Our story begins in 1791 on Chincoteague Island, Virginia - on the Eastern Shore and just off the Delmarva peninsula. We meet a local African American boy named Thomas Downing. As the child of emancipated slaves, he grew up working on the water and tonging for oysters. But, that's only the beginning.

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and our parent organization, the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

For sources used, please visit chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html