History on the Half Shell, and arts and food experience

“History on the Half Shell, An Arts and Food Experience”

Each October, the York County History Center celebrates our colonial heritage by hosting an oyster festival in downtown York. The inspiration for the History Center’s longest running fundraiser was the discovery of oyster shells during the restoration of the Golden Plough Tavern in the 1960s. History on the Half Shell (formerly Oyster Festival), continues to celebrate this “find” during a day-long celebration of food, music, and local history. The 2017 event is scheduled for Sunday, October 15, 2017 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Agricultural & Industrial Museum, 217 W. Princess Street, York; plenty of free parking is available !

History on the Half Shell is family-focused and fun for all ages. The Agricultural and Industrial Museum will be open free of charge to the public and includes many interactive exhibits. Live music will be provided on W. Princess St. by Indian Summer Jars, a returning favorite. Artisans will demonstrate glass blowing, wood carving, blacksmithing, paper cutting, and chair caning, and and Frank Little Bear will showcase Native American dancing.

Admission to the event is free; food is a la carte. The museum’s galleries will be open for touring, and visitors can enjoy the History Center’s extensive collection, which showcases York County’s industrial heritage.

The oysters, of course, are central to History on the Half Shell. Oysters by the thousands will be served stewed, nude and fried, along with steamed shrimp, crab cakes, homemade pork barbecue, creamy macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, apple fritters and cole slaw. To wash it all down, there will be beer, wine, cider, and soda.

NEW this year is the presence of the inimitable Penn State Nittany Lion, York Revolution’s DownTown, and York College of Pa.’s Screamer. In addition, the Central York Middle School Fife & Drum Corps will open the festival, and VanGo Museum on Wheels from the Susquehanna Art Museum will be on hand as well.

Dessert is provided by the Friends of the History Center’s famous bake sale, featuring sweets in every category at reasonable prices. All food items are offered a la carte.

History on the Half Shell sponsors include the Friends of the York County History Center, M & T Bank, and WSBA Newsradio 910.

For more information, visit www.yorkhistorycenter.org.