Project Name: Uncover Branford: Your town, your people, your story.
Purpose: Designed to bring the Branford community together to create personal connections while exploring the hidden gems that make Branford unique. Provides a space to share the special stories that can only be told by those living here.
Grant Funding Amount: $2,000
Key Elements:
COLLABORATION:Opportunities to meet new people, share stories, and work together to create a special group project.
EXPLORATION: Visit the sites you choose to take pictures and interview people, discovering new places and learning more about Branford.
CELEBRATION: Share experiences at a special Open House held at the library. Stories will be highlighted and archived on the library’s website. Special booklet with the group’s work will be printed and distributed.
Target Audiences: Adults (45 – 65), teens and families, people who want to spend more time being active in the community, make new friends, and get to know Branford
Community Support: Branford Historical Society, Branford Land Trust, Friends of the James Blackstone Library
Use of grant funds: development of tip sheet for taking high-quality photographs, story write-ups/photography displays, editing/layout services, printing booklet of write-ups/photos for distribution
Why:
Members want to collaborate and connect because:
- they feel disconnected from each other
- they have a strong desire to meet neighbors/other Branford residents
- they want to feel stronger ties to their town and community, whether new to town or longtime resident
Uncover Branford addresses the emotional & functional jobs they want:
- encourages getting out and visiting special sites in Branford
- provides a neutral place to meet others in community, build relationships
- gives a clear end product to work toward and allows for pride of completion
Uncover Branford is different from other alternatives:
- landmarks will be selected by participants
- participants get up close, take own pictures
- provides for face-to-face conversation & interaction
- participants encouraged to visit sites with each other
Uncover Branford transforms Our Library for the 21st Century:
- technology is amazing (& we have a lot of it!), but human connection is key
- keeps library as the hub of the community, glue that holds it together
