The Birth of an American Town ~ Episode 1

[@imthebause]

Barely even ten minutes in but as a North American archaeologist I really appreciate the time depth this covers. Precontact North American societies are fascinating and deserve more coverage.

[@kodiekulp]

Speaking of History, I was lucky and got to take a class on early American history and a geology class(geo for a science credit) 😁 This video was very interesting but that in itself doesn't surprise me because this creator makes radical and accurate videos all about some American history! Cheers!

[@Hexaglyph]

The destruction of the precolumbian history and culture is a catastrophe beyond measure, beyond sorrow, and grief.

[@upbeat_paradiso6773]

It really does, but it’s just so sad that outside of desert cultures their artifacts get destroyed and lost to erosion and time :( But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t explore the artifacts that do remain (looking at you Great Basin desert in eastern Oregon)!

[@mustbeaweful2504]

I agree fully!

[@MaskOfAgamemnon]

I have a wild theory I've always want to run by someone in the know. Is it possible that northeastern Amerindians actually migrated there from mesoamerica? They had the same crops.

[@mauricedesaxe1745]

As a devout classical music buff, I adore the soundtrack used here. I thought I might write down what music I heard with timestamps for curious parties... 0:00 Ma vlast, Vltava (The Moldau), Bedřich Smetana (1879) 17:14 Das Rheingold, Der Ring des Nibelungen, Richard Wagner (1874) 21:05 String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96 "American", Antonín Dvořák (1893) 27:32 Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight Sonata), Ludwig van Beethoven (1801) 32:48 Götterdämmerung, Siegfried's death and Funeral march, Richard Wagner (1874) 35:43 Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night), Arnold Schoenberg (1909) (btw, the transition between the two pieces is awesome!) 38:17 Ma vlast, Vltava (The Moldau), Bedřich Smetana (1879)

[@reesetorwad8346]

Thank you sir!

[@samsmith2635]

But not once Dvorak

[@jtgd]

Thank you. Fellow music lover

[@NA-AN]

This fucking Nerd burger. (Sorry for the insult, people who make timestamps in the comments are a treasure)

[@prairierailproductions6737]

I recognized the Wagner and the moonlight sonata, thanks for completing the list!!

[@mr.mustard2521]

This is what the history channel should be. Actual insights into how our modern lives reflect and cover up our past. Keep up the good work!

[@retro2103]

I just had this same exact thought. The aspect ratio also makes it feel like a TV documentary of yore.

[@Symplegades]

Indeed, and in fact, this is what the History Channel *was* 30 years ago.

[@Hexaglyph]

TV sucks and has always sucked. Internet is better.

[@roujin518]

ok, but what if instead of that... aliens.

[@alexquinn2390]

Pizza cat Pizza cat

[@Saltpork305]

This is effectively a PBS documentary. That's the vibes you have here and that's not a bad thing.

[@Swagner_Soar]

Atun-Shei is seriously some of the best historical content being made today.

[@HistorywithCy]

YES!!! Just started watching but already super excited... two of my favorite creators on this platform putting out something truly epic! My sister lives not too far away in Westford, MA and so I'll make sure to stop by Sudbury when I visit her in December. Thanks for sharing the rich history of the town with us!

[@ellieahearn4055]

Your sister is fairly close to me in Lowell. I grew up in Dracut. Can’t recommend Dracut.

[@Stoneworks]

Oh shit okay, I'll be there for the Sudbury Devil screening Mr. Films

[@kjv35]

Stony's going to Portland?

[@Max_-jr2hg]

As someone who lives in MetroWest this is one of the already one of the most moving and devastating series I’ve ever seen on KZbin

[@MassachusettsTrainVideos1136]

Metro west gang

[@fieldcommanderkurt]

@@MassachusettsTrainVideos1136 literal sudbury resident here. i wish i knew about this ahead of time!

[@headcrabn5347]

It’s crazy opening KZbin and seeing the hill I used to climb to cut class in high school

[@krockpotbroccoli65]

Grew up in Belmont myself. Living on the cape now. When I was a kid I hated the yuppie suburbanite place I was in, but always loved learning the history of the land upon which I was standing.

[@chrisball3778]

Re: Goodman's Hill: there was a folk tradition in 17th Century England and Scotland of leaving a patch of land uncultivated as a type of offering to placate evil spirits or the devil. These were often known as a 'Goodman's croft' or 'Goodman's field'. I don't know whether that's why they called the hill (and possibly by extension its occupant) that, but it seems like an odd coincidence otherwise. If that factoid didn't make it into the movie somehow, I bet you wish it had.

[@petrfedor1851]

That´s nice unintentional creating enviroment for some critters.

