The Branford Historical Society, founded in 1960, maintains the Harrison House Museum, Barn, and Gardens as part of its mission to discover, preserve, and educate about Branford’s heritage.

HARRISON HOUSE MUSEUM & BARN

Located at 124 Main Street, Branford, CT 06405
Open for Tours
June thru September
Saturdays, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.,
or by appointment.

THE BRANFORD
HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Harrison House
P.O. Box 504
124 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 488-4828
info@branfordhistoricalsociety.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Every two years, a slate of board members and committee chairmen are set to continue the Society’s work. Click here to learn more about the board’s current members.

BY-LAWS

Since 1960, the Society has been governed by its founding documents. Click here to view the By-Laws.

HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY

Founded in 1960, the Society has grown a lot since it’s simple beginnings, and has had to adapt to the times, while maintaining its core mission of preservation and education. Click here to read more.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Joining the Historical Society as a member is the best way to support us and be involved in our mission. Click here to learn more about membership.

BUSINESS SUPPORTERS

Both the Society’s newer and longtime business and organizational members and partners play an important role in preserving the history of Branford.
Click here to see our Business Supporters or become one yourself.

MAKE A DONATION

Any support we receive is always appreciated and used to further the work described here.
Click here to help the Society continue its mission.

PROGRAMS

During the year a series of evening lectures, usually held at the Blackstone Library, in addition to other venues, are offered with refreshments served during a social hour. In May an Annual Meeting is hosted to update members on the activities of the Society, in June an annual Strawberry Shortcake Festival fundraiser is held, and in December an open house Christmas party is hosted for members and guests with decorations of holiday greens, candlelight, and a wassail bowl. Please see the Events page for
a current list of programs.

 

GUIDED TOURS

The House is open Saturdays,
1:00 – 4:00 p.m., June thru the
end of September with knowledgeable guides. Contact tours@branfordhistoricalsociety.org for more information.

EXHIBITS

Changing exhibits are featured in the House’s museum room and the lean-to.

GENEALOGIES

Genealogical work is encouraged and a file is maintained of Branford families at The Blackstone Memorial Library. Click here to start your search.

ARCHIVES

Extensive photograph and manuscript archive collections housed at the Harrison House Museum and the Blackstone Memorial Library. Click here to learn how to check out the collections.

HISTORIC DISTRICTS & REGISTRIES

Information on Branford’s five historic districts, and curated lists of all Branford properties listed on the National and State Registers are kept. Click here to learn more.

HISTORICAL RESOURCES

A list is kept of the many great local and state resources available to our area. Click here to access these resources.

SCHOLARSHIPS

A scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating Branford High School student who has demonstrated an interest in majoring in History or a related field of study in a post-secondary educational program.

HONORARY MEMBER AWARDS

Periodically, an Honorary Member Award is presented at the Annual Meeting to individuals who have made outstanding contributions and shown sincere dedication to the historical preservation of the town of Branford. Previous recipients include: Arnold Peterson, Jane Bouley, Janet Gaines, Priscilla Oliver, Nancy Hendricks, Winnifred Judge, Anton Wolhert, Virginia Page, Joseph Naylor, Susan Rood, and Matt Radulski.

PUBLICATIONS

Several Branford residents have made the Society the recipients of their popular publications. They are for sale, with the receipts going to the Society. Books on the early history of Branford and the Thimble Islands, as well as posters of local areas, maps, narrative DVDs, and CDs of vintage postcards are also available for sale. Click here for more information about publications.

HISTORIC HOUSE PLAQUES

For more than 50 years, the Society’s plaque program has offered house plaques to identify historic structures and landmarks in Branford. Click here to learn more about getting one for your property.

Scale Model of the Harrison House by Pete Peterson