April 2024
In this issue, we highlight:
  • April 9th - School Vacation Dreamcatcher Workshop
  • April 13th - Wangunk Monument Ceremony
  • April 28th - Adriaen Block Presentation
  • Photo of the Week
School Vacation Dreamcatcher Workshop
Tuesday, April 9th from 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Ages 6 - 10

Create your own Dreamcatcher! All materials will be provided. Enjoy this activity, led by two former teachers, during school vacation. The workshop is limited to 20 children ages 6 - 10. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the entire activity.

Location: East Haddam Historical Society, 264 Town St., East Haddam
Suggested donation of $5.00 per child
Please call the Museum at 860-873-3944 to reserve your space. Please provide contact information and the number of children that will be attending.
Save the Date! Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM
The Life and Times of Adriaen Block, a Dutch Explorer, Mapmaker, and Fur Trader

Mark your calendar for this fascinating presentation by Historical Society member Dr. Johan Varekamp, professor emeritus at Wesleyan University. Block Island was named after Adriaen Block. He made four voyages from Holland to the Americas, which led to Dutch settlements along the Hudson River (with New Amsterdam) and along the Connecticut River. He built the first European boat in the Americas (the Onrust) that he sailed across Long Island Sound up the Connecticut River, past East Haddam. 

Location: East Haddam Historical Society & Museum, 264 Town Street
Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Free for members and children 12 and under. Suggested donation of $5.00 for
non-members. For information call 860-873-3944 or email: museum@easthaddamhistory.org.
Photo of the Week
Did you know that the William Goodspeed family lived in this luxurious home in downtown East Haddam? The home was located on the current site of the parking lot next to the old Town Hall and LaVita Gustosa.

William Goodspeed was a merchant, shipbuilder, and the builder of the iconic Goodspeed Opera House.
Wangunk Monument Ceremony
April 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM
The East Haddam Cemetery Committee will dedicate a new granite monument in memory of 8 Wangunk Native Americans who are buried at the Mt. Parnassus Cemetery on Smith Road in East Haddam.

The Wangunks were buried at the cemetery between 1774 and 1887 when the town began keeping burial records. The original small marble markers at each grave site have been stolen. The sole surviving marker has been placed at the East Haddam Historical Society & Museum for preservation.

Red Oak - Wangunk Elder Gary O'Neil of East Hampton will conduct a traditional Native American Ceremony, and local Municipal Historian Dr. Karl Stofko will present a short history on these East Haddam Wangunk residents. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony. All are welcome!
Thank You!
We extend our thanks to Mike of Mike Cohen Flooring for the installation of new flooring in the Museum restrooms. The new flooring adds a fresh new look and a safer experience for our visitors. Thank you Mike!
The Museum is open by appointment!
Call 860-873-3944 or email museum@easthaddamhistory.org
to schedule a time to visit, tour, or conduct research!