Episodes 1-5: The Life of Thomas Downing
Episodes 1-4
A deep dive into the fascinating life story of a Chincoteague-area native not widely known, but deserving of great respect and credit for the island's oyster industry success during the 1850s.
An African-American born free in 1791, Downing worked his way to becoming a registered oysterman in nineteenth century Philadelphia and later New York City. By 1835, he owned the most revered and favorited oyster house in all of NYC. Downing was tirelessly involved in social activism and served as a philanthropist of many grass-root causes that fought to bring equity to all free African Americans. He revolutionized the oyster industry and became an international sensation, while never forgetting his Eastern Shore roots.
Episode 5: Painting Pictures with Sound
An interview with sound designer and music composer Bill Troxler describing how he selected the pieces and created the soundscapes used to illustrate Downing's story.
A deep dive into the fascinating life story of a Chincoteague-area native not widely known, but deserving of great respect and credit for the island's oyster industry success during the 1850s.
An African-American born free in 1791, Downing worked his way to becoming a registered oysterman in nineteenth century Philadelphia and later New York City. By 1835, he owned the most revered and favorited oyster house in all of NYC. Downing was tirelessly involved in social activism and served as a philanthropist of many grass-root causes that fought to bring equity to all free African Americans. He revolutionized the oyster industry and became an international sensation, while never forgetting his Eastern Shore roots.
Episode 5: Painting Pictures with Sound
An interview with sound designer and music composer Bill Troxler describing how he selected the pieces and created the soundscapes used to illustrate Downing's story.
