Chwame Gischuch: Experience the “Shad Moon” Festival at Historic New Bridge Landing
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Edge NJ, This spring, step back in time and witness the seasonal rebirth of the Hackensack River valley. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Bergen County Historical Society invites you to Chwame Gischuch: Under the Shad Moon, an immersive cultural event at Historic New Bridge Landing.
The “Shad Moon” is a traditional seasonal marker signifying the return of the American shad to local rivers to spawn. For the Lenape and other Indigenous communities, this migration heralded the end of winter’s scarcity and the beginning of a season of plenty.
Event Highlights & Living History
Native Americans in the Colonial Wars Join renowned historian Drew Shuptar-Rayvis for a compelling presentation: Scouts and Soldiers: Native Americans in the Colonial Militias and Wars. Explore the complex military roles of Native Americans in the 18th century and witness live demonstrations of:
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Wampum making and combat tools.
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Traditional fire-making techniques.
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Critical wilderness survival strategies.
A Taste of the Past Head to the Jersey Dutch out-kitchen to see interpreters prepare authentic Indigenous-inspired meals. Watch the preparation of:
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Planked Fish: A traditional method for cooking the seasonal shad.
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Three Sisters Soup: Featuring the “three sisters” of Indigenous agriculture—corn, squash, and beans.
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Refreshments: Enjoy cornbread, donuts, and lemonade at the Campbell-Christie House.
Artifacts & Demonstrations * Steuben House (1752): View an extensive collection of Revolutionary War and Native American artifacts.
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Westervelt-Thomas Barn: Watch a live broom-making demonstration, a staple of early American craft.
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Family Fun: Children can participate in making corn husk figures (weather permitting) or join the society’s digital QR code scavenger hunt.
Plan Your Visit
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Date & Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
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Location: Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main St, River Edge, NJ 07661
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Admission: $12 Adults | $7 Students | Free for BCHS Members.
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Transport: Free on-site parking is available. Alternatively, take the Pascack Valley Line to the “New Bridge Landing” station—the site is just a one-block walk away.
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Dog Friendly: Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds (though not inside the historic houses).
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Tags: #BergenCounty #NJHistory #NativeAmericanHistory #RiverEdge #Lenape #HistoricNewBridgeLanding #FamilyEventsNJ #ShadMoon
Reservations are highly encouraged to ensure your spot for this unique spring celebration. For questions, contact contactBCHS@bergencountyhistory.org or call 201-343-9492.
