Ann Jardin-Maynard

The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project
This project documents the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project began in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, educational celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals from other ports around the country. Folklorist and Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar and Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are project leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.
Janice Gadaire Fleuriel
On September 21, 2007, Janice Gadaire Fleuriel interviewed Ann Jardin-Maynard as part of The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project. Ann Jardin-Maynard shares her perspective on the fishing industry. She describes growing up in New Bedford, Massachusetts and her connection to the local fishing culture. Ann traces her career path from joining Kevin Dawson's accounting firm after college to becoming a partner. She shares the intricacies of the settlement business, where her expertise spans from boat shares systems to the challenges posed by changing regulations. Her settlement house has earned a reputation for its advanced computer systems and professionalism, serving clients from New Bedford to Alaska and even working with prominent figures like Captain Jonathan Hillstrand from “Deadliest Catch.” Ann’s contributions to fishermen’s financial stability, especially in navigating tax complexities, stand out as a defining aspect of her career. As the interview concludes, Ann emphasizes the evolving nature of the industry, the importance of community support, and the enduring dedication of those involved. Her insights offer a window into the fishing heritage of New Bedford and shed light on the industry’s continued vitality amidst changing times and its deep connections to local history and culture.
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