Those who have been asking what all this centennial fuss is about should check out “Remember the Maine.”

The one-hour documentary by Maine Public Television will be premiered at 3 p.m. Saturday at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer. Its on-air debut will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, on MPT stations.

What “Remember the Maine” offers is perspective on an important turning point in U.S. history. Depending on a person’s political leanings, it was either when America became a global power or when the United States started meddling in other countries’ affairs.

But the documentary provides much more than just context. It recaps the battleship’s history, looks at the growing tension with Spain, the explosion and sinking of the ship and the continuing debate over a cause.

“Remember the Maine” could have been dry as dirt. But the producers, Mal Leary of Maine Public Radio and Don Carrigan and Nick Woodward, both of Maine Public Television, go the extra mile to develop a documentary that is both informative and lively.

The story of the USS Maine is told first by historians and experts, both from Maine and away. Even the Spanish viewpoint is represented by Jaime Ojdea, formerly the Spanish ambassador to the United States.

The research for “Remember the Maine” is impeccable, with photographs, film and artwork gathered from throughout the United States. There’s even footage taken by one of the world’s first videographers, Thomas Edison. These visuals allow the viewer to journey back into the late 19th century, when the Maine’s story unfolds.

The Battleship Maine’s chronicle also is told through the words of its officers and crew, re-enacted by such local voices as broadcaster Dan Hannigan and actors Mark Torres and Bob Libbey. Voicing Clara Barton was Eugenie DeHaas of Orono, whose grandfather was Lt. John Blandin, an officer on the Battleship Maine.

Also setting the stage are such period songs as “My Sweetheart Went Down With the Maine,” “The Wreck of the Maine” and “Battleship of Maine,” all re-recorded with local talent for the documentary.

What unfolds from this labor of love is that the time period of the Maine comes to life, allowing the viewers to appreciate the ship’s proper place in history. It’s more than just a rusting hulk sunk off the coast of Cuba, and “Remember the Maine” spells out why, in one quick, entertaining hour.

“Remember the Maine” will air at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15; 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16; and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22.