Traditional practices of fishing will come to life for one afternoon during “Discover the American Shad” on Saturday, April 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Tulpehaking Nature Center. Participants will be able to experience a key part of this region’s history through hands-on activities.
Visitors will have a chance to make cordage for nets, and practice fish scaling and other skills of the old-time fishermen. This program is $5 per person or $20 per family. Registration is required; please call (609) 888-3218 or register online.
The spring shad runs provided an important source of food for both the Lenape and Colonists gathered here. In the late 1800s, the Delaware River produced more shad than any other river on the East Coast, with much of the catch centered in the area between Trenton and Philadelphia.
This program is part of History Weekend at the Abbott Marshlands in partnership with the Friends for the Abbott Marshlands and other local organizations. On April 14 and 15, explore the rich history of the Abbott Marshlands with special lectures, programs and tours of historic homes and sites. Learn how events here contributed to the growth of America from pre-historic times to the modern era. The full schedule of events can be found at abbottmarshlands.org.
The Tulpehaking Nature Center is located at 157 Westcott Ave. in Hamilton. It is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The nature center provides programs and exhibits that encourage visitors to explore and discover the many cultural, historic and natural resources of the Abbott Marshlands.
Historical methods of catching and preparing the American shad will be on display during “Discover the American Shad” at the Tulpehaking Nature Center.,
