Shuck, Taste, & Discover: The Legacy of Black Watermen

Join Gardner Douglas, founder of S.S. Shucking, for a hands-on oyster shucking and tasting workshop at La Cosecha. The program combines a live demonstration and guided tasting with an exploration of the historic role of African American watermen and the ways emancipated Black communities used the 19th-century Chesapeake oyster boom to build autonomy and financial independence.

Participants will learn safe shucking practices, proper knife technique, oyster anatomy, and the distinctions between wild and farmed oysters. The tasting features regional oysters and their differing flavor profiles, and each ticket includes oysters to shuck and eat, a professional oyster knife, and protective gloves to take home.

When: Sunday, September 27, 2026

Showtimes: 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

Venue: Galeria at La Cosecha

Event Type: Culinary arts, demonstration, lecture and discussion, and workshop

Tickets: $15

Registration: Registration opens Friday, August 21, 2026.

Instructor: Gardner Douglas, founder of S.S. Shucking

Program: The workshop covers safe oyster shucking, correct knife handling and hand placement, oyster anatomy, regional oyster flavor profiles, the difference between wild and farmed oysters, and the legacy of African American watermen.

Included: A fresh selection of oysters, a professional oyster knife, and protective gloves, all included with admission; the knife and gloves may be taken home.

Contact: For inquiries, email [email protected].