Maine

Interviewee Collection Sort ascending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Sherry Lee Parks Carr Creek Oral History Project

Sherry Parks was born and raised in the rural landscapes of Kentucky, where she spent her formative years immersed in the tight-knit community of Carr Creek. Her upbringing was characterized by the simplicity and warmth of rural life, where education often took place in modest one-room schoolhouses. Sherry's family roots in Carr Creek run deep, with her ancestors having settled in the area, contributing to the local culture and economy.

Nicole Musgrave North Vassalboro, ME Berea College Special Collections & Archives, Kentucky Oral History Commission
Christopher Knight Young Fishermen in the Northeast United States

Christopher Knight, 27 years old at the time of the interview, is a lobster boat deckhand in Matinicus and Spruce Head, ME. As a son and grandson of fishermen, he started fishing in the single digits. Unfortunately, a house fire destroyed the documentation of his student lobstering hours just before he turned eighteen, putting a fulltime commercial lobster license out of reach for him. Despite this setback, Christopher has continued to work as a fulltime fisherman.

Sarah Schumann Rockport, ME NOAA
Dustin Delano Young Fishermen in the Northeast United States

Dustin Delano, 28 years old at the time of the interview, is owner-operator of the F/V Knotty Lady, a lobster boat out of Friendship, Maine. Dustin started fishing at age 11, the fourth generation in his family to follow this line of work. After taking a meandering path through higher education, he wound up back in his hometown doing what he loves: lobstering. He is one of several captains to capitalize on ecological changes by developing a menhaden seine fishery in Midcoast Maine.

Sarah Schumann Rockport, ME NOAA
Eben Nieuwkerk Young Fishermen in the Northeast United States

Eben Nieuwkerk, 29 years old at the time of the interview, is the owner-operator of two gillnet and lobster boats in Portland and Kennebunkport, ME.

Scope and Content Note

Sarah Schumann Wells, ME NOAA
Parker Poole Young Fishermen in the Northeast United States

Parker Poole, 31 years old at the time of the interview, runs a marine salvage and towing business and fishes commercially on the side in Portland, ME. Despite lobstering in high school, he did not log enough hours to meet the qualification criteria to receive a Maine lobster license, so he made the decision not to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time fisherman.

Sarah Schumann Rockport, ME NOAA
David Vallee NOAA Heritage Oral History Project

David Vallee is the Hydrologist-in-Charge of the National Weather Service’s Northeast River Forecast Center. The center provides detailed water resource and life-saving flood forecasting services to National Weather Service Forecast Offices and the hundreds of federal, state and local water resource entities throughout the Northeast and New York. David has worked for the National Weather Service for 30 years, serving in a variety of positions including Senior Service Hydrologist at the Taunton Weather Forecast Office from 1993-2000 and as Science and Operations Officer from 2001-2006.

Molly Graham Scarborough, ME NOAA Heritage Program, National Weather Service
Herbert Carter, Jr. Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Herbert Carter Jr. is a commercial shellfish harvester from Deer Isle, ME.

Scope and Content Note

Galen Koch Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Freda McKie and Edwin McKie Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Edwin and Freda McKie are experienced lobster fishermen based in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Edwin began his fishing career in 1971 and purchased his own boat and license in 1973, while Freda joined him in lobster fishing in 1982.

Scope and Content Note

Galen Koch, Giulia Cardoso Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Kyle Pepperman Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Kyle Pepperman, a marine biologist at the Downeast Institute (DEI) in Jonesboro, ME. He specializes in shellfish cultivation, with a focus on growing blue mussels and clams. With expertise in hatchery techniques, he explores innovative approaches to improve clam management practices and promote sustainable aquaculture in Eastern Maine.

Scope and Content Note

Natalie Springuel, Eliza Oldach Rockland, ME University of California, Davis, Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Dave Cousens and Edwin McKie Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Dave Cousens is a veteran lobster fisherman from Waterman's Beach, South Thomaston, Maine. He played a crucial role in fostering cooperation between American and Canadian lobster fishermen. Dave's dedication to sustainable fishing practices and his efforts to educate younger generations about the industry have made him a respected leader in the lobster community.

Natalie Springuel, Corina Gribble Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum