Nancy Harrington

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Women in the New England Fisheries

Description

The Women in the New England Fisheries Oral History Project aims to capture and preserve the diverse and compelling narratives of women who have made significant contributions to the fishing industry in the New England region. Through a series of in-depth interviews, this project seeks to illuminate the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of women involved in various aspects of the fisheries, including fishing families, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers. By documenting their stories, this project strives to honor the pivotal roles of women in shaping the New England fisheries and to provide valuable insights into the changing dynamics of gender, communication, and policy within the industry.

Affiliation
Date of Interview
10-21-2006
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Biographical Sketch

Nancy Harrington has deep roots in the fishing and processing industry. Starting as a young worker in a sardine factory, she became a steadfast figure in the industry, working as a fish packer.  Nancy’s husband is a lobster fisherman and house painter. Nancy worked at the Stinson Cannery in Prospect Harbor, Maine, for forty-four years.  

Scope and Content Note
Nancy describes her early days in a sardine factory and becoming a seasoned fish packer. She discusses challenges such as health issues and financial struggles but says her family is a source of support.  The interview captures diverse facets, including work conditions, personal experiences, family connections, financial matters, and community involvement. Nancy shares insights into the evolution of her work at a cannery, changes in employment patterns, and interactions with colleagues. Her personal life, family dynamics, and financial strategies are discussed, shedding light on broader societal changes.  Nancy also shares her viewpoints on religion, community, family, and work.  Nancy's experiences as a cannery worker are detailed, with concerns about fish quality and the potential impact of the closure on different groups.  She shares her insights into cannery operations and her awareness of other industries like sea cucumber processing. The conversation also touches on community issues, such as drug and alcohol use. Finally, she reflects on her community, the local restaurants, and the fishing and clamming industries in Maine.


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