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Location  Brainerd Academy: Located behind the First Congregational Church of Haddam and accessible by Field Park Drive, this imposing granite-faced building was built in 1839. Originally three stories tall, the building once featured a central bell tower. John and Nehemiah Brainerd organized Brainerd Academy "with an interest to devote forever to the accommodation of Schools of Learning and purpose of education." The school which admitted girls as well as boys was a college preparatory school offering Greek and Latin. The school served primarily New England students, although several came from the south and abroad including Ceylon. The Academy remained open into the 1890's and when it closed, was purchased by the Hazen Foundation. After the town hall burned in 1929 this building was used as the town hall and the third story was removed and the two-story portico was added to the façade.  Directions From Middletown/North: Take Route 9 south to Exit 10. At the end of the ramp, go right onto Route 154 south. Proceed for 4.7 miles, take a right onto Field Park Drive. The Brainerd Academy is the stone building on the left. From Old Saybrook/South: Take Route 9 north to Exit 7. At the end of the ramp (long access road), turn left onto Route 154 north. Follow Route 154 for 3.8 miles, take a left onto Field Park Drive. The Brainerd Academy is the stone building on the left. ParkingParking lots are to the right of and behind the sanctuary building. Additonal parking is available in the Brainard Library lot, across the street, and at the Town Hall, on Field Park Drive, just north of the church.
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