Film Screening: Stories from Delaware Bay’s Maritime Heritage

Join us for an afternoon of documentary films celebrating Delaware Bay’s maritime heritage.

Film Screening: Stories from Delaware Bay’s Maritime Heritage

Join us for an afternoon screening of three short documentary films exploring the history, people, and traditions that shaped New Jersey’s Delaware Bay oyster industry.

Schooners on the Bay

This 1984 documentary tells the story of the wooden schooners once used to dredge oysters under sail on the Delaware Bay. Follow two restored New Jersey oyster schooners as they begin a second life carrying passengers as Windjammers in Maine. The film features interviews with former oyster captains, historians, and Windjammer captains and was originally distributed by New Jersey Network.

On the Shellpile

Produced nearly 40 years later by the Bayshore Center at Bivalve and filmmaker Keith Wasserman, this powerful documentary shares the story of the African American communities that formed around South Jersey’s thriving oyster industry. Through firsthand accounts, the film explores the lives, families, faith, and resilience of those who lived and worked “on the Shellpile.”

Changing Tides

Produced and directed by Keith Wasserman, Changing Tides explores why the Maurice River Cove was once known as the “Oyster Capital of the World.” Through interviews with local watermen, historians, scientists, and community members, the film preserves the stories of the people, boats, and traditions that defined the Delaware Bay’s maritime heritage.

These films offer a fascinating look at the history, culture, and people who built one of New Jersey’s most important maritime communities.

Event Details

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 15. 2026

🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

📍 Location: Bayshore Center at Bivalve

🎟 Admission:

• Free for members
• $7 for non-members (paid upon arrival)

🍿Popcorn will be provided.

Plan Your Visit

The Bayshore Center at Bivalve is located along the Delaware Bay and offers a unique setting to experience local history, culture, and maritime heritage.

We encourage guests to arrive a few minutes early to get settled and enjoy the space before the screening begins. This is a great opportunity to connect with others in the community while learning something new about the history of our region.