Fall was a season of abundance in the 19th century—a time to harvest crops, preserve the bounty, and gather to share the year’s best food. Join Museum Interpretation staff to explore the rich traditions of maritime foodways—from farming to fishing—and how food was grown, harvested, caught, and cooked. Step inside the Buckingham-Hall House for a historic cooking demonstration, and discover how coastal communities enjoyed their seafood. Visit the Fish and Forest exhibit to learn how modern fishing families are adapting to a changing New England, then stop by Home Port to create your own fish-themed craft to take home. Come celebrate the flavors of fall—past and present—along the waterfront.
This event is included in general admission and FREE for Members. *
Shipsmithing | James Driggs Shipsmith Shop (24)
Watch the power hammer in action as shipsmiths forge jib hanks—vital fittings for our historic vessels.
Sailmaking | Charles Mallory Sail Loft (26)
Step into the sail loft, open all day with interpreters sharing the history of sailmaking in Mystic and the Mallory Loft’s ties to the 19th-century fishing industry.
Salt Cod Around the World | Buckingham-Hall House (11)
Guest cook Darryl Gallardo prepares a traditional Philippine dish featuring salted cod—once caught and processed off New England’s coast. Museum staff will demonstrate a local New England codfish recipe and explore how cod became a global staple.
New England Clambake | Australia Beach (34)
Experience a traditional clambake on the beach. Learn its Indigenous origins and how colonial settlers adopted this enduring New England practice.
Fish Preservation | Chubb’s Wharf
Discover how fish were stored before refrigeration. Watch staff smoke fresh fish over an open fire.
Fishermen and Foul Weather Gear | Burrows House (19)
From knitted wool to oilskins, explore the evolution of fishermen’s clothing. Staff will share the history of foul-weather gear in the fishing industry.
19th-Century Recipes | Print Shop (21)
Take home a hand-set, printed recipe to try at home.
Fish Carving | Carve Shop (40)
Watch woodcarvers bring fish and sea creatures to life with detailed scales, fins, and vivid colors.
What Goes in a Barrel? | Cooperage (18)
Learn what foods were packed in barrels and casks in the 19th century—and why casks made ideal shipping containers.
MORNING
10:15 Fisheries Tour | Thames Keel Exhibit (49)
10:30 Go Fish! An Interactive game for kids of all ages | Home Port (4)
10:15 Working Aloft on a Square Rigger | Charles W. Morgan
11:00 Mystic Seaport and the Morgan: Walking Tour * | Meet at Chandlery (26)
11:00 Oyster Tonging Demonstration | Thomas Oyster House (48)
11:00 The History of the Oyster Dragger Nellie with Kate Katin, Curator of the Long Island Collection | Shipyard Main Shop (50)
11:20 Hands-on Netmaking | Home Port (4)
11:30 Menhaden Seining Demonstration | Middle Wharf (20)
AFTERNOON
12:00 Zoo in the Sky | Treworgy Planetarium (9)
12:00 Restoration of the fishing schooner L. A. Dunton with Shipyard Director Walter Ansel | L. A. Dunton
1:00 Life on the Line: Dory Fishing Demonstration | Middle Wharf (20)
1:00 Harvest Lights * | Treworgy Planetarium (9)
1:15 Songs the Fishermen Sang | Chapel (45)
1:30 Local Fisheries: Lobstering in Long Island Sound | Lobster Shack (36)
1:30 Salt Beef and Hard Tack: A History of Food at Sea | Charles W. Morgan
2:00 Menhaden Seining Demonstration | Middle Wharf (20)
2:30 The History of the Oyster Dragger Nellie with Kate Katin, Curator of the Long Island Collection | Shipyard Main Shop (50)
2:30 Hands-on Netmaking | Clam Shack (25)
2:45 Codfish Split | L. A. Dunton
3:00 Harvest Lights * | Treworgy Planetarium (9)
3:30 Mystic Seaport and the Morgan: Walking Tour * | Meet at Chandlery (26)
3:30 Working Aloft on a Square Rigger | Charles W. Morgan
4:00 Fisheries Tour | Thames Keel Exhibit (49)
4:00 Go Fish! An Interactive game for kids of all ages | Home Port (4)
4:15 Salt Beef and Hard Tack: A History of Food at Sea | Charles W. Morgan
4:15 Songs the Fishermen Sang | Chapel (45)
4:45 Hercules Engine Demonstration | Hoop Shop (22)
Raise a glass at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern!
Purchase a $10 mug and receive five wooden “nickels” to redeem for beer samples from local breweries: Grey Sail, Schooners, Whalers of Rhode Island, and Veritable Distillery.
Enjoy modern variations of classic recipes like potato balls and the 1,000-gallon doughnut.
Live music by James Harris throughout the afternoon.
* Additional fee:
Harvest Lights in the Treworgy Planetarium. Members $5, non-members $8, ages 3 and under are free.
Mystic Seaport and the Morgan: Walking tour. Tickets $10; ages 3 and under are free.
