In this colorful, awardwinning PBS documentary, Mennonite historian John Ruth takes us sympathetically into the Amish mindset. An updated look at Amish origins, beliefs, farm life, childhood, school, worship, recreation, courtship, horse transportation, barnraising, land pressures and cottage industry.

The Amish continue to intrigue their technologycurrent neighbors by keeping alive ways and beliefs that many modern Americans regard as irretrievably lost to progress. In this colorful, awardwinning documentary, newly revised and augmented, Mennonite historian John L. Ruth takes us sympathetically into the Amish mindset. Appreciative neighbors, a wellknown physician, an artist, and respected scholar John A. Hostetler, author of Amish Society, provide insightful commentary on the survival of an alternative to the kind of world we have made. As the Amish increase exponentially in numbers, some migrate toward more open farmland. Those staying in centuriesold communities where the land is too crowded to farm have developed an amazing variety of cottage industries. But all changes are made very carefully, in order not to undermine the spiritual covenant and community.

Director: Burton Buller, Jay Ruth
Starring: John L. Ruth, John A. Hostettler, Harley Wagler