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We offer North Carolina history videos and DVDs that will enhance your lesson plans and provide students with visual learning experiences. Most videos and DVDs come with curriculum activity packets to help busy teachers create interesting, fun lesson plans. Standard Course of Study links are listed with each title.

Videos and DVDs are available for loan for one week at a charge of $1 per program—maximum of $10 (you pay return shipping). Orders must be received no later than the Wednesday before the Friday shipping date. To order a program, complete the Media Center Video and Slides Order Form.

Media center titles by topic:

African American History
American Indian History
American Revolution
Civil War
Colonization and Settlement
Folklife
Government
North Carolina Places
North Carolina State Historic Sites Series
Tar Heel Stories
Transportation
Twentieth Century
Women's History

African American History

Black Historic Sites in North Carolina
VHS, 18 minutes, Grades 8+
Visit historic sites that celebrate the many contributions of African American people to the history of North Carolina.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

The Black Presence in North Carolina
VHS, 6 minutes, Grades 4+
Students will learn about the impact of African Americans—from educators to entrepreneurs—in the 1800s and 1900s in North Carolina.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 2, 4, and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 5 and 9; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

Palmer Memorial Institute: The Mission and the Legacy
VHS, 27 minutes, Grades 8+
VHS, 13 minutes, Grades 4+
Explore the fascinating history of Palmer Memorial Institute and the extraordinary contributions of African American educator Charlotte Hawkins Brown.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 2, 4, and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 5 and 9; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

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American Indian History

Catawba, the River People
VHS, 18 minutes, Grades 4+
This exploration of Catawba history includes a reenactment of early Catawba life and interviews with modern-day Catawba people.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1, 3, 5, 6, and 9; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

Cherokee Indians: Life and Culture
VHS, 10 minutes, Grades 4+
Oconaluftee Indian Village is the backdrop for this brief history of Cherokee life.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 1, 2, 3, and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1 and 3; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

The Mystery of Town Creek
VHS, 20 minutes, Grades 8+
Learn how archaeologists have reconstructed Town Creek, the site of a flourishing American Indian culture that disappeared hundreds of years ago.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 1; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4; Science Goal 3

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American Revolution

North Carolina in the American Revolution
VHS (CC), 17 minutes, Grades 4+
Follow the exciting story of the Revolutionary War through the experiences of fourteen-year-old Hugh McDonald!
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 2, 3, and 4; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 2; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

North Carolina's Role in the American Revolution
VHS, 20 minutes, Grades 8+
Learn about Revolutionary War battles that affected North Carolina. Produced by the North Carolina Society of the Cincinnati.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 2; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

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Civil War

Bentonville
VHS, 30 minutes, Grades 8+
A reenactment of the Battle of Bentonville, where General Joseph E. Johnston attempted to halt General William T. Sherman's march through the South during the Civil War.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 4; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4
Grade 11: U.S. History Goal 3; English III Goal 2

Dawn of Peace
VHS, 16 minutes, Grades 4+
A chronicle of the Civil War ending with the surrender of General Joseph E. Johnston at Bennett Place.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 3 and 4; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 4; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4
Grade 11: U.S. History Goal 3; English III Goal 2

Fort Macon
VHS, 15 minutes, Grades 8+
From Civil War fort to state park, Fort Macon has a special place in the history of North Carolina.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 4; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4
Grade 11: U.S. History Goal 3; English III Goal 2

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Colonization and Settlement

The Moravian Story
VHS (CC), 20 minutes, Grades 4+
An excellent resource for teaching about the development of the eighteenth-century Moravian community in North Carolina.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1, 3, and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

Raleigh and Roanoke
VHS, 12 minutes, Grades 4+
A detailed account of Sir Walter Raleigh's attempts to establish an English colony in the New World.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 1, 2, and 3; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 1; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

Roanoak (3 parts)
VHS, 3 hours total, Grades 8+
An exciting, detailed drama of Roanoke Island history from 1584 to 1590.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 1; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

10,000 Years Before Contact
DVD, 25 minutes, Grades 8+
Learn how archaeology traces the story of the first North Carolinians from over ten thousand years ago to the arrival of the first Europeans. From the Exploring North Carolina series.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 1; Science Goals 1, 2, and 5
Grades 9–12: American Indian Studies Goal 1

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Folklife

Artistry in Quilts
VHS (CC), 18 minutes, Grades 4+
Quilts do more than keep us warm—they represent the histories of communities, families, and individuals.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 2 and 4; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 5 and 6; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

From Earth and Fire: North Carolina Pottery
VHS (CC), 14 minutes, Grades 4+
Explore how pottery is created and how traditional pottery has played a part in North Carolina history and culture.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 3 and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

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Government

Against the Tide
VHS, 16 minutes, Grades 8+
Explore the tensions surrounding the 1778 ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Why didn't many North Carolinians want to ratify the Constitution? How would students vote if they lived back in 1778?
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 2; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4
Grades 9–12: Civics and Economics Goals 1, 2, and 4

We the People
VHS, 14 minutes, Grades 8+
Examine the lives of North Carolinians who fought for constitutional change, including people who opposed the Civil War and advocates for women's voting rights and the Civil Rights Act.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 4, 5, and 7; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grades 9–12: Civics and Economics Goals 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10

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North Carolina Places

The North Carolina Capitol
VHS, 14 minutes, Grades 4+
Discover the history, architecture, and furnishings of the North Carolina State Capitol building and learn about the development of Raleigh as the capital city.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 1 and 4; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 3, 4, 5, and 9; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

Raleigh: Tar Heel Capital
DVD, VHS, 12 minutes, Grades 4+
Learn about Raleigh's history as the capital city and tour many of its noted sites.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 1, 4, and 5
Grade 8: Social Studies, Goals 5, 8, and 9

Voices from the Past: The Story of Tryon Palace
VHS, 18 minutes, Grades 8+
Take a video tour of North Carolina's first capitol and governor's mansion.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1 and 2; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

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North Carolina State Historic Sites Series

Each video takes students on a tour of state historic sites in one area of the state and explores the personal stories behind these sites.

