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History

American Adventure Series

VHS, 30 min. each, 1987

A comprehensive, chronological overview of American culture and heritage from the first settlements in the Northeast to the events of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The American Adventure Series provides a better understanding of our present political system by demonstrating the settings, characters, and important events of America's past.

1. Consequences of Contact

What was the significance of trade and social contrast between Native Americans, Africans, and Europeans in the early years of our nation? This program tours present-day Mexico and New Mexico to explain the impact of encounters which were the result of exploration and colonization by Portugal and Spain.

2. A Puritan Way

The Puritan work ethic is still considered a basic element in the American character. Between 1620-1660, the new world witnessed an unprecedented mass migration of English Puritans.

3. The Colonial Experience

Early Americans were constantly facing new challenges. This program outlines the effects of the Indian Wars of the late 17th century on the natives and the white settlers, the relationship of the American colonies and England following changes in the crown's administrative policies, and the impact of English wars on the continent.

4. Struggle for Dominance

The Seven-Years-War on the European continent was played out in North America as the French and Indian War. This program focuses on the various colonial relationships during and after the French and Indian War and the reasons for American protests against British policies.

5. A Revolution for Independence

The ratification of the Articles of Confederation and key military events had a startling impact on the American colonies. This program explores the significance of the Revolution for women, slaves, Indians, loyalists, and the economy.

6. Creating a Stronger Union

Viewers are introduced to the assembly of delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the issues debated, and what compromises were agreed on in the final document.

7. The Failure of Diplomacy

Thomas Jefferson's attempts to redirect the nation's priorities in his "Revolution of 1800" are explored. This program also examines a series of foreign problems that had serious consequences for young America (1800-1812).

8. The Expanding Nation

The rapid growth of industry, commerce, and agriculture in the first half of the 19th century led to radical changes in areas stretching to the Mississippi and beyond. Regional identities began to form and the encroaching society of the white man forced the bitter removal of Indians to the Oklahoma Territory.

9. Manifest Destiny

The events of the Mexican-American War led to the addition of the territories of Oregon, Texas, California and much of the southwest to the United States. This program explores the nature of this conflict and its outcome.

10. The Fitful Fifties

Explores the social and political developments of the 1850's, including the 1856 assault on Senator Sumner of Massachusetts by a South Carolina member of Congress, Preston Brooks.

11. Crisis of Union

In the historic Dred Scott Decision of 1857, the Supreme Court declared that Congress had no power to exclude slavery from the U.S. territories. The country was thrown in an uproar, debating the events that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

12. Reconstructing the South

The hostilities of the Civil War presented difficult social, economic, and political adjustments during the period of Reconstruction. This program examines Andrew Johnson's efforts to reunite the divided nation, including the military reconstruction plans of Congress, the role of freedmen in the south, and the significance of the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth amendments to the Constitution. 

America and the Holocaust

VHS, 80 min., 1994, CC

As early as 1942, validated stories of the Nazi campaign to exterminate the Jews surfaced in Washington. Yet a "paper wall" of bureaucratic red tape and an anti-Semitic political climate obstructed the emigration of Jewish refugees. Using interviews, archival photos and documents, and home movies and film from the time, the program traces the tragic story of America's inaction. While the War Refugee Board saved 200,000 lives, it was too little, too late for many. 

Arkansas Historical Dance Series

VHS, 57 min., 1995, Companion volume available

A unique collection of 8 short documentaries on traditional dance, music and culture stretching from territorial times to the present.

Arkansas, Its Land and People

VHS, 15 min. each, 1985, Study guide available

This sixteen-part video series, designed for classroom instruction, covers Arkansas history and culture.

1. Jacksonport and the Steamboat Era - The historic river port town and the steamboat, Mary Woods, are featured.

2. On a Freight Train to Conway - Learn about Arkansas' railroad system, explore a hump yard, and travel with a railroad crew to Conway.

3. Passenger Trains: Past and Present - View antique passenger cars and experience a train ride on Amtrak, the national passenger rail service.

4. From Jennies to Jets and Beyond - Aviation oddities to NASA's space shuttle are explored. Arkansas aviation pioneers are also featured.

