Gresko went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Honours His- tory at U.B.C. then a Master’s in Canadian Studies from Carleton University in Ottawa. She has been a Douglas College history in- structor since the College opened in 1970, and is currently the Chair of the Arts and Humanities Department.

“You have to see local and regional history in perspective with the rest of Canada and the world," she says. "What I try to do in teaching Canadian History is to give students a horizontal view, where you see B.C. as part of Canada since the time of the fur trade."

As for regional identity, she says, "Some people might not like it but we are also part of the American Pacific Northwest. Our identity flows north and south as well as east and west."

When she travelled in Europe her two favorite places were Lis- bon, and Oslo. Like New Westminster, both are port cities. Gresko's fascination with har- bours recently came to light again with the publication of Fraser Port: Freightway to the Pacific.

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Gresko edited the project which is the first detailed history of a British Columbia harbour opera- tion. She says dozens of Douglas College and Kwantlen College students helped compile archive materials for the book.

As well, Gresko has two other areas in which she has done ex- tensive research. Her Master’s thesis and subsequent work has focused on Native Indian mission- ary schools. She has also published articles about Mary Moody’s life in New Westminster from 1859 to 1863.

Mary was the wife of Richard Clement Moody, a Royal En- gineer who surveyed the bush that was to become New Westminster. "She enjoyed a posi- tion of privilege," Gresko says, "put Mary Moody was a very self- sufficient woman. Her long dress trailed in the mud, the family lived in tents, and she had her seven small children to look after. Yet she also helped other newly- arrived families and young men."

Gresko herself seems very happy with two children; a boy 11 years old and a girl who is 13.

Jacqueline Gresko spoke at the Fraser River Harbour Commission’s

official book-launching reception.

"Things I do with the children keep me quite busy," she says. She mentions Boy Scouts, Girl Guide camp, and soccer, and adds, "Every time your kids join an organization, you join too."

Another part of family life in- cludes running with her husband. "We started running in June," she says. “That's the big event in my life recently -- 1 won a medal ina five-kilometre fun run in Septem- ber." She has since participated in several 10-Kilometre events. "I really enjoy it," she says. “It’s good relaxation.”

As for future projects, Gresko is again looking towards the har- bour. Next time she would like to compile an Administrative His- tory of the Port of Vancouver.