Branford Green Junior History Hunt - "Looking Up" History, Branford, CT Preview

1

Introduction and First Congregational Church

The Branford Green has been the center of the town’s religious and social life since the land was given to the town in 1699. The Green has seen many uses over the years from cow pasture and militia training to town carnivals, concerts and today’s Branford Festivals.The first stop on our history hunt is the First Congregational Church of Branford.This church and the town of Branford have the same birthday. Members of the First Congregational Church of Branford founded the town over 375 years ago in 1644.Question:Many churches ring bells to tell us the time. How else does this church help us to tell the time? (Hint: You may need to step back from the church to see this one.)

2

Civil War Monument

This is the oldest and biggest monument on the Green. It was built to honor the 200+ soldiers from Branford who fought in the Civil War. The monument is made of granite and is over 30-feet tall with the figure on the top standing 7 feet 4 inches.Question:Find the statue of the Union soldier. What is he holding in his hand?

3

Town Hall

Town Hall was built in 1860 and has hosted many activities including voting, banking, dances, roller skating and even boxing matches. An old stone jail stood behind the building from 1878 until the 1970s.The building has seen many additions and changes over the years. The porch and pillars were added to the building in 1916.Question:One addition to the building is this golden animal who moves with the wind. What is it?

4

Trinity Episcopal Church

Trinity Church was formed in 1784 by people not happy with the Congregational Church. When this church building was constructed in 1851 its bell served as the town’s first fire alarm. The parish hall was added later and served as a clinic during the flu epidemic of 1916 to 1918.Question:Find the flower shape on the church. It doesn’t need light to grow, but it does use light to glow. What is it?

5

The Academy

This Academy is the oldest building on the Green and was built as a school in 1820. This is the third location for the Academy building. It originally stood where the Town Hall is now, was moved to the rear of the Congregational Church in 1860, and then moved again to this location in 1972.Question:What is red, white and blue and flies high next to the Academy today?