Sarah Briscoe is an individual with a rich personal history deeply rooted in the seafood industry and domestic work. Born into a family where her father was a significant influence, Sarah was raised with a strong work ethic and a diverse skill set that was imparted to her at a young age. Her father, a man who shucked oysters and cleaned fish for a living, took on the role of both parents after the untimely death of Sarah's mother during childbirth. Sarah's upbringing was further shaped by her grandfather's legacy, a runaway slave from Westmoreland, Virginia, who eventually settled in St. Mary's County, Maryland. This family history instilled in her a sense of resilience and a desire to connect with her extended family and roots. Sarah's domestic skills, such as cooking and cleaning, were honed under her father's guidance, which included learning to make bread, biscuits, and apple butter, as well as cleaning and preparing chitterlings. Her life experiences have been marked by hard work, whether in the seafood industry or in caring for the elderly, and her faith has played a central role in how she approaches life and her interactions with others.

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with Sarah Briscoe encompasses a comprehensive account of her life experiences, particularly focusing on her work in the seafood industry, her domestic roles, and her spiritual journey. Sarah recounts her time working for Charles Edward Davis in the 1940s, where she developed her skills in shucking oysters and picking crabs. She describes the work conditions, pay, and the meticulous process involved in seafood preparation. She shares anecdotes about her interactions with her employers and colleagues, including a supportive boss and a conflict with an elderly lady. Sarah's narrative also touches on her role as a caregiver for the elderly, including working for Judge Briscoe's mother, and her experiences as a single mother facing challenges in the workplace. Her personal history is interwoven with her family's past, including her father's influence on her culinary skills and her grandfather's history as a runaway slave. Sarah's faith is a recurring theme as she discusses her involvement with church camp meetings, revivals, and the significance of being born again. The interview also delves into the technical aspects of the crab picking industry, the regulations she navigated, and her reluctance to participate in oyster shucking contests.