[@ViktoriousDead]

@@petrfedor1851kinda like modern CRP land

[@strat550]

I would expect this quality from a history documentary you'd see on TV. Amazing work Atun-Shei. I hope you keep this up!

[@kayohwai]

I'd never expect something as good as this on network TV. It's too informative, too well-crafted. There's not enough obvious ego, bluster, and "controversy" to satisfy the hunger of network TV advertisers. It doesn't fit the reality TV mold. In other words: it's healthy educational content, which TV hates.

[@donovanphillips6278]

This is normal for him now.

[@samaccardi]

I was not expecting Pete Kelly, and had to check I was still on the right channel, but I love his voice and I love Atun-Shei’s cinematography and work. It’s gonna be great!

[@GeorgRockallSchmidt]

Great stuff from one of my favorite history buffs. Cheers

[@thaneofwhiterun3562]

All I'll say is that this video deserves a Round of Applause. Good to see Andy flexing his Filmmaking and directing credentials, this channel has come far indeed.

[@Andy_Babb]

Thank you 😎

[@sithmans]

"In Defense of Puritanism" is one of my favorite videos on this channel. I'm so glad you're making a series about Sudbury. It's oddly fascinating and very well made. Can't wait for the next two parts!

[@anthonyhayes1267]

I thought that narrator's voice was familiar. Good job snatching up the best man for the task.

[@mylesjude233]

Who's the narrator voice

[@samrevlej9331]

@@mylesjude233History Time (also hosts Voices of the Past).

[@mylesjude233]

Oh thanks for the info ❤

[@shanefoster2132]

Atun is a great narrator himself and, for whatever reason he did not take up the task here, this narrator does superb work as well.

[@bogtrotter17]

I love the consistency of quality but diversity of style when it comes to content. This really is a channel. I have literally laughed out loud and shed a tear when watching the content over the years. And everything in between. Well done. I also can't wait to see the Sudbury Devil.

[@elijahbrown9738]

This combination of script and narration made me way more invested in this subject than i would have assumed from the video topic. Edit: videography and editing is perfect.

[@WolfgangDoghouse]

Wonderful! I really appreciate how you highlight the agriculture economy mindset that was our foundation; forests are timber, fields are pastures for cattle. It's no wonder we have so many environmental problems today when we understand these upbringings.

[@WampusWrangler]

Wow. This completely blew me away. Excellently written and produced. From the beautiful Ken Burns-esque shots that really make you feel like you're stepping foot into a wild land for the the first time, to the excellent choice of soundtrack and your soothing narration, the production and direction was amazing. Also your telling of the history was excellent. Detailed first hand accounts in a way that tells a story, my favorite way to learn history. I very much appreciate how you centered the indigenous perspective and put it into contrast with the puritan perspective. Pretty insane to think about two vastly different groups of people with vastly different ideas about how humans relate to the land coming into contact with one another. I often think about the puritan's interactions in the new world from the perspective of their extreme religious zealotry, but I forget about how extremely legalistic their society was as well. Having the natives sign their names on contracts for land deeds when only one party even considers private property to be a real thing is pretty wild to think about. Anyways you did a great job telling the whole story by capturing both perspectives. Thanks for making this and for letting us view it for free! Very excited for part two

[@Maxaldojo]

Delicious! The narrator is relatively serious and then Andy comes in with period perfect dialect and I'm crackin' up!!! More please! Can't wait for the next chapter.

[@Stoneworks]

25:50 it's these narrative speculations of what a migration like this would ordinarily look like that makes this come most alive for me. I love stuff like this in history

[@soulman4292]

It’s just so beautiful that we live in a age where we can get these unbelievably gorgeous, and detailed documentary films for free, and literally anyone with what is considered simple everyday objects like a smart phone can watch, listen, and learn about a subject that only 20 years ago would have been the domain of serious academic research in a prestigious institution. God damn I love this channel, and love living in the age of knowledge, and understanding. Atun-Shei really is a god tier KZbinr. Just dropping masterpiece after masterpiece.

[@AtunSheiFilms]

I often have a pretty pessimistic view of the internet but that's a great point

[@soulman4292]

@@AtunSheiFilms The internet really can be a terrible place, but in my experience as not only a consumer, but an active participant in its evolution/Revolution I’ve found it to be the reason the world is indeed so very small today. The knowledge I gained on this very platform allowed me to pick up skills, abilities, and knowledge that took me to some pretty incredible places when I was very young. It’s important to have guides for our internet experience, and I consider you, and your team to be some of the absolute best that have ever graced our screens.

