Haddam Historical Society Thankful Arnold House Museum News and Events January 29, 2021

www.haddamhistory.org P.O. Box 97 Haddam, CT 06438 860-345-2400 contact@haddamhistory.org Happy New Year Things have gotten off to a relatively quiet start this year at the museum. The Covid-19 pandemic has cancelled Winter Woolies for the first time in 29 years! Knitting over Zoom isn’t exactly the same thing. Hopefully come vaccinations and warmer weather we can host “Spring Stitches” and knit in the garden. We are planning to participate in the Town-wide tag sale in May and will offer “history walks” in April and May. Stay tuned for other events and programs. Below are some winter scenes of the museum in snow and ice from years past.

Haddam Shad Museum 2021 Season

The Haddam Shad Museum will be open on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm from April 4, 2021 to June 13, 2021. The Shad Museum, founded by Dr. Joseph Zaientz, focuses on the importance of the Shad fishing industry to Haddam and the lower Connecticut River Valley. Housed in the former Bill Maynard Shad Shack, the museum features many important and unique artifacts related to this once important local industry and is the only museum in the country solely devoted to shad fishing. Shad Museum directors, who are knowledgeable with both commercial and sport shad fishing will be available to answer questions. For safety reasons, appointments are required by calling 860-345-2400. Social distancing and masks are also required.  The museum is located at 212 Saybrook Road, Higganum, CT behind the gas station. Free admission. For additional information visit www.haddamshadmuseum.com or www.haddamhistory.org.

Diana Link Turns 100

Our good friend and long-time member, Diana Link turns 100 on February 5, 2021. Although living in upstate New York with family she will always be a vibrant part of Haddam. Many may remember her as the Librarian at Burr Elementary School or rescuer of animals. She was a ardent volunteer and advocate of the Library, board member of the Land Trust and Village Parks Society and so much more! She made Haddam a wonderful place to grow-up and reside. Dee has donated many fascinating items and archives to the Haddam Historical Society over the years and my favorite memories of her are at the Haddam Neck Fair selling books and doing the bungee swing at the age of 90. Below is her address to send birthday cards to: Diana Link c/o Fisher 235 House Rd. Richfield Springs, NY. 13439

Higganum Historic House featured in New York Times!

This Sunday, the Caleb Bailey House, circa 1755 will be featured in the New York Times. Here is a sneak preview of the article. Thank you and congratulations to owner, Rebecca Lineberry Galko. We applaud your respect and understanding of these historic treasures. Good story on young people buying and restoring historic homes, particularly if they are priced right.  Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/realestate/instagram-old-houses.html 

Historic House Plaque Program

Historic plaques are available through the Haddam Historical Society for buildings 50 years old or older. Each plaque will list the date of the building’s construction and the original owner or occupant. The plaques are 23.5 x 13.75 inches and are fabricated of Excel® board painted off-white with painted black lettering. Carved plaques are also available. If the date and original owner are unknown, the Haddam Historical Society will research the property for an additional fee. Application is available on our web site HERE. The plaque program is a way for owners to identify and share the history of their historic home. It is also a modest fundraiser for the Haddam Historical Society and helps us with our maintenance and upkeep of the Thankful Arnold House Museum.

Below: After the inauguration, on his way back to Vermont- Bernie stopped by for a visit.

Haddam Historical Society Thankful Arnold House Museum

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