This Revolutionary War dining room was used by Branford soldier Samuel Baldwin.Photo credit: Branford Historical Society
Spinning wheel owned by Sarah (Beach) Blackstone, wife of James Blackstone, for whom the library is named. Local resident and weaver Bob Iudy put it into working order, and his junior in Branford showed it on a field trip to Harrison House. Photo credit: Branford Historical Society.
Press Release, Branford Historical Society
The Branford Historical Society gratefully received a permanent donation of its collection of historical items from the James Blackstone Memorial Library and its Board of Trustees.
About 60 items have been on long-term loan from the Blackstone Library since 1986 and are now on display at the Harrison House Museum.
For nearly a century, Blackstone has built a collection of historical, artistic, or sentimental items donated by residents of Branford.
In a letter from the Blackstone Board of Trustees to the association’s board of directors, President Beth Rowe said, “Over time the collection has grown too large to be displayed in the library.”
The Branford Historical Society enthusiastically agreed to curate and display them at the Harrison House Museum.
Some items have their own Blackstone family origins, such as a highchair that belonged to Betsy Jane Blackstone and a spinning wheel that belonged to James’ wife Sarah (Beech) Blackstone. Local resident and weaver Bob Iudy put it into working order, and his junior in Branford showed it on a field trip to Harrison House.
Branford town historian Jane Bouley highlights one of her favorite items. He roughly engraved “SB Pray send me home.”
All of these items and many more are on display at the Harrison House Museum.
Branford Historical Society President Matt Radulski said: We thank the Blackstone Board of Trustees and are honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of this permanent collection. ”
“The Branford Historical Society is committed to telling the stories of the people and places that have shaped us today, and their membership will help us preserve them for generations to come,” Radulski said. can.”
The Branford Historical Society is a non-profit organization based in Branford, Connecticut. The mission of the Branford Historical Society is to discover the history of Branford, Connecticut, to acquire and preserve artifacts, documents and records relating to Branford’s origins, and to actively promote Branford’s history to the community. Join us as a member and visit the Harrison House Museum, Barn and Gardens at 124 Main Street. Saturdays from June to September, 1-4pm or by appointment.
For more information about the Branford Historical Society, visit branfordhistoricalsociety.org.