[@soulman4292]

Plus your funny as all hell, and don’t take yourself too seriously. You’re exactly the down to earth voice that we need. Even if you are indeed a masshole.

[@antonnurwald5700]

​@@AtunSheiFilmssure the Internet brings out the worst in people, but it also brings out the very best. I mean, in all my life as a TV consumer i never saw stuff as gripping and well-researched as this. I can't even look at the shit they call documentaries any more. Sure there have always been great independent film makers, but getting access to the stuff, even learning it exists? That's the World Wide Web.

[@lambdaweaponscache5394]

The way in which you described the erosion of historical significant sites into becoming hardly remarkable locations, such as front lawns or traffic intersections, is a very relatable experience. While vacationing in the lake Tahoe and Truckee area, me, and my family visited the Donner party, memorial site, where the ill fated families got stuck in the winter of 1849, and had to resort to cannibalism while weathering out severe snow storms, is now a gift shop located right next to a busy highway cutting through the mountain. Everything everywhere is always moving, forever.

[@RakeeshJ4]

What a fun, thoughtful, relaxing and yet compelling documentary. It blends deeper, more intricate history with the prosaic in a very engaging way. Looking forward with pleasure to the next installment:)

[@stephanenephisechapuis7757]

What a magnificent historical approach, focusing on a small, specific place. I'm French and, strictly speaking, not a real enthusiast of the history of the Americas, but the dynamics of colonisation highlighted in this masterly way fascinated me. Not to mention the particularly moving and well-documented account of the indigenous populations and their long history, which has been rendered almost imperceptible by the horrific sequence of events that followed.

[@rednovember2205]

This is one of the best documentaries of small town America I have ever seen. It’s like a Bob Ross painting of history. Delightful to watch and listen to. Great job.

[@russellmiles2861]

I felt it was one of the best documentaries I have ever heard. I was almost crying at parts.

[@Curtisgoesplaces]

Andrew, your documentaries keep getting better and better. This is AMAZING! I’m an 11th grade American history and AP US History and you published this just in time for my unit. I’ll be showing this in class and having them answer questions along the way and then will use the resources you posted (thank you for that) in writing a cause and effect analysis of the ever expanding Puritan settlements.

[@Rainwarlord]

As a Massachusetts resident, I can say this is your best work so far. Keep it up. Great narrator too!

[@Greyboar]

I get overly excited every time one of these videos about Sudbury comes out, until I realize it's not about Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Then I just get a normal amount excited cause we get a new Atun-Shei video

[@erinmac4750]

Not to worry. You're not forgotten. There are those of us geology nerds out here, who know that you're famous for some distinct formations that get debate going every few years. 💜🇨🇦✌️😎

[@CapitulationTrader]

This is not to sound trite, but it was obvious you would up here. Your passion and knowledge was bound to end up creating this well produced and original content. This unique and incomparable approach to New England history is simply fantastic. I always knew you could do it. Thanks for your continued work in creating this media. Sincerely

[@lynxk7667]

Absolutely terrific! That final flyover in the credits (and with an excellent choice in music) really helped to give one a small insight into the natural beauty still remaining in New England. It being so magnificent today, one can scarcely imagine how magnificent it was to behold when these Europeans came across it and seen... resource tiles. I greatly anticipate the continuation.

[@DiamondKingStudios]

I would say that the quality of this video is on par with many television documentaries. Great work!

[@nickstod5789]

some of my favorite history youtubers collaborating for some pre-Columbian and early colonial history, love to see it

[@Elios0000]

this is amazing I NEED MORE OF THIS! PLEASE DO collab like this on the Chesapeake!

[@user-ek5ci2uk7l]

Chesapeake and down into the James River are would be amazing

[@prezpolk4ever]

The City of Henricus, chartered to host the College of William and Mary, would make a truly fascinating subject.

[@erinmac4750]

Agreed! I have roots going all the way back from this area, including Pamunkey lineage, so this would be a must see for me. 💚✊

[@taylor6528]

i'm from wayland - i started watching your videos for the checkmate, lincolnites series, and had no idea you were from here until one of the king philips' videos. watching the opening of this was so uncanny, just for how familiar all those places were! you've put in a truly commendable amount of work into this - both like the construction of the video itself and all the research behind it - and its so interesting to see a documentary about a small suburb like this, but if i'm honest, particularly because i grew up there. i had no idea about most of this, if any. thank you for sharing this with us, esp for free!! i'm probably going to end up sending it to my family who still lives there. hope ur having a good day!

[@patrickblanchette4337]

Great video folks; I’m looking forward to part 2.

[@AtunSheiFilms]

It's all written, mostly shot and about half the voiceover recorded so hopefully it will be out pretty soon!

