HDC Third Graders Explore Lenape History at Waterloo Village

On Thursday, November 6th, the third graders from Moravian Academy’s Historic Downtown Campus visited Waterloo Village in New Jersey, connecting their Social Studies curriculum to an immersive, hands-on experience. The students explored the Winakung Native Lenape Village, learning about Woodland wisdom, forest food, shelters, and village life.

During the trip, students engaged in a variety of interactive activities that deepened their understanding of Lenape traditions and daily life. They learned to make a fire, identified native plants, examined artifacts, explored an archaeological site, played traditional Lenape games, made flour from dried corn, and twisted fibers to create cordage.

The visit offered students a unique opportunity to gain insight into the lives of the region’s first inhabitants, combining history, nature, and experiential learning in one memorable day.

Fun fact: “Winakung” means “place of Sassafras,” and the area is home to many Sassafras trees, each with three distinct leaf shapes.