This is one of a set of 15 oral histories with Portuguese immigrant fishermen who worked out of the port of New Bedford. The project was sponsored by a NOAA Preserve America grant. In this interview, Mr. Palhais talks about his life in a small fishing village in Portugal, how he came to the U.S. and his experience living and fishing in New Bedford. Included in his history is a very detailed description of fishing techniques in the mouth of the Mondego River in Figueira da Foz as well as salt-making techniques in the same area and in Angola.

On September 25, 2010, Mark Starr interviewed Antonio Perreira for the Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project.  Antonio Perreira also known as "Tony the Plumber," has worked as a full-time pipe fitter on the waterfront since 1976.  Antonio discusses his childhood in Portugal before he immigrated to New Bedford at the age of 13.  He chronicles how he started learning plumbing, and eventually started working on fishing vessels.

This is one of a set of 15 oral histories with Portuguese immigrant fishermen who worked out of the port of New Bedford. The project was sponsored by a NOAA Preserve America grant. Maria Santos tells the story of her husband António Santos while he lies nearby, unable to tell his own story due to Alzheimer's disease. At times, their sons Mario and Joe Santos add details. António was born in 1929 in the fishing village of Gala, near the city of Figueira da Foz.

Ms. Baker tells a story about a trip she took as an observer for NOAA.

On September 24, 2005, Millie Rahn interviewed Armando Estudante as part of the Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project. Armando is a fisherman and entrepreneur. Born in Portugal, he immigrated to the United States in 1978 when he was in his 50s. While he was initially visiting his parents in Philadelphia, he took a trip to New Bedford and discovered the city's vibrant fishing community. He decided to settle there permanently. Armando already had experience in the fishing industry as he was in charge of a fleet of boats in Portugal.

On November 9, 2006 Millie Rahn interviewed Arne Ole Andersen as part of the Working Waterfront Festival Documentation Project. Arne shares memories from his childhood growing up in a fishing and farming village in Denmark. He began his maritime career at fourteen, working on Baltic traders and later on larger ships, including Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish vessels. He sailed on American ships during the Korean War and settled in New Bedford, where he fished primarily out of the port.

On September 25, 2004 Millie Rahn interviewed Woody Bowers, who was joined by his daughter and son-in-law, Sue & Rodney Murray, as part of the Working Waterfront Festival Documentation Project. Woody discusses his life as a commercial fisherman in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and his experiences in the Merchant Marines during World War II. Sue Murray, Woody’s daughter, shares what it was like growing up with a father who was often out at sea. Rodey Murray, Sue’s husband, serves as a captain of a scallop boat.

Arthur "Swede" Nelson is a seasoned fisherman with extensive experience in the fishing industry of Woods Hall. Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, he ventured into commercial fishing after graduating from high school in 1926. Swede fished out of Providence for a few years before joining the Coast Guard and later returning to Provincetown for a couple more years. In 1934, he made his way to Woods Hall and began fishing on the Charles Fossey, a vessel owned by Sam Cahoon. Swede became well-known among his peers and was often referred to as "Sweet Nelson" in the fishing community.

Interview with Barbara Martineau.

Interview with Barbara Martineau.