The BIC invites you to join in the exploration of Eastern Shore of Virginia traditions passed along over generations and to imagine new possibilities for our heritage. The series is often moderated by Bernie Herman, UNC-Chapel Hill professor and author of the book, A South You Never Ate.
Conversations in the Kitchen
PG sits down with carver, hunter, and owner of the legendary Holden Creek Hunt Club. Grayson Chesser is one of his generation's most respected decoy carvers, trained by Miles Hancock, Cigar Daisy, and the Ward brothers. Because he was eager to learn, these old carvers were willing to share their skills and time to teach. Grayson started carving decoys in the late 1950s and still carves to this day. His decoys are highly valued on the collector market.
PG Ross continues his talk with carver and mentor friend Kenny Marshall. Kenny’s family came off Hog Island and settled in the quaint seaside village of Willis Wharf. In this conversation, Kenny recalls days of being a waterman and how he came naturally to the art of carving.
Listen in on a conversation between two friends as decoy carver P.G. Ross interviews his friend and mentor, legendary decoy carver Pete Peterson. Pete lives in Capeville, VA, on the southern tip of the Eastern Shore. He is featured in Decoy Magazine, Hunting and Fishing Collectibles magazine, and books like Tools by Curtis Badger and Decoys: Sixty Living and Outstanding North American Carvers by Loy Harrell.
Retired contractor Mr. William T. Baines is an Eastern Shore strawberry farmer and owner of Baines Farm & Market (The best strawberries you'll ever taste!). https://bainesfarmandmarket.com/
Guest Richard Tankard reflects on growing up in Franktown, VA.
Bernie Herman sits down with Dianna Spady, who shares stories about her long history of home-style cooking on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Academy Award nominated filmmaker Jim Spione discusses the body of film work he has done with the Barrier Islands
Local historian and Barrier Islands descendant Jerry Doughty talks about his Doughty family line and Hog Island and growing up in the seaside village of Willis Wharf.
Aerial photographer and owner of At Altitude Gallery, Gordon Campbell, discusses the merging of his passions - flying and photography - with his fascination of the wild majesty of Virginia’s Barrier Islands to create his beautiful works of art.
Dr. Bernie Herman sits down with Pete Terry and his daughter Heather Terry Lusk, of H.M. Terry Co. as they share the history of their family’s 120-year-old shellfish company and how it has changed over the years.
A retired cardiologist and past president of the BIC, Dr. Andy Dickinson offers a fascinating glimpse into life as a young boy growing up in Cape Charles in the 1930s and 1940s.
Ed Bell shares the history of the Bell Family oyster business, how he learned to shuck oysters (and he will teach you!), how oystering has changed over the years, different types of oyster knives, different and old ways of clamming, and his restaurant business.
Chef Amy Brandt and Gricelda Torres Segura share how and why both women moved to the Eastern Shore, lessons learned from each other, their cooking backgrounds, their collaboration on new dishes—combining Mexican and Eastern Shore cuisines, etc. Amy also discusses how the shift from the restaurant business to catering gave her the freedom to be more creative.
Danny Doughty - Part I. Danny shares how he overcomes obstacles and produces beautiful, well-known art, incorporating the Eastern Shore's history in his works.
Danny Doughty - Part II. Danny talks about his restaurant, drum fish, and swelling toads.
Barry Truitt is the retired Chief Conservation Scientist for The Nature Conservancy’s Virginia Coast Reserve. His life focus has been on the rich history and diverse ecology of the barrier islands and their adjacent salt marshes and bays. In this episode, Bernie Herman sits down for a chat with Truitt about the removal of Hog Island sheep from Hog Island in the 1970s, migration of the islands, drug smuggling, terrapins, clamming and oystering and the attempted development of the islands. (Supported by the Dr. Arthur Schwarzschild Memorial Program.)
Bernie sat down with Janice Weatherly Walters to hear personal stories and reflections about her life growing up in a family that worked in the shucking houses and on the water for generations. Each conversation delves into the histories and futures that have shaped and continue to shape the Eastern Shore’s distinctive culture. Join us!