Jane Smith

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Jane Smith

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.

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Gina Esposito

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Gina Esposito

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.

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Susan Erickson

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Susan Erickson

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.

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Marilyn "Aileen" Eilenberger

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Marilyn "Aileen" Eilenberger

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.

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Richard "Dick" Eide

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Richard "Dick" Eide

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.

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Vicki Curtiss

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Vicki Curtiss

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.

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Thomas Cumps

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Thomas Cumps

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.

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