5. Archeology: The Chester Ashley and Brownlee/Noland Houses - Archeologists examine the history and artifacts of two sites: the Chester Ashley mansion and the Brownlee/ Noland house in Little Rock.

6. Toltec Mounds and the Plum Bayou Culture - Visit an archeology laboratory at Toltec Mounds. Learn about early Indian inhabitants and weapons.

7. Our Neighbors: The Plains Indians - Illustrates the decline of Native Americans on the last frontier.

8. The Character of Arkansas - Early Arkansans who shaped the character of Arkansas, pioneer life, and the Territorial Restoration and Old State House are featured.

9. Confederate Arkansas - The surrender of the Arsenal at Little Rock, the Battle of Pea Ridge, and daily lives of Union and Confederate soldiers are recreated.

10. The Southwest Trail: Legend and Lore - Students are introduced to the American folk heroes: James Black, James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett. Old Washington State Park and the Stagecoach House are featured.

11. Stuttgart: A Farming Heritage - Documents the German and farming heritage in Stuttgart. The Grand Prairie, rice, and the national duck-calling contests are also featured.

12. Little Rock and Preservation - Students are introduced to preservation activities taking place in our capital city. Philander Smith College, Villa Marre, and the Capital Hotel are included.

13. World War II in Arkansas - A documentary on Arkansas' participation in the war effort from food stamps to relocation camps.

14. Arkansas Music - Experience the wide scope of Arkansas music from folk to African American spirituals to jazz. Almeda Riddle, Jerome Muldrew, and the UALR Jazz Ensemble are featured.

15. Arkansas Industries - Visit the number one and number two ranking industries in Arkansas, lumber and poultry production.

16. The Arsenal and Mount Holly Cemetery - Students are introduced to the Arkansas Museum of Science and History in the historic Little Rock Arsenal and tour the Mount Holly Cemetery. 

American Images

VHS, 58 min., 1979

Farm Security Administration photographs of the Depression (1935-1942) by Walker Evans, Ben Shahn, and Dorothea Lange, who captured the American spirit on film. 

The Arkansas Rockefeller

VHS or DVD, 56 min., 2004

Winthrop Rockefeller came to Arkansas in 1953 to pursue his dreams.  He could have lived anywhere and this film shows how Arkansas benefited from that choice.  He built a state of the art farm at his home on Petit Jean Mountain.  He helped the state get new industry.  He became the first Republican governor since Reconstruction.  His commitment to philanthropy has helped the citizens of Arkansas become more educated, more culturally diverse, and more aware of the world around them and Win Rockefeller is still helping the people of Arkansas today through his foundations.  

The Arkansas Series

VHS, 11 Videos, 30 min. each,  2000

Eleven 30 minute documentaries on people, places and traditions in Arkansas.

War Comes to Arkansas --- The story of the 1862 battle at Pea Ridge, the most significant engagement in the Civil War west of the Mississippi.

War on the Frontier --- A video on the 1862 battle at Prairie Grove and the events that led to the battle. Also featured is the present day re-enactment.

War in the Delta --- The story surrounding the 1863 Civil War battle at Helena and the campaign that led to it.

War in the South --- An account of the 1864 Red River campaign in which a Union army left Little Rock for an invasion of Southern Arkansas but returned without getting the job done.

"Work Will Win" --- One of the great Arkansas stories of black achievement against all odds.

We're Number One! --- Arkansas is a leader in more ways than most of us ever realized. Examples in industry, business, and agriculture.

The Way It Was --- Among the things that make Arkansas unique are the cultures which developed here. This is a video on the Ozark folk culture.

Arkansas' Black Gold --- An overview of one of the most turbulent periods in the history of Arkansas: the oil boom of the 1920's in south Arkansas.

Ruben Dees Remembers --- A participant in the oil boom at Smackover relives the experience on camera. Even in his 90's, Mr. Dees makes events from long ago seem not so far away.

Festivals & World Championships --- Arkansans have a love affair with local festivals. This video showcases four connected with world championships. Each says something about who we are in this state.

Blues in the Delta --- Most people don't realize that the Delta of eastern Arkansas has played an important role in the musical art form known as the blues, a great contribution from black American culture to the rest of us.
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