We bought our first home this year, and I couldn't have been happier with the process thanks to Emily. Emily is not only a savvy and experienced closer she also has a huge library of local resources to draw from. We needed a mortgage, for a multi-family dwelling, and we closed when I was going to be in Europe so we needed a Power of Attorney: No problem, she navigated everything for and with us and recommended others when we needed a lawyer, mortgage broker, home improvement quotes, landscaping, you name it. I hope we can buy every home with her, she really takes care of every detail and offers realistic advice through closing and beyond. Thanks Emily!
-Google review 2023
Emily has been a Madison resident for 30 years. She was voted “Best Realtor on the Shoreline” for 2023, 2022 and 2021 and The One Team was voted “Best Real Estate Team on the Shoreline.” With over 100 homes sold and over 46 million in sales in the last four years, you can trust that Emily White is the only Realtor you need.
Call/email/text to get started on your home sale or purchase today.
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Executive Director: Dawn Jackson
Marketing & Membership Coordinator: Emily Roy
Board of Directors:
President: John Mathers, Madison Beach Hotel
President Elect: Olando Petgrave, Olando and Son Painting
Treasurer: Craig Bernard, Madison Financial Planning
Secretary: Rachel Blundon, Madison Earth Care
Directors:
Tina Bascom, Bare Necessities
John Brady, Fine Home Solutions by Brady
John Ceneri, M & J’s Beach Grille & Seafood
Mary-Kate Gobleck, Reliance Merchant Services
Austin Hall, Town of Madison
Paul Harris, North Madison Volunteer Fire Department
Alyssa Ingram, The Frame Shop on Wall Street
Anne-Marie Pagli, William Raveis Real Estate
Michael Perry, Madison Neighbors Magazine
Peter Scranton, Pak Group
Carla Snowdon, Tidewater Lighting & Design
Bruce Wilson, Rockland HomeWatch Services
The Madison Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement:
The Madison Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting and promoting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the Madison community. Our mission is to empower our member businesses through a range of tailored services, including networking events that facilitate valuable connections, marketing opportunities through our dynamic social media platforms, newsletter, and digital magazine, as well as sponsorship opportunities and engaging community events that bring people together that supports our local businesses and economy. Alongside these efforts, our commitment to community outreach and business development programs aim to cultivate a vibrant and informed business environment where businesses can thrive and support each other.
Each year the Madison Chamber hosts many networking opportunities and community events in the town of Madison to bring awareness to our businesses and bring our community together:
Chamber Member & Community Events
Chamber Connect and Business After Hours
Educational speak ers and focused member business groups
Women in Business luncheons in partnership with the Clinton Chamber of Commerce
Annual community events: Souper Bowl, Beachcomber Night, The Art - Artisan & Antique Summer and Fall Festivals, Sidewalk Sales, Trunk or Treat, Small Business Saturday and the town’s annual Holiday Celebration
Ribbon Cuttings and Business Anniversary celebrations
Business A wards and Recognitions
Community Beautification projects
Visit the Madison Chamber of Commerce website for a current list of events and things to do: www.madisonct.com
The Madison Chamber of Commerce and town visitor center is located at: 12 School Street, Madison, CT 06443
Mailing address:
P. O. Box 706, Madison, CT 06443
Phone: 203.245.7394
Email: chamber@madisonct.com
About the
WChamber
elcome to the town of Madison, Connecticut. We are a vibrant coastal town with businesses, organizations, and individuals who work together to create a thriving local economy and a strong sense of community. Our town boasts a rich history, picturesque scenery, and a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and services that cater to every need and interest.
The Madison Chamber of Commerce is committed to bringing people together through events for our businesses and in our community. We are dedicated to supporting and promoting our local businesses and non-profits while also collaborating with civic organizations, volunteers, businesses, and town officials to benefit our town.
We hope that you enjoy this town guide and member directory that is filled with things to do, places to enjoy, and businesses that we encourage you to reach out to. All of this comes together and plays a vital role in shaping the unique character of our town, and we are confident that you will find exactly what you’re looking for right here in Madison.
John Mathers Dawn Jackson President, Board of Directors Executive Director
by
Photo
Kelley Fryer
First Selectwoman Letter from the
Madison is a vibrant and welcoming Connecticut shoreline community with a treasured past. Whether you grew up in town, came from a family who vacationed here for generations, or just moved into the area, our residents love and appreciate all that Madison represents: educational excellence, spectacular natural beauty, an outstanding quality of life, and a strong New England community spirit.
