Stony Creek Museum, Branford, CT

New Museum to Open in Stony Creek Connecticut
Stony Creek Museum introduces itself to the public and announces its future home in the historic Stony Creek section of Branford, Connecticut

Branford, CT, April 13, 2009 – The Board of the Stony Creek Museum announced today that there will be a new museum in Stony Creek, Connecticut. Collections numbering into the thousands are well under way including historic family, quarry and architectural photography, quarry tools, hotel memorabilia, flags, toys, religious items, and artifacts from the Thimble Islands.

The Museum will be open to and serve the public as a member based museum. The Museum’s mission is to collect, archive, maintain and exhibit for the public manuscripts, pictures, objects, artifacts, memorabilia and items that reflect the history, culture and community of Stony Creek, Connecticut and the Thimble Islands. This will encourage the preservation and education of the heritage of Stony Creek and the Thimble Islands for present and future generations.

“Thousands of items have been donated thanks in large part to Ron McDermott of Stony Creek, says Stony Creek Museum Board President, Judy Robison, the brainchild behind the Museum. “Thank You Ron!”, exclaimed Robison. “It’s amazing what he has collected over the years and we can’t wait to see what others have to donate. I am very excited to announce that the Museum is official and that we have a future home in the old St. Therese’s Church”, said Robison.

Items collected to date span over 150 years and are estimated to date back as far as the early 1800’s. Items are being carefully cataloged and archived by Maureen DaRos. Additional collections and donations are sought after for consideration. Historic family, quarry and architectural photography, quarry tools, school, hotel, bar and store memorabilia, flags, maps, blueprints, newspapers, articles, books, vintage clothing, toys, religious items, postcards, furniture, fashion, fishing and sailing gear, mailboxes, hats, and artifacts from the Thimble Islands. Anyone interested in having an item or collection considered should contact Maureen DaRos at info@stonycreekmuseum.com or by mail: Stony Creek Museum, P.O. Box 3047, Stony Creek, CT 06405.

There are several dedicated individuals currently serving on the board, including Ted Ells serving as Co-Chairman. His family has been part of Stony Creek for generations. For some of the board members, this project is not only an important part of preserving the history of Stony Creek, but has a personal connection.
Anyone interested in being involved in the project, joining a committee, attending the dedication or making a financial donation should contact Judy Robison at one of the addresses above or by phone: 481-9369.

“Frank Vasi, a Branford composer, presented an original cantata in 2005 which was a portrait of Stony Creek and the islands. Entitled, In Some Chosen Place, it really sums up our feeling about living here.” said Robison.

An official celebration and dedication is planned for Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 2 pm.

About the Stony Creek Museum:
The Museum is an outgrowth of the Stony Creek Quarry Workers’ Celebration. It is a Not for Profit 501 c 3. The Museum is the brainchild of the President of the Executive Board, Judy Robison. The collection currently has thousands of artifacts, items and photographs. Much of the original collection was donated by Ron McDermott of Stony Creek, Connecticut. Collections include historical items dating back to the early 1800’s and span over 150 years. The Museum’s home will be at the old St. Therese’s Church at the corner of Thimble Island Road and School Street in the Stony Creek section of Branford, CT.

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Contact:
Judy Robison
Chairman
481-9369
info@stonycreekmuseum.com
Stony Creek Museum
P.O. Box 3047
Stony Creek, CT 06405