Everett Nack
The Hudson River Maritime Museum’s Hudson River Commercial Fishermen’s Oral History Collection
The Hudson River Maritime Museum’s Hudson River Commercial Fishermen’s Oral History Collection consists of interviews with commercial fishermen conducted in the early 1980s and early 1990s. Locations discussed range from New York City to Albany and time periods from the 1920s to the 1990s. The focus of these interviews is primarily on the decline of the commercial fishing industry, including changes in fishing techniques and gear, changes in water quality and pollution, economic and market changes, and changes in fishing populations, including government regulation.
Content note: Some of the terminology used in these interviews reflects the time period and personalities of the people being interviewed and not that of the Hudson River Maritime Museum or New York Heritage.
You can explore this collection and others at: https://nyheritage.org/collections/oral-histories-hudson-river-commercial-fishermen
On May 3, 1984, Everett Nack was interviewed about his experiences and perspectives on fishing and river-related activities. The interview covers a wide range of topics, including Nack's fishing practices, observations of environmental changes in the Hudson River, and the impacts of dredging and pollution on local fish populations. Nack shares anecdotes about sturgeon and other species, as well as his insights into the challenges facing the fishing community, such as disease outbreaks and regulatory issues. He also reflects on the cultural and economic significance of fishing in the region and recounts stories of collaboration and camaraderie among local fishermen. Nack provides a detailed account of mid-20th-century fishing practices, environmental concerns, and the social dynamics of river communities.
On May 5, 1984, Everett Nack talks about his life as a commercial fisherman and his deep connection to the Hudson River. He discusses his early years in Germantown, New York, his transition from fishing as a pastime to a livelihood, and his diverse ventures, including goldfish trapping, snapping turtle harvesting, and shad fishing. Nack elaborates on the methods and tools used in his trade, highlighting the challenges posed by environmental changes and market dynamics. He also reflects on the evolving river community and the decline of certain fishing practices due to pollution and regulation.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.