In this year of America’s 250th, on Saturday, September 19th from noon until 4 p.m., The Clinton Historical Society will host “Oysters, Steel, and Stories”, an event which celebrates our maritime heritage, traditional craftsmanship and shoreline shell fishing.
Shellfishing has shaped Connecticut's economy, culture, and shoreline for thousands of years. Long before European settlers arrived, Native peoples harvested oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and other shellfish from the rich tidal estuaries of Long Island Sound. Today, Connecticut remains one of the nation's leading producers of premium oysters, with an industry that combines centuries-old traditions and modern aquaculture.
Tucker Oyster Company, Indian River Shellfish Company, Thimble Island Oyster Company and New England Oyster Farm will be with us representing aquaculture farmers who are continuing Shoreline maritime traditions and restoring our seas with shellfish that filter our water and promote our habitats and eco-systems. Each of these oyster farmers will have oysters on the half shell, by the ½ or full dozen to sell during the event.
Jim Barnett of the CHS Smokehouse event, will serve oyster stew and a couple specialty prepared grilled oysters.
Clinton’s Shellfish Commission members will teach us about local shellfish beds and what they are doing on a weekly basis to keep our Sound and streams sustainable.
Collective Oyster Recycling and Restoration, CORR is a non-profit organization that facilitates and maintains a statewide sustainable shell recovery and recycling network in Connecticut. This program reclaims shells from restaurants, seafood businesses, and events, diverting them from landfills to provide a sustainable source of shell to be used for ongoing shellfish restoration projects in Long Island Sound.
Connecticut Sea Grant will be there to talk about their mission through the University of Connecticut to foster the balanced use and conservation of Connecticut’s coast and watersheds.
Local blacksmiths will hammer out oyster knives and accessories that will be available for purchase.
The “Dirty Blue Shirts” will demonstrate maritime crafts, such as sailmaking, rope making, and knitting.
Musicians at the event will be “Long Tide”, they will perform American, British, and Irish traditional music and chanteys. They sing a cappella and accompany themselves on historically informed instruments
Clinton Historical Society members will be there to share the history of the Old Brick which was once a sea captain’s home. Both Old Brick and The Buell Tool Museum will be open for tours.
Discover the rich history of shellfishing in Clinton, Connecticut, and learn how the unique geography of Clinton Harbor, the town's shellfish beds, and the three rivers flowing into the tidal waters of Long Island Sound created ideal conditions for exceptional oysters and clams. Explore how Clinton's strategic location shaped its maritime heritage and supported a thriving shellfishing industry, producing oysters that were highly prized for their quality and distinctive flavor.
Whether you are interested in science, history, traditional craftsmanship, or simply enjoy fresh local oysters, this event offers a unique opportunity to taste, learn, and celebrate the heritage of our shoreline community in this year of America 250.
Tickets for the Oyster event are $18 per person and are available online now. Children under 12 are free. Your ticket includes admission and a choice of four oysters of your choosing, either hot grilled or raw on the half shell.
Sat., September 19th, noon - 4pm
You are welcome to bring your own chairs and enjoy this event as well as our beautiful gardens.