Karen Wheat

Karen Wheat lives in Grand Haven, Michigan with her husband, Richard Meads. She is the mother of four adult children and grandmother to seven grandchildren. She is a graduate of Northwood University with a degree in Executive Secretarial Science. Karen has traveled to American Samoa numerous times interviewing the people there concerning the photos, researching at the American Samoa Archives and taking part and enjoying cultural events while happily living in the village of Leone for extended periods of time. In an indigenous Samoan art class taught by Reggie Meredith she learned about the fine art of siapo (tapa design), Samoan mat making and Samoan pottery.

Karen personally researched for this book at the Records of the US National Archives in Washington, D.C. and San Bruno, CA'; The Records of the Government of American Samoa Archives (National Archives); the Burton Historical Library of the Detroit Public Library in Detroit, MI; the Bentley Library (University of Michigan), Ann Arbor, MI; Michigan State University College of Law Library; and the Civilian Service Records in St. Louis, MO concerning this Collection of the Joseph L. Dwyer Photographs and Joseph L. Dwyer, Secretary to the Commandant, Secretary of Native Affairs, High Court Judge, Registrar of Deeds and Referee in Bankruptcy not only in American Samoa but at the Nelson Memorial Public Library in Apia Samoa combing the early 1900's newspapers published there during that time.

It is Karen's hope that the photographs in this book facilitate the preservation of the fine art of siapo, the weaving of fine mats, siva dancing and music, traditional oratory skills, the kava ceremon and the patriotism of those who serve in the United States military. Four of the buildings in the Dwyer Collection are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

She is grateful to have had this meaningful cultural experience and this opportunity to share it.