History Afloat
Voices from the Working Waterfront
The people who make up the working waterfront play a vital role in our local culture, economy, and our region's rich maritime heritage. To capture their stories, Ketchikan Museums partnered with local photographer Brooke Ratzat to highlight 14 individuals who work in maritime trades in Ketchikan, Metlakatla, and communities on Prince of Wales Island. The interviews give insight into a variety of topics: the interviewees' connection to the working waterfront, specifics about their trade, how the industry has changed over their time, and so much more!
This project builds upon our recent History Afloat: Ketchikan's Historic Wooden Boats project, which documented 11 local historic wooden boats through interviews and photographs. These long-term projects are dedicated to capturing the history of Ketchikan's maritime heritage for future generations. This project has been made possible through funding from the Alaska State Museums' Grant-in-Aid program.
Participants:
- Craig Thomas, F/V Dive Master
- Tessa Frost, Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association
- Brian Kelly and Bryan Frasier, OceansAlaska
- Keenan Sanderson, Ketchikan Indian Community
- Rebekka Esbjornson and Jeff Karlson, Lighthouse Excursions
- Whitney Crittenden, Assistant Area Management Biologist at Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Karen and Greg Updike, Owners of Alaska Commercial Diver
- Umeko Seaver, Port Captain at Alaska Marine Highway System
- Daniel Marsden Sr., Commercial Fisherman and Diver
- Victor C. Wellington Sr., Retired Commercial Fisherman