First settled in 1650 and incorporated in 1826, Madison was once a center for fishing, shipbuilding, farming, and crayon manufacturing. However, over the years, the Town evolved into the home of over 18,000 residents working in the New Haven region and enjoying a summer vacation at the shore. From our numerous beaches in the south to our incredible hiking and biking trails in the north, Madison offers a wide range of outdoor recreational amenities to residents and visitors alike. Along with three Town-owned public beaches, we are home to the state’s largest shoreline park, Hammonasset Beach State Park. This public recreation facility draws close to one million visitors every year for swimming, fishing, boating, and camping activities along its two miles of sandy beach on Long Island Sound.
Our beautiful downtown is filled with charming, locally owned shops and a range of restaurants to suit many tastes. Madison also hosts a wide variety of antique fairs, carnivals, and cultural events throughout the year, including our July 4th Concert on the Green, one of the largest Independence Day parades in the state, and numerous road races, marathons, and youth athletic tournaments.
Today, Madison’s Town government is committed to improving the quality of life for people of all ages and cultures by offering premier schools, abundant natural resources, and responsive public services, while promoting responsible economic development that preserves our New England character. Strong financial stewardship coupled with a
stable tax base has enabled us to embark on many community improvement projects to invest in our future. This includes the Madison Center Project, which will enhance the charm and aesthetics of our downtown area, the Madison School Renewal Plan to upgrade our public school facilities, the Academy Community Center to promote arts, education, culture, and recreation in our downtown, and many coastal resiliency projects to protect the beauty and sustainability of our shoreline assets.
Come experience the magic of Madison yourself and learn what makes us such a great place to live, work, and play. For more information on the amenities of our Town, please visit our website at madisonct.org.
Peggy Lyons First Selectwoman Town of Madison
Photo by Elizabeth Fodor
Photo by Dana Garitta
About theTown
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Madison was first settled in the year 1641, as a part of nearby Guilford. Madison was organized as a separate community more than half a century later in 1707, and incorporated in 1826. The 128th town to be established by the State of Connecticut, Madison covers a territory of approximately 36 square miles in New Haven County. It is bordered by the towns of Clinton and Killingworth on the east, by Durham on the north, by Long Island Sound on the south, and by Guilford on the west. The town is primarily a suburban, residential community made up of single-family homes. Since the middle of the 19th century, Madison has been home to a substantial summer resident community. The summer community is drawn to the town’s pristine beaches and the beautiful waters of Long Island Sound
Population:18,000 year-round residents
Bus and Rail service is available in town with connecting service from New Haven to Hartford and New York City.
Parks in town include Bauer and Salt Meadow parks and the Surf Club Beach area, which is a town-owned, 45-acre park with beaches, athletic courts, playing fields, and a picnic area. There are also one state parks.
Madison maintains its charm and its rural, nautical character through its plan of development. Madison is completely zoned, with approximately 80 percent currently zoned for open space or residential use and the remainder zoned for commercial, institutional, roads or utility, or vacant land. The plan also cites open space and preservation of the shore and rural character of the town as goals
Home values in Madison range from $250,000 to $6 million, with the selling price of single-family homes averaging $520,000. The town center, which is home to a quaint down-
town business district, has recently undergone a renovation including new sidewalks, lighting, median, and underground utilities. It boasts a vibrant commercial area on the Boston Post Road and Wall Street, with boutique shopping, restaurants, and an independent movie theater
SCHOOLS
The town provides ample educational opportunities to its young people, with 2,508 enrolled in local public schools, where the student-per-computer ratio for secondary schools is less than three to one, the average class size is less than 22 persons from kindergarten through high school, and Connecticut Mastery scores average in the 90th percentile by grade 8. In town, there are public schools from grades K through 12, as well as several private schools; two for grades pre-K through 8 and one for grades 6 through 12. There are also several preschool programs.
MUSEUMS
In addition to beaches, parks, shopping, and dining out, there is plenty to do in Madison, including exploring some of the town’s many museums.
Allis-Bushnell House & Museum
853 Boston Post Road, 203-245-4567
The Allis-Bushnell House & Museum dates to 1785 and is owned and preserved by the Madison Historical Society. The home provides a glimpse of another era with exhibits focusing on local history, period furniture, ship models, clothing, toys, tools, farm equipment, herb gardens, and more. Hours are limited to seasonal special events and open houses; guided tours may be arranged by appointment.
