Mavis Van Peenan was an US Navy wife who lived on the island of Guam for a number of years just before the start of World War II in 1941. While she lived in Guam she interviewed a number of CHamorus, collecting stories, legends and other beliefs many of are still commonly told today such as the Legends of Gådao, Camel Rock and Alupang. She later published these stories in a book.

The Guam Museum holds a collection of items and photographs from Mavis Van Peenan from her family’s time in Guam. Some of these images include the CHamorus who she interviewed, such as this elderly man. If anyone is able to help us identity this man, please comment or reach out to us on social media or else email our curator at michael.bevacqua@dca.guam.gov