Tue, 08/01/2023 - 7:45am

Christina Belknap

Program is Thursday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater. Photo courtesy of: Lincoln Theater and Island Institute

Lincoln Theater is pleased to present the final conversation in this summer’s Talking Aquaculture in Maine series. Presented in partnership with the Island Institute, this program is a series of free conversations with innovators who are making a substantial contribution to aquaculture here in the state of Maine. Thursday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m., join Sam Belknap, Damariscotta resident and Island Institute’s Director of the Center for Marine Economy, as he welcomes special guests Sarah Gladu of Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, Jeff “Smokey” McKeen of Pemaquid Oysters, and Brendan Parsons of Shuck Station and Blackstone Point Oysters, for a journey through the river’s environmental and cultural history, learning about the birth of oyster aquaculture in Maine and what the future holds for this iconic river, its oysters, and aquaculture.

Since the glaciers receded from Maine, oysters have had a place in the Damariscotta River. Its famous shell mounds are a testament to this long history and the connection to the river held by the Nanrantsouak of the N’dakina and larger Wabanaki populations. In this presentation of Taking Aquaculture in Maine, you will learn about the history of the river and what makes it so special from guest Sarah Gladu, CRCT’s Director of Education and Citizen Science. Also joining in the conversation is McKeen, folklorist and co-founder of Pemaquid Oyster Company, who will share his knowledge about the birth of aquaculture in the river and the example it has set for the State of Maine. And hear from restauranteur, entrepreneur, and oyster farmer, Brendan Parsons, about what drew him to the river and how his business highlights the region’s growers.

Talking Aquaculture in Maine is a free series at Lincoln Theater, sponsored by Rockland’s Island Institute and Shuck Station Restaurant in Newcastle. Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater St. in downtown Damariscotta. More information on this event is available at LincolnTheater.net or by contacting the theater office at 207-563-3424 or info@LincolnTheater.net.