About the
Lee Academy
14 Meeting House Lane, 203-245-4567
A schoolhouse built in 1821, Lee Academy houses both offices and exhibit space and is owned and operated by the Madison Historical Society. In 2011, the academy underwent a restoration to supply a new roof and windows, restore its cupola, and conduct other repairs. The academy has also been the site of worship services and meetings for community organizations. It even once served as the headquarters of the Madison Public Health Association. Summer hours are Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission, but donations are welcome.
Deacon John Grave House
581 Boston Post Road, 203-245-4798
During its more than three centuries of life, this building located just off the Town Green has been used as a school, a wartime infirmary, a weapons depot, a tavern, a courtroom, and an inn. Dating to the year 1685, the Deacon John Grave House was inhabited until the late 20th century by descendants of John Grave. Call for hours. The house is open for tours by appointment during the winter. A donation is suggested.
The Sculpture Mile at Madison
With a full mile of sculptures by contemporary American artists on display throughout the downtown area, Madison prides itself on being the first U.S. community to have mounted a year-round outdoor sculpture exhibit. The Sculpture Mile, also known as the town’s Living Museum, is composed of approximately 30 large sculptures.
HISTORIC SITES
Other historic sites in Madison include the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library, the West Cemetery (one of five burial grounds in Madison), and several historic trails, such as the Paper Mill Trail (running along the banks of the Hammonasset River) and Rockland Preserve. History buffs will also consider a visit to the Charlotte L. Evarts Memorial Archives (8 Meetinghouse Lane, 203-245-5667), on the eastern end of the Town Green, where a large collection of local-interest archival material is housed. It is open Tuesday evenings, Friday mornings, or by appointment.
Events Calendar of
Visit madisonct.com for updated information on all events as details are subject to change.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 12 PM – 2:30 PM
Souper Bowl
Community event serving up soups, chili, and chowder in downtown Madison.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, ARRIVE 9:30 AM, THE EGG HUNT STARTS AT 10:00 AM SHARP Easter Egg Hunt
(Rain date: Sunday, March 30) Madison Surf Club
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Ties & Tiaras Family Dance www.madisonartsbarn.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 11:00 AM
Spring Splash (Polar Plunge)
Madison Surf Club
SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Princess Tea Party www.madisonartsbarn.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
Madison Little League Opening Day Parade Downtown Madison to Jaycee Field
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Bauer Farm Mad for Trees pickup (Rain date: Sunday, April 21)
Apple tree planting, Removal of invasive plants at Farm Garden
More information at www.mad4trees.org
EVERY FRIDAY, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
MAY THROUGH OCTOBER
Outdoor Madison Farmers Market
Madison Town Green
SATURDAY, MAY 4TH 9:00 AM - NOON
Madison Paper Shredding Day 12 School Street
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Annual Plant Sale to benefit Civic Gardens Maintained by The Garden Club of Madison Deacon John Grave House
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Art, Artisan & Antique Summer Festival
Madison Chamber of Commerce
Madison Town Green
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 11:00 AM
Madison Masters Golf Tournament
Madison Country Club
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 10:00 AM
Madison Exchange Club Independence Day Parade
Downtown Madison
FRIDAY, JULY 5, 9:30 PM
Annual Fireworks Celebration –shore points (Rain date: Friday, July 12)
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Madison Cultural Arts 4th of July Concert on the Green
SUNDAY, JULY 7, 6:00 – 8:00 PM The Taxmen Concert
Madison Town Green
SUNDAY, JULY 14, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
The Larry Stevens Band Concert
Madison Town Green
WEDNESDAY–SATURDAY, JULY 17–20, 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Madison Rotary Carnival Academy Field
SUNDAY, JULY 21, 6:00–8:00 PM
Cover to Cover Band Concert
Madison Town Green
Events Calendar of
THURSDAY–SUNDAY, JULY 25–28
Summer Sidewalk Sale
Downtown Madison along Boston Post Road and Wall Street
SUNDAY, JULY 28, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
KSF Tribute Band Concert
(Kansas, Styx and Foreigner)
Madison Town Green
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
1 Wild Night Bon Jovi Tribute Band
Madison Town Green
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
The Kenn Morr Band
Madison Town Green
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Beachcomber Night
Outdoor evening event along Boston Post Road and Wall Street with live music, food trucks and beer / beverage tastings.
