Carpenters’ Hall & Fishtown Seafood Will Host the Shells of Liberty Oyster Bash With Plenty of Oysters, Beers, and Family-Friendly Fun
On August 5, National Oyster Day, Carpenters’ Hall and Fishtown Seafood will host the inaugural “Shells of Liberty Oyster Bash” in Philadelphia’s Historic District.
Taking place at Carpenter’s Hall (320 Chestnut St), this new two-part event pays homage to the Revolutionary era when oysters were the snack of choice for the Founding Fathers. In the 1700s, these briny bites were the original fast food, with shells paving city streets. By the 1800s, Philly boasted 379 oyster houses and devoured 300 million oysters a year.
Carpenters’ Hall—where the First Continental Congress sparked America’s fight for freedom—recently unearthed oyster shells beneath its 250-year-old floors.
Inspired by this historic connection to our Founding Fathers and their love of oysters, Carpenters’ Hall and Fishtown Seafood joined forces to throw this oyster bash. See event itinerary below:
Shuck the Crown and Shellebrate:
3–5 p.m.: Family Fun, Fresh Oysters, and Free Tours
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Dive into games, crafts, and hands-on history outside in Carpenters’ Court
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Learn about oysters with the Independence Seaport Museum, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (which will be recycling oyster shells all day) and Bayshore Center
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Slurp up freshly shucked local oysters (available for purchase)
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Enjoy free tours of Carpenters’ Hall—walk-ins welcome
5:30–7:30 p.m.: 21+ Bash Inside the Hall
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Sip, savor, and mingle with drinks from Triple Bottom Brewing
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Sample a dozen local oysters, handpicked by Fishtown Seafood’s Bryan Szeliga (oyster supplier to top Philly restaurants)
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Explore the Hall and catch pop-up talks connecting oysters, the Revolution, and the Founders, featuring professor of American history and urban studies, Dr. Stephen Nepa
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Proceeds benefit Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
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Tickets: $75, includes one beer and 12 oysters and available at company.carpentershall.org/events (with additional drinks and food available for purchase)