The Coastal Region
VHS, 23 minutes, Grades 8+
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1, 2, 3, and 4; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

The Eastern to Central Piedmont Region
VHS, 27 minutes, Grades 8+
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

The Western Piedmont and Mountain Regions
VHS, 30 minutes, Grades 8+
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1, 3, and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

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Tar Heel Stories

Blackbeard's Treasure
VHS, 60 minutes, Grades 8+
Combine the studies of science and history as you join underwater archaeologists in their discovery and exploration of the shipwreck believed to be Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge. Video courtesy of UNC-TV.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1 and 9; Science Goals 1 and 3; Math Goals 2 and 4

Looking for Gold
VHS, 20 minutes, Grades 4+
Follow Sarah and Dexter as they learn about the discovery and mining of gold at Reed Gold Mine.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 1, 6, and 7; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3; Science Goals 2 and 4
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 3 and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4; Science Goal 3

Past in Progress: The Treasures and Tales of North Carolina
VHS (CC), 9 minutes, Grades 4+
An overview of North Carolina history narrated by Andy Griffith and Valeria Lynch Lee.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

Tar Heel Mysteries and Legends
VHS, 26 minutes, All grades
Enjoy learning Tar Heel history through fourteen legends and chilling ghost stories from around North Carolina.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 1, 2, 3, and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1 and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

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Transportation

Charlotte Trolleys: Your Ticket to the Past
VHS, 24 minutes, Grades 8+
Explore the development of electric streetcars and their impact on the growth of Charlotte.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4
Grade 11: U.S. History Goals 5, 7, and 9; English III Goal 2

Of Men and Machines: The Story of Spencer Shops
VHS, 28 minutes, Grades 8+
Hear the stories of former employees of the Spencer Shops railroad facility and their contributions to the history of North Carolina transportation.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 5, 6, and 7; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

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Twentieth Century

An Escape into Life: Thomas Wolfe's Look Homeward, Angel
VHS, 29 minutes, Grades 11+
This program chronicles the life of Thomas Wolfe in Asheville and his writing of Look Homeward, Angel.
Grade 11: U.S. History Goals 7, 9, and 10; English III Goals 2 and 5

The Holocaust: A Personal North Carolina History
VHS, 15 minutes, Grades 8+
First-person accounts by concentration camp survivors and American servicemen reveal how the Holocaust continues to affect these North Carolina citizens and their families.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 6; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4
Grades 9–12: U. S. History Goal 10; World History Goal 5; English III Goal 2

'Merci America!': The Gratitude Train of 1949
VHS, 19 minutes, Grades 6+
This program explores how the United States led relief efforts in Europe following World War II and how France expressed its gratitude with the Merci Train.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 6 and 7; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4
Grades 9–12: U.S. History Goal 10; World History Goal 5; English III Goal 2

North Carolina and World War I
VHS (CC), 26 minutes, Grades 8+
The "war to end all wars" changed the lives of many North Carolinians. Learn about the war's causes and hear stories of those who fought in Europe and others who supported the war effort on the home front.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4
Grades 9–12: U.S. History Goals 6 and 8; World History Goal 5; English III Goal 2

North Carolina at Home and Play during World War II
VHS (CC), 33 minutes, Grades 8+
World War II affected all aspects of life. Rationing altered everything, from what toys could be produced to how fast cars could be driven—35 mph. Hear big band sounds while you learn how family members did their part to win the war.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 6; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4
Grades 9–12: U.S. History Goal 10; English III Goal 2

North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
VHS (CC), 9 minutes, Grades 8+
See highlights of important moments in the history of North Carolina sports.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 4 and 7; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 5, 7, and 8; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

Ripples in Time (2 parts)
VHS, 60 minutes total, Grades 8+
Learn about the Holocaust from the individuals who lived through it—American servicemen who liberated concentration camps, Jewish people who escaped to America, and Jewish Americans who served in World War II.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 6; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4
Grades 9–12: U. S. History Goal 10; World History Goal 5; English III Goal 2

Tar Heel Junior Historians
VHS (CC), 20 minutes, Grades 4+
Interested in starting a Tar Heel Junior Historian club? This video explains the process and provides a view of club activities.
Grade 4: Social Studies Goals 2 and 5; Language Arts Goals 2 and 3
Grade 8: Social Studies Goal 9; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

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Women's History

North Carolina Women Making History
VHS (CC), 9 minutes, Grades 8+
Discover the exciting lives of seven North Carolina women and how they impacted the history and progress of the state.
Grade 8: Social Studies Goals 1, 3, 5, 6, and 9; Language Arts Goals 2 and 4

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To order a program, complete the Media Center Video and Slides Order Form.