Robert Fudge talks with Zane Browning about his life and career logging in Southeast Alaska. He reflects on how he got started in logging, the hard work and camaraderie involved. The interview was recorded in the spring of 2025 as part of an assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

In this interview recorded on April 18, 2025, longtime Harbor Master, community leader, and volunteer Glorianne “Glo” Wollen talks with student Trent Kittams. Glo reflects on growing up in a commercial fishing family and how those early experiences shaped her lifelong work. She discusses the history and future of fisheries management, why she’s hopeful for Alaska’s fishing industry, and the development of Petersburg’s waterfront as an important part of the community’s economic future. This interview was recorded for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

In this interview recorded in the spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, Ronald Ware talks with Adrian Ducat about his early years working in the local cannery and his long career with Public Works for the Petersburg Borough, where he served for 34 years. Ronald reflects on his experiences and the changes he’s seen in the community during his lifetime working in Petersburg.

Jessica Toth talks to her son Sean about the differences between living in a Chinese city and rural Alaska. She shares the differences in culture and how her experiences growing up in China has impacted her decision to become a Masseuse specializing in Chinese Medicine. This interview was recorded May 4th, 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

In this interview recorded in the spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, Ed Tagaban talks with his son, Joseph, about the culture of growing up in Petersburg, Alaska, and the many jobs he’s held over the years. Ed reflects on life in a small town “where everyone knows your name,” his experience growing up as the son of immigrants, and how he faced racism as a boy. He also shares what he enjoys most about his current work at the Harbor Master’s Office, offering heartfelt insights into community, resilience, and family in Petersburg.

In this interview recorded in the spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, student Mirranda Carr speaks with Wayne Short about his remarkable life. Wayne shares stories of meeting his wife, Barbara, and their years living in Warm Springs Bay, Alaska after he returned from serving in World War II. He reflects on memories of his family and those who passed before him. An Alaska Pioneer, author, and beloved community member, Mr. Short passed away just a few weeks after this interview at the age of 98.

In this interview recorded in the spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, student athlete Kaden Duke speaks with Rob Schwartz about his life and legacy. Rob talks about growing up in Petersburg, getting his start in commercial fishing, and his journey through college. He reflects on the opportunities that came with returning home to raise his family and build a life in the community. A legendary and well-loved wrestling coach at both Petersburg High School and Middle School, Rob shares his memories of teaching, coaching, and his experiences wrestling.

In this Spring 2025 interview for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, Franz Schonberg speaks with student Izabella Tarquino about the legacy of his great-uncle, Bob Thorstenson, Sr.—a pioneering figure in Petersburg’s history and the Pacific Northwest fishing industry. In the 1960s, Thorstenson became an investor and leader in a single fish processing plant in Petersburg, Alaska that eventually grew into the global company Icicle Seafoods. Franz reflects on the values, grit, and personal sacrifices that fueled this success. He also discusses how the story came full circle in 2025 when Icicle Seafoods was acquired by Silver Bay Seafoods, a modern, fisherman-owned company now at the forefront of Alaska’s salmon processing industry.

Helmer “Bill” Olson speaks with his grandson, Erik Thynes, about his life growing up in Southeast Alaska. Recorded on April 28, 2025, for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, their conversation highlights Bill’s deep connection to the land and community. He shares the many jobs he’s held over the years and reflects on the importance of a subsistence lifestyle.

Judy Ohmer speaks with her grand-niece, Elizabeth Burns, about what it was like growing up in Petersburg during the 1950s and 60s. As part of Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, their conversation explores the contrasts between their two generations and highlights the role that opportunity has played throughout Judy’s life. Through personal stories and reflections, Judy shares how her experiences helped shape the person she is today.

Nathan Midkiff shares his career journey in the local cannery industry with his daughter, Martha. He began working at Petersburg Fisheries in 1976 while still in high school, starting on the slime-line and in the egg room. Eventually working his way up to becoming an electrician. This interview was recorded May 12, 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Sig Mathisen sits down with student deckhand, Erik Edwards, to reflect on his life growing up in Petersburg, Alaska, and his 45-year career as a commercial fisherman. In this spring 2025 interview for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, Sig shares insights into the evolution of fishing gear and technology across the decades. With deep knowledge and optimism, he explains why he remains hopeful about the future of commercial fishing in Petersburg.

In this interview recorded in Spring 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, longtime pastor and community leader Nathan Lopez sits down with his daughter Cadence Lopez. Nathan reflects on leaving his hometown and later returning to serve as pastor of his childhood church. He also shares his experiences serving on the local tribal government and offers his personal thoughts on life in Alaska.

Eleanor Kandoll interviews her grandparents, Brian and Carol, and her father, Scot, about their lives as commercial fishing boat owners and their experiences salmon seining in Southeast Alaska. Recorded in the spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, the conversation explores the family’s ties to Alaska’s fishing industry, the challenges and rewards of life on the water, and the legacy being passed down through generations.

Julie Hursey speaks with Iris Case about her journey to Petersburg, Alaska, initially to earn money for college. What started as a temporary move turned into a long-term commitment as she eventually returned to settle down. Julie shares her deep appreciation for the tight-knit community, highlighting the vital role of KFSK public radio. She reflects on the unique rewards—and challenges—of living in the Alaskan wilderness. This interview was recorded as an assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

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.