It’s time for a historical shellabration—this summer, a new event dubbed the Shells of Liberty Oyster Bash will be in full swing. Born from a partnership between Carpenters’ Hall and Fishtown Seafood, the new activation will delve into the city’s history while also commemorating National Oyster Day.
The two-part event will be in full swing on Aug. 5, and will celebrate “the Revolutionary era when oysters were the snack of choice for the Founding Fathers in the 1700s.” Recently, Carpenter’s Hall even found oyster shells beneath its 250-year-old floors.
For the event next month, locals and tourists can find games, crafts, and hands-on history outside in Carpenters’ Court, plus freshly shucked local oysters (available for purchase) and free tours of Carpenter’s Hall from 3 to 5 p.m.
Carpenters’ Hall itself is an artifact, with plenty of historical events and happenings ingrained in the walls’ memories. For instance, the location was once home to Benjamin Franklin’s Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society and the First and Second Banks of the United States. However, the space might be most well known as the meeting place for events that took place from Sept. 5 to Oct. 26, 1774— otherwise known as the First Continental Congress.
Artifact-wise, Carpenters’ Hall also houses two original Windsor chairs, including one used by the president of the First Continental Congress, Peyton Randolph.
Before the British captured Philadelphia in 1777, it’s said that members moved the chairs to their homes for safekeeping and branded them with the words “Carpenters’ Co.” under the seat, and the Hall now holds a couple of those very chairs. Other artifacts found inside the site include gilded frame membership boards, a model of Carpenters’ Hall, paintings of George Washington and early Company member Matthew McGlathery, and officers’ furniture from 1890.
After the daytime celebrations on Aug. 5, those 21+ can stick around from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to check out drinks from Triple Bottom Brewing, oyster samples handpicked by Fishtown Seafood’s Bryan Szeliga (Szeliga is also an oyster supplier to top Philly restaurants) and ways to explore the Hall through pop-up talks connecting oysters, the Revolution, and the Founders. The latter will also feature Professor of American History and Urban Studies, Dr. Stephen Nepa.
Proceeds from this event benefit Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. Tickets for come out to be $75 and includes one beer and 12 oysters (with additional drinks and food available for purchase.)
Philadelphians can learn more about all of the history involved with Carpenters’ Hall (320 Chestnut St.), and info on the upcoming events next month by visiting the venue’s official site at carpentershall.org
