Franciso Ferreira
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project is an ongoing oral history project documenting the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project was begun in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, education 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/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.
Francisco Ferreira is a seasoned fisherman based in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born in Portugal, Ferreira immigrated to the United States with his family in 1981 when he was still a baby. His father and grandfather were both fishermen, and Ferreira followed in their footsteps, starting his fishing career at the young age of thirteen. Over the years, he has worked on various fishing vessels and has gained a deep understanding of the fishing industry. Despite the challenges and stereotypes associated with the profession, Ferreira takes pride in his work and has managed to build a successful life around it.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Francisco Ferreira, conducted by Mark Star in September 2012, provides a detailed and personal account of the life of a fisherman. Ferreira discusses his family's history in the fishing industry, his own experiences starting from a young age, and the evolution of fishing practices and technology over the years. He also shares his thoughts on the stereotypes associated with fishermen and the need for a change in public perception. The interview offers valuable insights into the social and cultural aspects of fishing, safety practices, fishing gear and technology, and the business and economic effects of regulation in the industry.
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