Lisa Whitman-Grice

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town

Description

For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Video
Abstract

Matthew Barr interviewed Lisa Whitman-Grice for the Wild Caught project. Whitman-Grice is the Assistant Director of the Onslow County Museum in North Carolina, where she has worked for 13 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public history from East Carolina University and a master's in public history and museum administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Originally from Onslow County, she returned after her studies to preserve the history of her community and family, which has deep roots in the region. In the interview, Whitman-Grice discusses her family's long-standing connection to Onslow County, noting ancestors who arrived in the 18th century and grandparents who were stationed at Camp Lejeune during World War II. She describes the significance of natural resources in the development of Onslow County, highlighting how the area’s waterways, forests, and fertile land shaped the livelihoods of early settlers, Native Americans, and subsequent European arrivals. Whitman-Grice emphasizes the importance of these resources in shaping the county’s culture, particularly in the communities like Sneads Ferry, where fishing and farming were central occupations. The interview explores the history of commercial fishing in Onslow County, which initially served as supplemental income for farmers before becoming more established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Whitman-Grice discusses the labor-intensive nature of early commercial fishing, the artistry involved in tasks such as net-making, and the enduring traditions that have been passed down through generations. She reflects on how coastal communities retain their original character and the deep connection locals have to the sea, emphasizing the importance of preserving these traditions. She expresses optimism about efforts to blend modern fishing technologies with traditional practices, advocating for conservation-minded aquaculture and educational programs that ensure these cultural traditions continue to thrive.


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