers who have passed along both historic and original wit. "Pokin' Fun" presents selections of this material, along with conversations with the humorists. Featured in the program are veteran performers Kendall Morse, Joe Perham, Don Taverner, Bruce McGorrill, the late Bill Gagnon, and the late Marshal Dodge. Gary Crocker of West Gardiner, Maine adds an additional flavor to the program, with his personal blend of humor and educational philosophy.

Put'er There!

22 min.; 9-12; Career Education, Forests & Forestry, Maine Studies, Safety; Distributed by: Maine Dept of Labor, Augusta, ME (1989)

Put'er There! is about directional felling in forestry operations. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used notching techniques with a heavy emphasis on safety.

RFD Maine

6 programs - 30 min. each; 4-12; Maine Studies, Social Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Television (1997)

Hosted by noted Maine author Sanford Phippen, RFD Maine offers a window into the lives of many rural Maine residents. Shows the richness and texture of rural Maine life and introduces the unassuming but strong individuals who are working to keep community and tradition alive.

1) Keeping Traditions Alive 2) Self-Reliance 3) Community Reliance 4) Slices of Maine 5) Young People 6) Changes for the Future

Sea Change

60 min.; 7-12; Economics, Fisheries & Wildlife, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Television (1997)

Sea Change looks at the changes and challenges facing Maine's commercial fishing industry. It focuses on the fishermen themselves, and how they are feeling the pressures of change and increased government regulation. Includes sequences of gillnetting, lobstering, and some scenes of groundfish dragging. It also looks ahead at efforts to revive the fish population.

Sealog: Defence

30 min.; 7-12; Archaeology, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Broadcasting (1978)

Set in the choppy waters of Penobscot Bay near Stockton Harbor, Sealog: Defence traces the four-year effort of the Maine State Museum, the Institute of Archaeology, and the Maine Maritime Academy to find and identify artifacts from the Defence. It includes footage of the divers on site, various finds undergoing restoration in the Maine State Museum, and still photographs of the underwater work.

Seven Maine Forts

30 min.; 7-12; Maine Studies, Social Studies; Produced by: WCSH-TV (1976)

A pictorial visit to historic Forts Knox, Edgecomb, Popham, George, McLeary, Western and Gorges.

Skowhegan State Fair

30 min.; 7-12; Agriculture, Maine Studies, Social Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Broadcasting (1978)

Skowhegan State Fair is a behind-the-scenes look at the nation's oldest continuous agricultural exposition. The half-hour documentary explores a variety of Skowhegan festivities: horsepulling contests, grange exhibits, harness racing, crafts displays, and 4-H activities. The program captures the sights, sounds, and flavors of one of the most popular summer pastimes in Maine-going to the fair.

Then It Happened

15 min.; 7-12; Environment, Forests & Forestry, Maine Studies, Safety; Distributed by: Maine Dept. of Conservation (1987)

A documentary on the 1947 forest fires in Maine with an introduction by Governor John McKernan.

Warden Search & Rescue

25 min.; 4-12; Maine Studies, Safety; Produced by: Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (1994)

Maine Game Wardens are trained to coordinate effective search and rescue operations, and use the expert assistance of Maine's volunteer core of over 500 trained search and rescue personnel. Shows how a search is coordinated and how wardens and trained volunteers risk their lives to find a lost or injured child, berry-picker, boater, or cross-country skier.

Washington County: A Question of Survival

60 min.; 9-12; Maine Studies, Social Studies; Produced by: Margaret Kenda (1976)

Examines patterns of life and work during one winter in Downeast Maine. Washington County people speak out on their unique sense of place and the survival of their traditions.

What About Lindsay?

60 min.; 9-12; Current Issues, Health, Human Rights, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Television (1998)

This documentary features Maine citizens with developmental disabilities living successfully in their communities. It focuses on their daily routines, including finding work, paying bills, making friends, finding someone to love, feeling a sense of community, and having a home.

Yankee Independence: Solar Electricity on a Maine Island

30 min.; 7-12; Energy Use & Conservation, Maine Studies; Produced by: Dickson, Kent & Scott (1984)

Filmed on historic Monhegan Island (a community that has 14 solar powered homes and the only photovoltaic powered post office in the USA), the program focuses on small independent solar systems.

You Be the Judge

30 min.; 9-12; Criminal Justice, Maine Studies; Produced by: Maine Public Broadcasting (1975)

The program is designed to involve the viewer as a participant in an active mode by presenting a decision which requires the viewer to at least differentiate between two alternatives. At the end of the program, the judge in the case pronounces his sentences and explains them to the defendants and viewers.