Press Release, Branford Historical Society

The Branford Historical Society has gratefully received a permanent donation of a collection of historic items from the James Blackstone Memorial Library and their Board of Trustees.

Since 1986, approximately 60 items have been on long-term loan from the Blackstone Library and are currently on display at the Harrison House Museum.

For nearly a century, the Blackstone had been building a collection of historic, artistic or sentimental items that were donated by Branford residents.

In a letter to the Society’s Board from the Blackstone Board of Trustees, President Beth Law stated, “Over time, the collection grew too large for the library to display.”

The Branford Historical Society enthusiastically agreed to care for and display them at the Harrison House Museum.

A few items have provenance from the Blackstone family itself, such as the highchair belonging to Betsey Jane Blackstone and a spinning wheel that was owned by Sarah (Beach) Blackstone, wife of James for whom the library is named. Local resident and weaver Bob Aiudi put it in working order, and it's shown to Branford's third graders on their field trips to the Harrison House.

Jane Bouley, Branford Town Historian, highlights one of her favorite items, “a Revolutionary war canteen used by Branford soldier Samuel Baldwin. He roughly carved into it ‘SB Pray send me home.’”

All of these items and many more are on display at the Harrison House Museum.

The Branford Historical Society’s President Matt Radulski noted, “For nearly 40 years the Society has been a custodian of the collection, maintaining and displaying these artifacts and antiques. We thank the Blackstone Board of Trustees and are humbled to be charged with stewardship of this now permanent collection.”

Radulski added, “The Branford Historical Society is committed to showcasing the stories of the people and places that shaped who we are today, and with these accessions we can preserve them for generations to come.”

The Branford Historical Society is a non-profit based in Branford, CT. The mission of the Branford Historical Society is to discover and preserve the history of Branford, Connecticut by the acquisition and preservation of artifacts, documents, and records of Branford provenance, and to actively promote Branford’s history to the community. We invite you to become a member, get involved and visit the Harrison House Museum, Barn and Gardens at 124 Main Street. June through September, Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m. or by appointment.

Learn more about the Branford Historical Society by visiting branfordhistoricalsociety.org