James Bradford was born on July 30, 1930, in Morristown, but was raised in Port Norris where he also attended school. After leaving Port Norris, he served in the Navy and was stationed in Norfolk for three years, with a one-year duty in Hawaii. Upon his return, he worked on an oyster boat for Norman Jefferies, Sr. in Greenwich. His parents were Janet Bradford and Earl Bradford, originally from Newport. He had two brothers, Robert and Earl.

John Breslin, Jr. grew up in South Jersey, where both his parents were raised and worked in the Millville, New Jersey area mother,  His mother, Mabel Banks Holt, worked as an office manager for the shucking house F.F. East Co., Inc. in Maurice River Township, New Jersey, from the 1930s to the early 1950s. She traveled across the country for business with oyster wholesalers and clients. After F.F. East's death, Mrs. Holt took charge of the shucking house. Mr. Breslin taught history at Port Norris Elementary School from 1952-57.

Richard Camp is a third-generation railbird pusher (guide). He is the son of Kenneth Camp and grandson of Hise Camp, a well-known family who live along the Maurice River in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, and operated Camp's Farm Market until 2015. Richard started pushing when he was fourteen or fifteen years old in 1970.

Beryl Kane was born and raised in Port Norris, New Jersey. Her mother, Stella Glover Roth, was originally from Camden and Collingswood and was born on July 16, 1896. Beryl recalls her mother as a strict disciplinarian who ensured that her children were always present for dinner when it was ready. Before getting married, Stella worked at the telephone company and later at a corporation where she handled delicate mantels in gas lights. Beryl has a son who is now retired. Alice Gerard, like Beryl, was also born and raised in Port Norris, New Jersey.

Louis Peterson is a seasoned oysterman with a rich history in the oyster industry. Born into a family with a long lineage of oystermen, Peterson represents at least the fourth generation of his family to work in the industry. He is a recognized figure in the National Register of folklore in Washington, DC, known for his extensive knowledge and history of the oyster industry. Peterson is also a skilled craftsman, having built machines for the oyster industry and having a deep understanding of the tools used in oyster harvesting, such as oyster tongs.

Owen J. Carney is a retired state worker from New Jersey who has a unique history with the Salt Hay Rope Making machine, a piece of equipment that is now in the possession of the Bayshore Center at Bivalve. Carney's family history is deeply intertwined with the machine. His father worked for a cast iron pipe company in Camden, NJ, where salt hay rope was used in the making of cast iron pipes. After leaving the company, his father obtained one of the machines and brought it to his property in Port Norris.

Olin McConnell is a passionate storyteller and the grandson of Charles "Chillie" McConnell, a renowned artist. Born and raised in Port Norris, New Jersey, Olin developed an appreciation for his grandfather's artistic legacy from a young age. Growing up surrounded by McConnell's artwork and hearing tales of his grandfather's artistic endeavors, Olin developed a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the impact of art on communities. Olin became a knowledgeable and enthusiastic advocate for preserving his grandfather's artistic contributions.