In this interview, Jane Smith speaks with family friend Sam Olson about her journey to becoming an archaeologist and building a career in the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska. She shares the influences that sparked her interest in archaeology, the education and training she pursued, and the unique experiences she’s had working in one of Alaska’s most remote and ecologically rich regions. The interview was recorded on May 9, 2025, as part of an assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Gina Esposito speaks with her daughter, Sam Olson, about the experiences and inspirations that led her to become an archaeologist and eventually settle in Petersburg, Alaska. Gina reflects on her early interests, educational journey, and the pivotal moments that influenced her career choice. The interview was recorded in the spring of 2025 as part of a class assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Susan Erickson speaks with student employee Elias Ward about her journey from growing up in Detroit, Michigan, to moving to Petersburg, Alaska. She shares how she established the Petersburg Wrangell Insurance Company. The interview was recorded in the Spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Aileen Eilenberger shares a heartfelt conversation with her daughter, Ashley, reflecting on her life journey from the Philippines to Petersburg. She recounts the cultural differences between the two places, focusing on the contrasting lifestyles and fishing industries. Aileen speaks about her deep appreciation for family and food, which have remained central values throughout her life. She offers Ashley thoughtful advice on embracing change, being open to other cultures, and trusting herself when faced with life-changing decisions. This interview was recorded in the Spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Richard “Dick” Eide sits down with Adam Perry to reflect on his life growing up in Petersburg, Alaska—where he began fishing as a young boy and teen. His early experiences on the water laid the foundation for a lifelong career as a commercial fisherman and boat owner. Recorded in the Spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, the full interview was unfortunately lost. However, the four surviving clips capture Eide’s deep connection to the fishing industry, the Petersburg community, and his thoughts on the current environmental factors of the fishing industry.

Vicki Curtiss shares with her granddaughter, Adara Curtiss, the story of their family’s roots in Petersburg, beginning with her grandparents’ immigration from Norway. She reflects on how Alaska’s Statehood impacted their family’s fish processing business, the origins of the Little Norway Festival and designing Petersburg’s Norwegian Bunad—highlighting the family’s continued celebration of their heritage. Vicki also honors the remarkable legacy of five generations working in the same fish processing company—an enduring symbol of cultural pride and economic contribution to the community. This interview was recorded in the spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Thomas Cumps talks with Caleb Lutomski about his journey to the United States and what ultimately brought him to Petersburg. He shares his experience as the owner of Northern Lights Smokery, discussing the challenges and rewards of running a local business. Thomas also speaks about his involvement with the Five Finger Lighthouse Society. This interview was recorded in the Spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

Rick Brock speaks with his student and player, Thomas Olsen-Phillips, about the journey that led him to Petersburg. He reflects on his hobbies, his experiences in the classroom and on the court, and shares memorable moments from his years of coaching and teaching. As he approaches retirement, Rick looks back with gratitude and pride on the relationships he’s built and the impact he’s had throughout his career. This interview was recorded in April of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

Danny Bird shares with his daughter, Addyson, the story of what brought him to Petersburg and how he became involved with the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department, eventually rising to the role of Fire Chief. Their conversation explores his commitment to service and leadership in the community. Addyson asks Danny about important topics such as mental health awareness for first responders, his experience using Narcan as an EMT, and his efforts in developing the Junior Volunteer Firefighter program to inspire and train the next generation. This interview was recorded in the Spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

Rebecca Anderson shares with her son, Markus, how her career has grown and changed throughout her journey as a mother. She reflects on starting out as a bus driver and eventually transitioning to a position with the State of Alaska Department of Transportation as a Heavy Equipment Operator. This interview was recorded in the Spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

Beloved dance teacher Mindy Anderson shares her dance journey with Dakota Caples. She recounts how she founded her dance studio in Petersburg and how it gradually evolved into the Mitkof Dance Troupe. Through her dedication and passion for the arts, Mindy helped foster a strong dance community in the town, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. This interview was recorded in the Spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

Tlingít  Elder, Jeanette Ness, talks to Rebecca Fisher about learning and passing on their culture. They share a conversation about what it means to be a Tlingít woman. This interview was recorded in the spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Tlingít Elder, artist, lawyer, and judge Debra O’Gara, Dzijúksuk, speaks with student Oliver Petersen about her lifelong dedication to serving Tribal Governments, advocating for Indigenous rights, and preserving Alaska Native culture. In the interview, recorded in Spring 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, O’Gara shares her passion for RavensTail weaving—a traditional art form she now teaches and sells. This conversation highlights her commitment to cultural resilience, legal advocacy, and passing knowledge to the next generation.

Kate Thompson talks to her father, Harold Thompson, and family friend, Roxy Lee, about how they became such good friends, about opening Lee’s Clothing, the maiden voyage of the Alaska Marine Highway, and how fishing gear has changed over time. This interview was recorded in the Spring of 2024 as an assignment in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at Petersburg High School.

High School Coaches and brothers, Rick and Dino Brock, sit down with student player, Devon Guthrie, and Petersburg Indigenous Awareness Committee members, Diane Benson and Kari Petersen, to discuss the pride basketball brings to a community, the history of basketball in Southeast, and what basketball has brought to their lives.

Will Ware talks with Kari Petersen about growing up in Petersburg, being raised by his Lingít Grandparents, Billy and Marth James. He tells about traditional Lingít harvesting methods and storage of foods before refrigeration that he was taught. Will discusses the traditional structure of Lingít society and cultural protocols needed to keep the ancient culture alive today.