Behind the Apron Project: Blondell Mason Interview, April 17, 1997, Part 1

About the Project

Behind the Apron oral history project documents the experiences of Black oyster and clam workers in Southern Maryland. The interviews explore issues such as: the connection between land and water, between farming and the fishing industry; the communal spirit and camaraderie amongst oyster workers; the experience of women oyster workers; and the changes in the oyster packing industry resulting in a diminished African American workforce. Please view the instructions for transcribing audio collections before beginning.

The audio interviews were conducted by Shelia Montague Parker in 1997. African Americans have been an integral part of Southern Maryland's proud commercial fishing industry. Nowhere has their contribution been more prominent than in the seaford houses along the Patuxent River. Until most recently, in Calvert and other neighboring counties, the function of shucking oysters and clams was almost exclusively performed by African Americans. Black oyster and clam workers have brought dignity, skill, and a strong sense of community to a job that industry outsiders often consider "dirty work."

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