"Chwame Gischurch: Under the Shad Moon"

Bergen County Historical Society to Host “Chwame Gischuch: Under the Shad Moon” Community Event at Historic New Bridge Landing on April 26
The Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) invites the public to experience “Chwame Gischuch: Under the Shad Moon” on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ.

This immersive spring program explores the traditions and lifeways of the region’s early inhabitants, offering visitors a hands-on look at Indigenous history and early American life.

The “Shad Moon” marks the spring return of American shad to rivers like the Hackensack to spawn. For Indigenous communities, including the Lenape, this migration signaled the end of winter scarcity and the start of renewed abundance—later recognized by colonial settlers as an important seasonal marker.

Featured presenter Drew Shuptar Rayvis will present “Scouts and Soldiers: Native Americans in the Colonial Militias and Wars,” highlighting Native American roles in 18th-century conflicts, with demonstrations of combat tools, fire-making, wampum crafting, and survival skills.

Primitive technologist Steve Adams will demonstrate foraging practices used during the Revolutionary War.

Activities throughout the site include:
Revolutionary War and Native American artifacts in the Steuben House, Broom-making at the Westervelt-Thomas Barn, Tours of the Campbell-Christie House, Live cooking at the Jersey Dutch out-kitchen featuring Indigenous ingredients, Family activities including corn husk crafts and a QR scavenger hunt

Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for students, and free for BCHS members. For more information visit www.bergencountyhistory.org.