[@nathangibbons9492]

this is TV worthy! this is why you're one of my favorite channels

[@samuelkatz1124]

I spent my teenage years in Marlborough, Mass. It's going to be fun to hear this channel talk about the events of the towns I drove through and visited so often

[@flatbunny]

Yes. Oh yes. This was very good. A beautifully shot, wonderfully narrated documentary with a great classical soundtrack is just what I needed today. I can not wait for the follow up episodes. Well done.

[@jacktingey7886]

Wonderful video! So many people never stop and consider how their hometown got the way it did, and how much injustice was committed along the way.

[@jebediahthegreat3160]

Dude please turn this into a series that would be absolutely sick. Like this but I’m varying regions of the US would be awesome

[@antlerbraum2881]

I always love deep dives into specific local history, I’ve done that myself in my own town and I love to know as much as possible about the history of wherever I am. Edit: I like how you got a British guy to do the narration, I think this adds some professional depth lol

[@eliscanfield3913]

Pete has a lot of fascinating long-form docs, too.

[@antlerbraum2881]

@@eliscanfield3913I know he’s great, so glad to see them collaborating

[@yrobtsvt]

At the Boston Athenæum there is a section that has so many old books about little Massachusetts towns like this. And they don't even cover the Indian side -- that part is in little local history journals, which I see you have cited in this video. I am fascinated by how much lies behind every little town.

[@meemo32086]

That was excellent!! Really enjoyed the sound track and the photography! The pre-historical background was very interesting and really added a much better understanding. Thank you!!

[@willlee6095]

👏🏻 This is on a Ken Burns level. Let’s go!! 🙌🏻

[@marcelinebellafiore8695]

oh, this fucking rules. I've been yearning for more historical documentary-style videos from this channel.

[@zarkostojanovic8749]

You have exceeded yourself, Sir. Absolutely sublime film-making. Can't wait for the next episode.

[@rhys7877]

YES! Thank you for giving me a 40 minute binge on precontact north america!!!!

[@Gravelgratious]

My god whenever Andy drops a new video I watch his entire catalog!

[@amandaruth9566]

Love this. I grew up in Pepperell, which was part of the mentioned town of Groton in these early days of English settlement.

[@russellmiles2861]

This is the most beautiful and wonderous story by Atun-Shei films.

[@1000Tomatoes]

This is fantastically done.

[@John-tb5se]

love our local history, great video

[@a_boy_yclept_sue]

Absolutely gorgeous photography! Atun-Shei Films keeps raising the bar and we're all sitting around wondering "Hey, where'd the bar go?"

[@history_by_lamplight]

Also, you're KILLING IT with your art nowadays, Andy. ❤

[@devinmceneany4285]

I love this series so much I’ve wanted it at least 4 times probably more

[@Buzzy_Bland]

Just watched part of the stream you had with Knowing Better, and with this I’m pleasantly surprised to learn how interconnected the history community on KZbin is. I’ve really gotta expand who I watch.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

While Pete Kelly's voice is a smooth and rich gift to the ears, in every sentence, Atun-Shei's writing with its dripping sarcasm and acerbic wit, shines through.

[@edmundriddle3847]

This is absolutely…unequivocally and totally…excellent 🌌

[@aidanb.c.2325]

My grandmother's maiden name was Rice. Through her, I am a three-times descendant of Deacon Edmund Rice and Thomasine Frost of Sudbury (cousin marriage was common and standard at the time). In the mid 18th century, our ancestors left the area and resettled in the Berkshire hills, where I still reside. My grandmother was very proud of her English Puritan heritage, though she didn't know too much about it. I was raised in her Congregationalist faith (though no longer practice it). I grew up next to a cemetery with many stones dedicated to our Rice relatives (and I'm particularly proud of the veterans of the War of 1812 and the Civil War among them). My grandmother spoke with what I can only call an "old Yankee country accent" - it sounded decidedly old-fashioned and almost southern English at times to my ears. Also, as an anthropologist and former teacher of Native American studies, thank you for placing the indigenous peoples front and center in this retelling of history. As other commenters have mentioned, they have so often and routinely been left out of our New England history. Which is a travesty, for they are essential to it (as they have been and continue to be across all of American societies).

[@antonnurwald5700]

You people habe spoiled us for TV, i hope you're proud of yourselves.

[@HistoryWithCoachT]

This is Amazing content man.

[@CthulhuSpawn2112]

Hot damn that introduction was gripping as hell. I am excited!

[@nsick]

I used to drive around here a lot for work and I appreciate the scenery. Thanks for taking me back!

