Submitted by Elizabeth Malloy, Executive Director, Haddam Historical Society
(May 6, 2026) — Local author Erik Hesselberg will present a talk on Haddam native George Bradford Brainerd, a civil engineer who devised a handheld camera in the 1870’s and captured scenes in New York City, Long Island and the Connecticut River Valley. This program will be part of the Haddam Historical Society’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The business meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the program at 7:00 p.m. at the Haddam Fire Station #1, 439 Saybrook Road, Higganum. Free for HHS members, $5 for non-members.
Often referred to as the “father of instantaneous photography” Brainerd’s story has been compiled into a book by Hesselberg titled “Candid New York: The Pioneering Photography of George Bradford Brainerd.” The presentation will feature not only his exquisite photos of New York, but also his early images of Haddam, Higganum and the lower Connecticut River Valley. Books will be available for purchase.
Photo above taken by George Bradford Brainerd around 1875, featuring Swan Hill in Higganum. The Higganum Congregational Church is on the left.
