January 25
“Sound Rising,” with Richard Radune

Co-sponsored by the Branford Historical Society and the Branford Land Trust, “Sound Rising” challenges our perception of Long Island Sound in many surprising ways. The Sound was at the forefront of American trade with the West Indies and its location placed it in a position to influence the course of history during the critical years between 1750 and 1820. Its multitude of small ports, coves and navigable rivers provided a distinct advantage in thwarting British efforts to enforce trade restrictions and collect taxes. Merchants’ desire for free trade and the avoidance of customs duties set the stage for war. Long Island Sound played a crucial role in America’s Revolutionary War victory when its naval vessels, privateers and whaleboat raiders swarmed out of the ports to interdict British supplies and force major changes in the enemy’s strategic war plans. This ground-breaking, true story relates the Sound’s involvement in the capture of Fort Louisbourg, rampant smuggling, the Revolutionary War, the Undeclared War with France and the War of 1812.

Richard Radune is an author and independent historian. He wrote the award winning book, Pequot Plantation: The Story of an Early Colonial Settlement, which was published in 2005. He has given presentations to historical societies and other organizations on the Pequot Plantation and the maritime history of Long Island Sound.

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February 12
Third Annual Branford Historical Society
Postcard Exhibit

The Branford Historical Society is sponsoring their third annual postcard exhibit on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 1:00 until 3:30 p.m. at the Blackstone Library auditorium. On display will be hundreds of postcards from all of Branford’s neighborhoods from the collection of the Society and private collectors. A brief lecture will be given by Jane Bouley at 1:15 p.m. about Pine Orchard postcards, showing examples of different publishers, types of cards, and scenes.

The public is invited to attend and browse. A few items will be for sale. Refreshments will be served.

[ Download Event Flyer ]

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Thursdays in March: March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Genealogy workshop with Gregory Thompson

A series of lectures about starting your genealogy research. Many subjects will be covered. At the Community House, 7:00-8:30 pm. See the event flyer for sign-up information.

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Tuesday, March 20
Born to Serve, History of the Branford Fire Dept. by Dorrance Johnson

Included will be the many fires in Branford during the 20th century. At the Blackstone Library auditorium, 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.

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Thursday, May 17
Annual Dinner Meeting

The Archaeology, Forensics & Historical Research into Christ's Church Cemetery in New Haven with Nick Bellantoni Nick is one of our most popular lecturers. Will discuss the discovery of bones during a Yale-New Haven Hospital excavation and the subsequent research and discoveries.

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Saturday, June 2
Harrison House opens for the season, all year also by appointment

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June 15 & 16
Annual Strawberry Festival during the Branford Festival

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Historic House Plaques and Research Service

The Branford Historical Society offers house plaques to identify historic structures and landmarks in Branford. Properties are acknowledged by date of construction and by original or historically recognized owner. Click here for more information.

Ever wonder what to do on a Saturday afternoon with company or your children? Would you like to know more about Branford?

There is an historic house at 124 Main Street Branford about 1/2 block west of Shelly's and the Richlin store. It is called Harrison House. You probably drive by it a couple of times a week. It was built in 1724 by Nathanial Harrison and occupied by his family until 1800. The house was bought in 1938 and restored to its original condition. It sits on two acres of property and features a Museum, barn, herb and colonial gardens. A guide is waiting there for you on Saturdays from 2-5 pm, June through September. Members of the Branford Historical Society, who maintain the house, would like groups or individuals to visit this summer. There are two new exhibits - a display of four oil and water color paintings of Harrison House and a collection of photographs of trolleys in different locations in Branford donated by the Branford Electric Railway Association. For more information contact 203 481-4665.