Branford Historical Society Archives
ARCHIVES HISTORY
The Branford Historical Society archive collection was originally stored at the Society’s museum, Harrison House, at 124 Main Street. When the Blackstone Memorial Library was renovated in 1994, a mutual agreement was reached for most of the archives to be housed at the library for better access and environmental conditions. Larger items and the Towner albums remain at the Harrison House (2017). The photograph and negative collection, cataloged separately from the archives, is also housed at the library.
The purpose of this arrangement was to provide a safer environment for the storage of the documents, manuscripts, and photographs, and to provide better access to the public. The BHS collection consists of approximately 40 boxes of cataloged photographs of Branford people, buildings, and scenes, and an additional 15 boxes of negatives of various sizes and materials. The BHS manuscript collections consists of approximately 30 boxes of catalogued paper archives relating to the history and families of Branford.
Previously to 1999, the Library and Historical Society kept separate Branford history archive collections. It was decided at that time to add new material to the Branford Historical Society archives. Papers and photographs at the library that were never catalogued were also added to the Society’s archives and photo collection. The Blackstone Memorial Library archives of Branford history material before 1999 was kept as a separate collection and was organized by Betty Linsley. Papers relating strictly to library business are stored separately from the Historical Society archives. Since the death of Betty Linsley in 1993, Town Historian, Jane Bouley has maintained the Historical Society collections.
BRANFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION
RECORD GROUPS
1. FAMILY PAPERS
2. BUSINESS PAPERS
3. PUBLIC PAPERS
4. CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
5. MISCELLANEOUS
PHOTOGRAPHIC ARCHIVES
Archive Access Procedure
The James Blackstone Memorial Library houses the the Branford Historical Society’s photograph collection in the library’s “Branford Room”. These photos can be viewed by going to the library and visiting the Reference Department. You can search the index to these photographs HERE. Make a note of the box #(s) that you wish to view and someone at the Reference Desk will help you access the photos for viewing. You must request permission from the Branford Historical Society if you wish to do any copying, printing, or downloading of the photographs in our archive.
(After opening the link, click CTRL-F on your keyboard to search the PDF)
Many of the photographs have also been digitized and are available for viewing at the following link:
https://blackstonelibrary.org/
Blackstone Memorial Library Contact Info
758 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 488-1441
DOCUMENT & MANUSCRIPT ARCHIVES
Archive Access Procedure
The Harrison House and the James Blackstone Memorial Library’s “Branford Room” houses the the Branford Historical Society’s document collection.
Blackstone Memorial Library Contact Info
758 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 488-1441