There was enthusiasm, provocative thinking, new ideas and lots of energy at the Highlands borough council meeting this week as people from a variety of walks of life gave input into the possibility of an active museum and educational opportunity at the Baymen’s clam Deputation Plant on Fifth Street.
Mayor Carolyn Broullon had invited the public to attend the meeting and have input during a special open session of the meeting to hear ideas for future plans and for the concept design at the plant. Input was sought after the borough received a New Jersey Asset Activation Planning Grant award for both the concept and a feasibility study
The mayor led the discussion before local residents, and representatives of Rutgers University, labs at Sandy Hook, historians and working clammers, by first giving a brief history of the clamming industry, its impact on the borough, and its importance throughout the Bayshore and in Highlands in particular.
She gave a brief synopsis of the purification process which takes place at the Fifth St facility, going through the 48-to-72-hour process clams go through during the purification process, as well as the reason why depuration is necessary.
Interacting with the attendees, the mayor recorded their reasons why museums are important to them, how they impact their lives, and what are the most significant features of a museum of any type that leave them with lasting impressions and more knowledge.
When she asked for ideas of what should be in a clam museum, residents cited everything from the importance of the industry, the local history dating to the Lenni Lenape and the process of purification itself to areas where the process can be used in action, educational materials, videos and a touch tank.
To the question of what benefits can be derived from a clam museum, residents opined the educational values of it coupled with the impact it would have on tourism and other local businesses, coordination for visitors with other interesting sites or neighborhoods for day or long term visits, as well as instilling ride in the community itself and the residents who make their living on the water. Residents spoke on expanding the benefits of a museum by offering ideas on how to prepare clams for eating, how to use the shells in a variety of projects and how to incorporate art, history and language classes in a program of activities associated with a museum.
Caleb Dean, a Belford resident and second generation clammer, praised the mayor for the workshop and opportunity to express ideas about a museum at the clam plant. He requested, and the Mayor immediately concurred, that the role of the late former Mayor James T. White be made an important part of information on clamming and industry. White, who was also a sixth grade teacher at the Highlands Elementary School, was a long time clammer and the shellman most responsible for bringing the depuration plant to reality in the 1970s.
Dean responded o questions about the importance of deputation and why the Fifth Street facility is vital to the industry along Raritan Bay. First learning to clam from his father, William Dean, Caleb now has his own boat and has been clamming on his own for four years, bringing both Deans on the water and making their living.
If the plant is to make clams edible, then maybe instead of a museum, why are we inviting offers for a bar/restaurant instead?? Make some $, not spend it!