[@TheUniversalNetworks]

You videos are so good. They spark real wonder and joy

[@christophermeade1532]

Another Video? Excellent!

[@ericroy3466]

You did a bloody brilliant job man, honestly felt nostalgic to the history documentaries that I used to watch as a kid, only this is better and has a less comedic sounding brit. If I wasn't piss poor I would give to your patreon, this is fricking awesome.

[@alexteague9075]

Quality content as ever sir! 👏

[@thomassmith8140]

That intro made me coom, I've been wanting to start my own channel just like this.

[@MarinaBeeBalm]

And so, I need to thank you for bringing my ancestors, The Haynes, to life. I committed acts of genealogy and learned of my great grandmother's family origins. I grew up on the South Shore, Sudbury is another world. Thanks again.

[@HotRatsAndTheStooges]

Wow. Best thing I've seen on this channel by far. This is fantastic

[@patrickmay7038]

Absolutely brilliant work yet again.

[@zanders]

Holy shit. This is like, a real thing you made here. Way to go dude.

[@Chris-ms3xw]

Absolutely crazy to see one of my favorite KZbinrs do a video about the town I’m from and live in. It feels super weird to see my hometown in something like this, thanks for the new perspective and trippy experience lol

[@Echo2-2]

This video is absolutely incredible! The topic is something I know next to nothing about so this is fascinating stuff. Well done!

[@dariuslateralus7128]

Who else low-key expected the narrative to turn absolutely insane within 5 min? I never was happier to be disappointed! Great documentary, as a European archaeologist and historian I only had one in-depth lecture about pre-Columbian America. Atun-Shei is a hidden treasure of American history❤

[@meaghanmcclure8719]

I love how, in a documentary filled with sweeping, placid wide shots, the second the Puritan's attitudes towards Native American religion are discussed (35:36), we return to the rough, disorienting style of Andy's earlier Puritan documentary. Awesome work.

[@freaktown2109]

This reminds me of the classic history channel documentaries in every great way is amazing

[@golu_badbola]

Utmost care was taken in making this documentary and it shows. A+content as always

[@TOBAPNW_]

Nice English Accent, Andrew! You almost had me fooled

[@Embracehistoria]

This is my favourite comment.

[@smokeythebear1633]

Unbelievable quality. Truly incredible.

[@plebkingx551]

High quality. historical. cinematic. chefs kiss!

[@euansmith3699]

Andy soils us once again. The production and substance of this video are excellent. Plus, it is nice to hear a regional English accent in the Narration. Pete Kelly speaks so clearly.

[@nicolasskaric4768]

That Ma Vlast opening really hit the spot goddaaaaamn Smetana is a chad

[@feildpres]

fantastic history dude!!! Can't wait for part 2!

[@Thegreatarrowguard12]

4:3 aspect ratio you know it's gonna be peak!!

[@MarkLitchfield]

This is fabulous. My ancestral family is from in Scituate, MA. Landing in 1642-43-ish. My father, brother and I made a trip not long ago to do more genealogy research in to the family. Those regions - Scituate, Barnstable, Sudbury, etc - have some of the most beautiful history. Well done sir.

[@kaelmcmanus3791]

As someone familiar with Central MA, the first section of this video was especially interesting and well done to me, and I would absolutely love anything more like it about other towns. Also regretting not being able to get a ticket to the Boston showing of The Sudbury Devil before they sold out

[@andrewkathe3471]

Greetings from Littleton 😂 I got tickets for Coolidge corner, that's the theater I go see old movies at

[@Vintus7]

This was incredibly done, thank you for making it.

[@alfiemorrison7741]

You keep outdoing yourself, bravo.

[@vishwamitrangasepam4555]

Brilliant work as always

[@swissarmyknight4306]

I absolutely adore this channel.

[@Artur_M.]

Amazing collaboration! It caught me a bit of guard when I clicked on the notification and heard the voice from another channel I like. 😅

[@kvltntr00]

i was in the middle of watching the newest History Time and Pete Kelly vids and was utterly confused at hearing his voice on a third vid in a row

[@macfilms9904]

Pete was a great choice for narrator. He's got such a great voice for it.

[@AtunSheiFilms]

Yeah, he's a natural.

[@christophevandenberghe8531]

The first few seconds I thought Andy mastered a new accent😂

[@ryanconners3048]

This is amazing and is exactly what I want to watch on this channel! Excellent job, I want more!

[@susansaoirse2797]

Imagine my delight tuning in to hear Pete Kelly. I know it's going to be good.

[@itsjustjoe3790]

Wow! Great editing and selection of shots. This is well done. Very well done sir.

[@jarvia9882]

Thanks!