Stories of America

1. 

   E1. Our Country's Birthday

   Sep 13, 1976

   The first episode of the 1976 WVIZ-TV series Stories of America, titled "Our Country's Birthday," is hosted by Ann McGregor and uses children's literature to introduce students to the nation's founding. It employs a storytelling format to cover the First Continental Congress and tensions between the colonies and England, utilizing books, film, and animation.

2. 

   E2. Discover America

   Sep 20, 1976 · 15m

   In this episode, young viewers trace the earliest encounters between Europeans and the land that would become the United States. Through simple narration and classroom‑friendly visuals, the program explains how explorers first learned about the continent, why they traveled so far from home, and how these discoveries began shaping the idea of “America.” The episode introduces key figures, maps, and motivations, helping children understand how curiosity, courage, and cultural exchange set the stage for the nation’s beginnings.

3. 

   E3. America is Named

   Sep 27, 1976 · 15m

   This episode explores how the name “America” came to be. Through simple narration and clear visuals, young viewers learn about the mapmaker Martin Waldseemüller, the influence of explorer Amerigo Vespucci, and how early European discoveries shaped the naming of a new continent. The program breaks down the historical confusion, the reasoning behind the name, and how it eventually became attached to the land that would form the United States. Designed for classroom use, it offers a straightforward introduction to the origins of one of the world’s most recognized names.

4. 

   E4. Pocahontas

   Oct 4, 1976

   This episode introduces children to the story of Pocahontas and her role in early American history. Through simple narration and reenacted scenes, the program explains her connection to the Powhatan people, her encounters with English settlers at Jamestown, and the cultural misunderstandings that shaped their interactions. Designed for young viewers, the episode highlights themes of communication, respect, and the meeting of two very different worlds, offering a gentle introduction to one of America’s most well‑known historical figures.

5. 

   E5. Children of the Mayflower

   Oct 11, 1976

   This episode introduces young viewers to the children who traveled aboard the Mayflower in 1620. Through simple narration and reenactments, it explores what life was like for these young passengers—their daily routines, the hardships of the voyage, and the hopes their families carried to the New World. The program highlights how the experiences of these children shaped the early days of Plymouth Colony, offering a relatable and human perspective on one of America’s most iconic journeys.

6. 

   E6. John Billington and Squanto

   Oct 18, 1976

   This episode explores two very different figures from the early days of Plymouth Colony. Through simple narration and reenactments, children learn about John Billington—one of the colony’s most troublesome settlers—and Squanto, the Patuxet man whose knowledge and guidance helped the Pilgrims survive their first harsh years. By contrasting Billington’s defiance with Squanto’s diplomacy and skill, the program highlights the challenges, misunderstandings, and unexpected alliances that shaped life in the New World.

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