Branford Historical Society
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branfordhistoricalsociety

Our mission is to discover, preserve, and educate about Branford, Connecticut's heritage.

Want to learn more about Short Beach? Come join th Want to learn more about Short Beach? Come join the Branford Historical Society and the Shore Line Trolley Museum for a walking tour on October 11th at 10AM! Register at https://branfordhistoricalsociety.org/event-registration/
Thank you to the Bradley Family for donating their Thank you to the Bradley Family for donating their family heirloom, a family tree in fabric. #quilt #historygram #localhistory #branfordct
It has been 87 years to the day since the hurrican It has been 87 years to the day since the hurricane of 1938. Pictured is Miss Tucker with an alligator; the 🐊 was found on the beach after the storms! πŸ“Έ -- this photograph is archived at the @blackstone_library.
Join us at the book sale on the Green this Saturda Join us at the book sale on the Green this Saturday! After shopping, stop by the Harrison House from 1-4PM for free tours and our Sun Shines on Branford activity!
Sun Shines on Branford is an all-ages festival, wi Sun Shines on Branford is an all-ages festival, with activities taking place near Branford Town Green and throughout the town. Join us at the Harrison House any time from 1-4PM to discover how colonial settlers used sundials as both beautiful decorative features and essential timekeeping tools in their daily lives. All ages welcome. #SunShinesOnBranford #HistoricPreservation #HistoricalSociety
Aaron Steven Lanfare, b. 1824, enlisted in Company Aaron Steven Lanfare, b. 1824, enlisted in Company B First Connecticut Cavalry. The cavalry saw action in Virginia at Cedar Creek, Winchester, Sailor's Creek and Appomattox. Lanfare was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1865. After the Civil War, Lanfare became a spice merchant and captain of vessels. He was lost at sea in August 1875. You can see multiple tributes honoring Lanfare around Branford. πŸ“Έ -- photo courtest of Edith Cook Hills; information adapted from Jane Bouley's article in the Branford Review from 17 October 1990 #HistoricPreservation #HistoricalSociety #PatriotDay
It has been one week since school started and we h It has been one week since school started and we hope all Branford's students are having an excellent start to the new school year. Pictured is an aerial photograph of Branford High School, 1958. πŸ“Έ -- Photograph archived at @blackstone_library in the Historical Society's photographs Box 49, Photo 78
We joined Preservation Connecticut for a Summer Ev We joined Preservation Connecticut for a Summer Evening Gathering at this historic seaside Stony Creek Victorian home. #historygram #branfordct #thimbleislands #stonycreek #preservation #connecticut
Three freight cars and a caboose fell off the Mont Three freight cars and a caboose fell off the Montowese Street railroad bridge into the street after the engineer did not hear a stop signal on December 21, 1911.  Information from Jane Bouley's 3 July 1991 article in the Branford Review; πŸ“Έ -- the Society's Collection archived at @blackstone_library #TBT #HistoricalPhotography #HistoricalPreservation #HistoricalSociety #BranfordCT
Ever wonder where jail was in 1892? No worries - w Ever wonder where jail was in 1892? No worries - we'll tell you - the Branford Town Jail stoof on the Green to the west and rear of Town Hall. It was opened on 3 April 1878, was made of stone and contained four cells, one completely dark. The total cost for construction was $863.64. According to newspaper reports in 1896, the conditions of the jail were a disgrace and prisoners were housed in the basement of Town Hall. In 1916, the old jail was used to hold stray dogs. Eventually the oil jail was torn down in 1968. Information from Jane Bouley's 18 March 1992 article in the Branford Review. πŸ“Έ -- Branford Historical Society's Collection archived at @@blackstone_library #TBT #HistoricalPhotography #HistoricalPreservation #HistoricalSociety #BranfordCT
City water became available in Branford by 1903. T City water became available in Branford by 1903. The picture shows water pipes being laid along Montowese Street. πŸ“Έ -- Harry Andrews from the Society archives at the @blackstone_library; information adapted from Jane Bouley's article in the Branford Review on March 8, 1995 #TBT
Our school educational program brings all Branford Our school educational program brings all Branford 3rd graders together to learn about the history of the families who lived in the Harrison House. The kids have the best questions! #historygram #branfordct #educationalprograms
Join us tomorrow night, 28 July at 6:30PM at @blac Join us tomorrow night, 28 July at 6:30PM at @blackstone_library. We are kicking off the Jarvis Creek Farm Salt Marsh Migration and Restoration Project with the Branford Land Trust. Shaun Roche, Visitor Services Manager at SFWS at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, will be presenting β€œOur Salt Marshes and the History of Salt Haymaking in New England Marshes." We cannot wait to see you there! #HayMaking #HistoricPreservation #BranfordCT #NewEngland
Want to support the Historical Society? Buy a reus Want to support the Historical Society? Buy a reusable bag at Big Y and they will donate $1 to the Society! Don't forget to stop by the Harrison House today from 1-4PM for a free tour! #HistoricPreservation #HistoricalSociety #BranfordCT
#TBT to crabbing on Main Street πŸ“Έ -- archived a #TBT to crabbing on Main Street πŸ“Έ -- archived at @blackstone_library in the Society's photographs, Box 20, Photo 2
Looking for something fun to do? Check out the Bra Looking for something fun to do? Check out the Branford History Hunt on the @otocast app! Explore ten sites around Branford, learn about their historical significance and collect a badge. Collected all ten badges? Head on over to the @blackstone_library for an all-day family-free pass to @shorelinetrolleymuseum!
We're open today 1-4PM - come and take a FREE tour We're open today 1-4PM - come and take a FREE tour of the Harrison House. Learn its history and check out the cool pieces of Branford history! We'll see you there!
Happy Juneteenth! To celebrate, try our Juneteenth Happy Juneteenth! To celebrate, try our Juneteenth trivia and check your answers below. #HistoricalPreservation #TheMoreYouKnow #historicalsociety 
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Answers - 
1. The enslaved population didn't officially learn of their freedom until June 19, 1865.
2. True
3. Juneteenth celebrations typically involve a mix of educational activities, family gatherings, and festive events.
4. The popular drink traditionally associated with celebrating Juneteenth is red drink, often a variety of red soda or homemade red punch. The significance of red drinks stems from the historical context of Juneteenth celebrations and their connection to West African traditions. Red-colored beverages, such as those made from hibiscus or kola nuts, were traditionally enjoyed by West Africans and people of African descent in the Americas, especially during celebrations of emancipation.
πŸ“πŸ“We made many happy customers this weekend πŸ“πŸ“We made many happy customers this weekend with our delicious strawberry shortcake. We absolutely wouldn't be successful without our dedicated volunteers! Thank you for sharing another Branford Festival with us. πŸ“πŸ“ @branfordfestival
After visiting the Strawberry Festival and grabbin After visiting the Strawberry Festival and grabbing your delicious strawberry shortcake, join us for a tour at the Harrison House. It is @ctvisit's Open House Day and we are open with extended hours today! We'll see you at Harrison House for a FREE tour from 1-5PM!
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