The History of North Carolina’s Oyster Boom

Oysters! We love ‘em! In as many ways as Forest Gump loves shrimp! But what do we know about the industry that provides them for us? On Wednesday November 12, the New Bern Historical Society’s Lunch & Learn will host David Bennett as he explains the roller coaster ride of oystering from the 19th and 20th century and into the present.

For generations, North Carolina’s oyster industry was underdeveloped. This changed in the late 19th century when North Carolina oyster beds attracted attention following overharvesting in the Chesapeake Bay and the nation’s insatiable appetite for oysters. By the late 1880s, North Carolina oystermen and fish dealers were benefiting from an expanding oyster industry. The incredible profits that oysters yielded motivated Baltimore and Norfolk capitalists to move their oyster canneries and packhouses to coastal North Carolina. Then what? Join David Bennett as he presents “The History of North Carolina’s Oyster Boom” on Wed. Nov. 12 at 11:30 am at the Carolina Colours Pavilion at 3300 Waterscape Way.

David Bennett is the Curator of Maritime History for the North Carolina Maritime Museum System, and he oversees the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center in Beaufort. The Center is a working boatbuilding facility that comes alive with the sounds and smells of traditional North Carolina wooden boatbuilding. Bennett is originally from Morehead City, North Carolina. He has a B.A. in History from UNC-Chapel Hill and an M.A. in Maritime History from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. His research interests focus on North Carolina's commercial fishing industry as well as traditional workboats

Prepaid reservations for Lunch & Learn are required. The cost is $25 for Historical Society members, and $28 for nonmembers, which includes a buffet meal format. The entrees are Glazed Meatloaf and Chicken Bruschetta; sides are Baked Potato and Broccoli cheddar casserole along with salad, vegetables, rolls, and dessert. Iced tea, coffee, service, and gratuity are all included. Wine and beer are available for purchase. Reservations open Oct. 1 at www.NewBernHistorical.org or at the New Bern Historical Society Office at 511 Broad St. or by calling 252-638-8558.

The mission of the New Bern Historical Society is to celebrate and promote New Bern and its heritage through events and education. Offices are located in the historic Attmore- Oliver House at 511 Broad Street in New Bern. For more information, call 252-638-8558 or go www.NewBernHistorical.org or www.facebook.com/NewBernHistoricalSociety.