Aw Shucks: Shelter Island Historical Society Holding East End Oyster Event

On Saturday, October 17th, the Shelter Island Historical Society is hosting the Oyster Event 2015 at the Society’s Havens House Museum & Barn. From 4 to 7 p.m., attendees can nosh on and learn about local oysters during the happening, which pairs an East End time-honored eat with its role in today’s world.

“The reason that we do this event is because we’re marrying together the history of the trade of oystering, which has been a core industry here in Shelter Island and on the East End for centuries,” shared Nanette Lawrenson, Shelter Island Historical Society Executive Director. “We married that with the history of the families and the tools of the trade, with the science and the need for conservation now, and the need for oyster farming to be supported in order to clean the water.”

The evening will feature local oysters (both raw and cooked), artisan cheeses and homemade appetizers, live music by Lisa Shaw and Tom Hashegan, and the chance to learn about Mashomack’s oyster and shellfish restoration work. Shelter Island oyster farmers will be on hand to discuss growing your own oysters and guests can take a trip down memory lane via Robert E. Walden III’s fascinating collection of memorabilia from The Shelter Island Oyster Co.

“We put two messages together; the history and the science into an event that is tremendous fun,” explained Lawrenson. “There’s lots of oysters and food, and great exhibits, and we’ll have speakers, so it’s really about using history to tell the story of the future and how we can attempt to save our water qualities through oyster farming.”

For those feeling lucky, enter the raffle for the chance to win prizes that include a pound of scallops, handmade stained glass artwork and a wine tasting tour with a driver.

Admission is $40.

Shelter Island Historical Society’s Havens House Museum & Barn is located at 16 South Ferry Road in Shelter Island. For more information, call 631-749-0025 or visit www.shelterislandhistorical.org.