CCA Partners with York County History Center

An Arts & Food Experience

historyhalfshell

CCA Maryland Central Region Chapter is once again proud to be partnering with the York Water Company and York County History Center for their upcoming oyster festival.   Oysters were a significant part of diets for york county colonials and for the past 42 years, York City has hosted a festival to highlight their heritage.

History On The Half Shell (formerly Oyster Festival) is the York County History Center’s longest-running fundraiser.  Back in the 1960’s, renovations were being done to General Gates House and the Golden Plough Tavern, a few of York Cities historic colonial buildings.  Oyster shells were found in the ground and foundation as evidence that colonial residents relied on the Chesapeake Bay for their diets, the shells were used as utensils and oysters were even used as economic trade.  Now the shells being generate from this long standing oyster festival which celebrate colonial life are being used to restore the oyster population and reefs through CCA Maryland’s Living Reef Action Campaign.

The history center’s festival is a fun family festival featuring gallery tours, artisan demonstrations, and live music in the rustic background of the Agricultural & Industrial Museum.  Admission is free and food is a la carte. Oysters will be served stewed, nude and fried, along with plenty of non-seafood options for all ages.

“We are a proud Supporter of the Oyster Shell Recycling Program in partnership with Coastal Conservation Association (CCA MD).” said Vernon Bracey, Vice President of Customer Service at the York Water Company.  “Shells collected from our event will be used for habitat enhancement and reestablishing Chesapeake Bay oyster reef development through CCA Maryland’s Living Reef Action Campaign.”

For more information on the festival, please contact the York County History Center at 717.848.1587

York County History CenterAgriculture & Industrial Museum  •  217 West Princess StreetYork, Pa  •  11:00am – 4:00pm

About York County History Center

The York County History Center inspires the exploration of the history, people and culture of York County, state and nation. As a non-profit organization it utilizes collections, historic sites and museums to help tell the American Story.