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03/16/2017 12:01 AM

‘Connecticut’s Founding Fish’ Exhibition at the Connecticut River Museum


American Shad, wood carving by Timothy Eastland, Connecticut River Museum collection. Photo courtesy of the Connecticut River Museum

The return of the shad signals spring in the Connecticut River valley and the Connecticut River Museum is ready, hosting a new, temporary exhibit, running through July 31, that honors Connecticut’s founding fish.

Why is this bony fish so special to the river valley? It has been an important food source for inhabitants along the river, starting with Native Americans and continuing throughout history. Ingenious methods of capturing the fish have been created over the years—from weirs and fish pounds, to specialized netting techniques done in the dead of night—shadding developed its own kind of folk culture. Once caught, the fish had to be expertly boned before being sold locally in fish markets or shad shacks.

A ritual of spring, many communities organized a shad bake before the season ended: a large communal dinner of planked shad baked before an open fire. Other communities, such as Windsor developed a fishing derby around the shad season, enticing sportsmen to compete for cash and prizes.

The exhibit, Connecticut’s Founding Fish, examines the material and folk culture surrounding the return of the shad to the Connecticut River. Using paintings, prints, maps, tools, ceremonial objects, and photographs, the exhibit will explore the natural and cultural history of shad in our region.

In addition to the exhibit, the Connecticut River Museum will offer programs related to shad. On Thursday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m., Steve Gephard will present a lecture, “Shad of the Connecticut River,” at the museum. Also, on Saturday, June 3, the museum will partner with the Rotary Club of Essex on the Essex Annual Shad Bake held at the museum.

The Connecticut River Museum is dedicated to the study, preservation, and celebration of the cultural and natural heritage of the Connecticut River and its valley. The Connecticut River Museum is located at 67 Main Street, Essex, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 860-767-8269 or visit ctrivermuseum.org.

Shad Fisherman Admiring Their Catch, early 20th century photograph, Connecticut River Museum collection. Photo courtesy of the Connecticut River Museum