With help from numerous people who work and live on the Mississippi River, I am creating an ongoing digital archive of personal histories — the lost stories of river people and river communities. I’ve interviewed Upper Mississippi artists, boathouse residents, scientists, researchers, historians, business owners, and adventurers. I use digital and social media to present and connect river people and their stories to those far from the river.
These are just some of the people I interviewed as part of A Secret History of American River People.

Pat Nunnally, coordinator for the University of Minnesota’s River Life program, interviewed in Minneapolis, MN

Lauren Donovan, who kayaked the length of the Mississippi River, interviewed in Hastings, MN. See more of Lauren’s interview.

Ken Lubinski, USGS River Ecologist, interviewed in La Crosse, WI . See more of Ken’s interview.