Join the Bergen County Historical Society for a series of new events throughout Spring.
Weeding Wednesdays make a return
The biweekly Weeding Wednesday made its return to the grounds of the Historical New Bridge Landing last week, with the next on May 1. Meeting at the Campbell-Christie House at 9am, volunteers for this event are critical to keeping the grounds of the historic site clean, weeded, and neat. Bring gloves and clippers, a hat, some sunscreen, and water to drink.
Right: The American Shad
Chawme Gischuch, Under the Shad Moon
The shad bushes at New Bridge Landing are in bloom, indicating that the shad (a variety of fish) have begun their migration from the Atlantic Ocean to their spawning grounds in the freshwater of the estuary’s upper reaches.
For the occasion, the Historic New Bridge Landing will be open for tours and exhibitions on Sunday, April 24, from 1:00 – 4:30pm. Of particular interest are the new exhibits of BCHS’s Native American collections, including an enlarged map (5×4 ft) of Bergen County Native place names and their meanings. Living history demonstrations of broom-making and blacksmithing are also available at the Campbell-Christie house, as well as colonial cooking demonstrations at the society’s authentic Jersey Dutch out-kitchen, using Indigenous ingredients such as corn, squash, and beans.
Featured speakers for the special day are:
Primitive Technologist Steve Adams, who will be speaking throughout the day on the Material Culture of Prehistory. He will demonstrate the use of stone tools and flint knapping, as well as the working of plant fibers, all as done by our earliest ancestors.
Historian Arthus Kirmss of Long Island, who will be onsite to demonstrate the Native American and colonial craft of wampum bead making.
Ticket reservations are encouraged, priced at $12 for adults, $7 for students, and BCHS members free. Tickets will also be available at the gate.
Free parking is available on site, and the Pascack Valley Line from Secaucus Junction to the “New Bridge Landing” station will be running that day.