New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 8 pounds cherrystone clams, scrubbed; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 8 ounces bacon, cut into 1/2 pieces; 2 celery stalks, minced; 1 large onion, minced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 1/2 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2 pieces; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 cups heavy cream; Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper; 1 freshly ground pepper; Chopped fresh chives; Oyster crackers or Vermont Common Crackers