Downtown Madison
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Last Licks Band
Madison Town Green
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Take 2 and Call Me Band
Madison Town Green
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 6:00 AM
Dave Parcells Triathlon
Madison Surf Club
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 5:00 PM
911 Remembrance Ceremony
Madison Town Green
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Art, Artisan & Antique Fall Festival
Madison Chamber of Commerce
Madison Town Green
OCTOBER
Scarecrows Invade Downtown Madison
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
Monster Bash Family Halloween Dance www.madisonartsbarn.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Haunted House www.madisonartsbarn.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, NOON-1:00 PM
Halloween Costume Parade
Downtown Madison
Visit www.madisonct.com for more details
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Trunk or Treat (Rain date: Saturday, November 2)
Madison Town Green
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, TIME TBD
Veterans Day Ceremony
Madison Town Green flagpole
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 10:00 AM
Thanksgiving Day, Lenny & Joe’s Turkey Trot
Madison Town Green
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Holiday Celebration, Santa comes to Madison Shop Small Saturday
Downtown Madison along Boston Post Road and Wall Street
DECEMBER, DATE TBD
Living Nativity at the Lutheran Church of Madison
DECEMBER 6, TIME TBD
Town of Madison tree lighting on the town green
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 14 & 21, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Seasonal Saturdays with in-store holiday specials and events
Downtown Madison along Boston Post Road and Wall Street
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
Ladies Holiday Shopping Night Out
Downtown Madison along Boston Post Road and Wall Street
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
Men’s Holiday Shopping Night Out
Downtown Madison along Boston Post Road and Wall Street
A 501(c)(3) non-profit arts collective for the shoreline of Connecticut. Its mission is to present professional-quality entertainment from the worlds of opera, musical theater, and drama. Performances are staged at the Deacon John Grave Foundation, 581 Boston Post Road, Madison. www.madisonlyricstage.org
IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE
The Ivoryton Playhouse is located in Ivoryton, near the banks of the Connecticut River. The playhouse has been an important part of Connecticut’s cultural landscape for 106 years having featured such legendary stars as Katharine Hepburn and Marlon Brando. The theater presents a year-round
program of professional productions at 22 Main Street, Ivoryton. www.ivorytonplayhouse.org
LEGACY THEATRE
The Legacy Theatre is a professional theater company that enhances the Connecticut shoreline’s economy, educational opportunities, and quality of life through live theater and related programs. The Legacy Theatre strives to be a premiere arts house and to ensure ongoing seasons of uplifting, inspiring, and challenging professional theater and theater training for all. It is located on the site of the former Stony Creek Puppet House at 128 Thimble Islands Road, Branford. www.legacytheatrect.org
THE KATE–KATHARINE HEPBURN CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
The Kate is a non-profit performing arts organization located in a historic theater/ town hall at 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook. www.thekate.org
ARTS CENTER OF KILLINGWORTH / SPECTRUM ART GALLERY
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which develops and promotes visual and performing art programs for all ages, supporting amateur and professional artists. 276 North Parker Road, Killingworth. wwww.spectrumartgallery.org
Madison and the surrounding communities offer a greatly diverse offering of stage, theater, and art.
Daniel Hand High School students rehearse the musical Rent on March 24, 2022. Opening night for the musical is March 31, 2022. Ben Lizondro, Gio Edwards Theo Zucconi perform. Wesley Bunnell / The Source
ANIMAL CARE AND VETERINARY SERVICES
Alpha Dog Events & Activites
819 Durham Road Madison CT 06443
860-681-9639
HoundsOut LLC. 1110 Boston Post Road Guilford CT 06437
203-927-0299 www.houndsout.com
Madison Veterinary Hospital 1260 Durham Road Madison CT 06443-4037 203-421-3300 www.madisonvetpc.com
Shoreline Happy Paws LLC 61 Main Street Old Saybrook CT 06475 860-964-0464 www.CTHappyPaws.com
ARCHITECT COMMERCIAL, ARCHITECT RESIDENTIAL
Dickinson, Duo, Architect 94 Bradley Road Madison CT 06443
203-245-0405 www.duodickinson.com
John A. Matthews Architecture & Planning
817 Boston Post Road Madison CT 06443-0823
203-245-0110
Point One Architects 17 Wall Street Madison CT 06443 203-779-5510 www.pointonearchitects.com
Williams Architects
897 Boston Post Road Madison CT 06443 203-245-3283 www.goarchitects.com
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Arts for Learning Connecticut 1 Evergreen Avenue, Ste. 33 Hamden CT 06518
203-230-8101 www.aflct.org
The Barn
The Madison Arts Barn Madison CT 06443-0054 203-245-2689 www.madisonartsbarn.org
