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Community Corner

The Branford History of Yale

Branford Green bears a sign that discusses the role of Branford in the founding of Yale. Where did the meeting transpire, and who was involved? That's what we're asking in this week's column.

In my initial post about the Branford Green, asked about that prominent sign at the corner of Montowese and Main St. that reveals the Branford element in the history of Yale University. She wrote:

I would like to know more about the founding of Yale University in Branford and by the Branford Green. 

A few years ago, I mentioned this sign to a friend who had received her undergraduate degree from Yale, and she promptly told me that Yale was founded in Saybrook. Yale's official site confirms it in their short history timeline. What a contradiction! Clearly, there's a greater story to be told here, and this column is just the place to go looking for an answer.

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The sign on the Green says: "Near this Green, Yale College was founded, 1701 by ten ministers who gave their books." Who were those ministers? What books did they donate? And what part did Saybrook play in Yale's founding if its original start was here in Branford? Is Branford College at Yale named after our town? I know a few of the answers, and am confident about tracking down more, but I'd love to hear what you know.

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