By Judy Seifert (Contact / Staff Bio)
July 26, 2008 - 12:00 a.m. EST

MAYVILLE ­-- The expression ‘take a picture, it will last longer’ has gained new meaning with members of the Mayville Area Museum of History and Genealogy.

The group recently completed a 15-month project to preserve its local history on video and held a red-carpet premier last weekend to promote its sale.

"This was a huge undertaking," said organizer Fran Campbell. "It was a great deal of work and the cost ­ well, it’s worth it."

The 58-minute documentary of Mayville and the surrounding communities of Fostoria, Silverwood and Juanita was produced by Michigan-based company Program Source International. The cost was $35,000 and the group still needs to raise $8,000 to complete its commitment.

"We condensed 150 years of history into just under 60 minutes," Campbell added. "That’s pretty impressive."

The video sells for $22 and is available at various area businesses including The Broken Tea Pot, Mayville State Bank and Wingert’s grocery store. It is also available at the Mayville District Library and the museum.

"After all the hard work, the premier was fun. Everyone had a great time, especially walking down the red carpet," Campbell said.

For months, the group solicited information, photographs, family histories, both written and oral, from area families.

"We’re very excited about this project. What a wonderful opportunity to capture our history," said Liz Lambert, the group’s secretary.

Information gatherings were organized over the past months, residents were encouraged to visit and talk about their remembrances - all of which were recorded for use in the video.

The townships of Dayton, Fremont and Watertown in Tuscola County and Rich Township in Lapeer County are also included in the video.

Sponsorships were offered to individuals, businesses, family and in memory of. All the sponsors’ names are listed on the end credits of the documentary. The video is available in CD or VHS format.

Campbell added a reminder that as a 501(c)3 organization, donations are tax deductible. Anyone who sponsored the documentary received two copies as well.

"We’re still in need of sponsors, and we welcome your interest," she added.

For questions, call Fran Campbell at (989) 843-0011. To make a donation, send a check payable to the Mayville Area Museum of History and Genealogy and mail it to P.O. Box 242, Mayville, MI 48744.

PSI has created 18 Michigan town histories for communities in Tuscola, Huron, Lapeer, Oakland and Washtenaw counties.