Haddam Shad Museum
The Haddam 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.
In 2023 the museum was moved to its new location at the former Haddam Elementary School and we have just completed a two-year restoration of the building and the construction of a barrier free access ramp. The museum resumed its normal operating hours in April of 2026. We are open on Sundays during Shad Season.
Shad Museum-CLOSED for the Season
Can be open by appointment; Call 860-345-2400
Friends of the Haddam Shad Museum
Please help us preserve, protect and promote this very special Haddam landmark for generations to come.
Suggested Donation Levels:
Shad $1000
Buck $500
Roe $250
Fry $100
Dart $50
Drift Net $30
NOTE: Clicking the link above will take you to a third-party platform to donate. They do not charge fees, so we are able to receive the full benefit of your event registration or donation. The platform will add an OPTIONAL suggested contribution to allow them to continue offering their services to non-profit organizations free of charge.
The museum is staffed by local volunteers and fishermen, who are knowledgeable with both commercial and sport shad fishing, and are available to answer questions. The museum also has demonstrations of boning and planking shad.
The History of Shad Fishing in Connecticut
Shad, the Connecticut state fish, has been harvested in town since its founding in 1662. From 1760 through the 19th century, shad fishing was a successful commercial enterprise and was said to be “an industry of much profit and importance” in Haddam.
In 1814 there were at least 17 locations in town where shad were caught and that year saw a catch of 200,000. Over most of the history or shad fishing, it was done by ‘haul seining’ during the daytime, but this practice stopped in the 1950s when the fish became less numerous and river travel increased. Shad fishing now is done by law at night with ‘drift nets.’ Boning shad was and is today considered an art form.
Address
272 Saybrook Road (on the far side of the playground)
Higganum, CT 06441
Hours
Closed for the season; will reopen Spring 2027
Can be open by appointment; call 860-345-2400