Blackstone Library 125th Anniversary
For today’s 125th Anniversary Fact we’re featuring a unique library collection we’re sure many of you remember fondly. The rooms on the upper floor once held displays of historical items and bird specimens until 1996, when the area was repurposed for the children’s space. We get lots of questions about the bird collection and it’s no wonder! The collection was extremely impressive and represented many different types of local species. According to our archives, the core of the collection was provided by Valdimar Hammer and the taxidermist was a Mr. Armstrong of Pawson Park here in Branford. We were certainly sad to see them go, but we know they found a great home at Earthplace Nature Discovery Center in Westport CT, a non-profit organization committed to building passion and respect for the natural world and a more sustainable future. There, the collection continues to educate and inspire a new generation of animal enthusiasts!