Submitted by Elizabeth Malloy, Executive Director.
The Haddam Shad Museum will be open on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from April 3, 2022 to June 12, 2022. The Shad Museum, founded by Dr. Joseph Zaientz of Haddam Neck, focuses on the importance of the shad fishing industry to Haddam and the lower Connecticut River Valley. Housed in the former Bill Maynard Shad Shack, the museum features many important and unique artifacts related to this once important local industry and is the only museum in the country solely devoted to shad fishing.
Shad Museum directors, who are knowledgeable about both commercial and sport shad fishing will be available to answer questions. Appointments encouraged at 860-345-2400. Masks suggested.
The museum is located at 212 Saybrook Road, Higganum, CT behind the gas station. Free admission.
Shad Fun Facts:
- Shad do not feed after they enter fresh water
- Shad belongs to the great family of herrings
- Average weight of White Shad is 4 pounds
- Maximum age of a shad is 7 years
- Shad are sensitive to light
- Sport shad fishing did not begin until the 1930s
