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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