(DURHAM, July 11, 2007) - "When you say the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, it's synonymous with excellent craftsmanship, fantastic variety," Ian Eddy, a blacksmith and League member says. "It has a history of trying to educate the public about good craftsmanship, as well as trying to educate the craftsperson." The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a documentary presenting the League's history, its role in the craft movement and the impact the League continues to have on the national craft community.The documentary draws on 75 years of archives, highlighting the League's beginnings during the depths of the Depression era, a time when the U.S. and state governments sought to stimulate economic development and counter unemployment through the financial support of arts organizations.The growth of the League is told through interviews with some of its longstanding members and other professionals in the craft field, including Ed and Mary Scheier, Otto Heino, Betty Steele and Joe Trippetti. In addition, historical film footage of life in New Hampshire, as well as 1960s footage of nationally known members of the League, is presented for the first time in decades. Visit the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen website at www.nhcrafts.org/.Ken Browne, who has produced several films about craftmaking and New Hampshire's cultural heritage, directed the documentary. NHPTV has also aired Browne's films Mondays at Skimmilk and Four Hands, Two Hearts.
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