JSC Students Premiere Life in Orleans County

Photo used in Life in Orleans CountyLife in Orleans County, a new video documentary produced by students at Johnson State College, was released December 13.

Life in Orleans County is the third documentary produced by students in Professor/Senator Bill Doyle’s Vermont History and Government course at the college, in collaboration with videographer Vince Franke of Peregrine Productions.

The Orleans community is featured in the 30-minute film describing life in the county during the first half of the 20th century. JSC students interviewed longtime residents and used local historical photographs, with the help of the Orleans Historical Society. The film includes stories of how people
lived, farmed, and enjoyed themselves before electricity and modern life.


Two other similar documentaries produced during the past two years by Johnson State College students — Life in Lamoille County and Life in Franklin County — received wide critical acclaim.

Professor Doyle, who is also a state senator, notes: "Students were enthusiastic about something that would provide a permanent history of the county, something that was bigger than themselves."

Students who worked on the film documentary include: Jeremy Ayotte, Jonathan Bowser, Shannon Damon, Joe Hackenson, Joan Janzen, Jeff Lebrack, Lance McGrath, Jeremiah Melhuish, Kyle Saltzman, Christopher Tatro, Erik Tillberg, Cathleen Voyer, and Alexander Williams.

Free copies of the documentary will be given to all local schools, libraries, historical societies, and town offices in Orleans County.

DVD copies will be also sold at bookstores in the Newport area, the JSC Bookstore (802-635-1233), and at many town offices. Copies are also available online from Peregrine Productions, at www.peregrineproductions.com.