BIG MOVE FOR HADDAM SHAD MUSEUM
On Wednesday, July 12, Bill Maynard’s Shad Shack was moved for at least the 4th time in the last 100 years. It was originally constructed in 1930 just north of 213 Saybrook Road as a shad processing and retail facility next to Maynard’s filling station. He later moved the building out to Candlewood Hill Road but returned it to Higganum in late 1950s to the property at 212 Saybrook Road.
Dr. Joseph Zaientz, who founded the Haddam Shad Museum in 1999 in Maynard’s old Shad Shack, was deeply passionate about shad fishing in the lower Connecticut River and enjoyed sharing the history of “Connecticut’s Fish” will all. Dr. Zaientz deeded the building and its contents to the Haddam Historical Society before his passing and the society is committed to continuing his legacy and sharing this integral part of local history.
Due to property ownership changes, the building needed to be moved. The Society looked at many sites in town and at the suggestion of town officials considered their offer of a place at HES location the most advantageous and desirable. In a new location that is both visible and easy to access, the museum will attract a larger audience and benefit the town and region at large. There are now possibilities of shad educational programs and events. The building is not in its final location as some additional work needs to be done. Haddam/Higganum should be proud of its unusual little Shad Museum which has been touted in Atlas Obscura and CT Museum Quest to name a few.
Thank you to the team Jack Calhoun, Gilbert Madore, Mark Brencher, Scott Neilson, Kenny Vallera, Tom Berchulski and Ron Annino. Also, thanks to prep team Vinnie Madore, Lenny Kochanowski, Dave Lougee, Dale DeCarli, Chuck Cook, and Rick Todizia.
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