For the last many weeks, Ridgefield has been immersed in the past, commemorating the 245th Anniversary of the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield. Now it’s time to look ahead — to consider new and creative ways to continue to preserve and share the evolving Battle of Ridgefield history and the evidence and artifacts that represent it.
To this end, the Ridgefield Historical Society is conducting two planning Charrettes — on May 12 and June 12 — to share what researchers have found, and hear your feedback on how to best preserve and appreciate our special history.
But First! What’s a Charrette?
‘Charrettes’ are collaborative and moderated workshops in which a group of people work together to find a solution to a design or planning question or challenge. Charrettes, by intent, are participatory and inclusive and invite community ownership of the solutions or outcomes. Charrettes are not spectator sports — they include brainstorming, participation, and interaction. In the case of the Battle of Ridgefield Charrettes, we are inviting community members to collectively discuss how Ridgefield wants to continue to commemorate the Battle of Ridgefield both now and in years to come.
The backstory: The word “Charrette” is French meaning “cart,” but sounding a lot more glamorous. The use of the term arose in the 19th century at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where it was not unusual at the end of a term for teams of student architects to work right up until a deadline, when a charrette (cart) would be wheeled among them to collect their models and other work for review. Even after their work was on the cart, students worked furiously to apply the finishing touches. This came to be referred to as working, “en charrette,” or “in the cart.”
Please join us for a Charrette. There are no wrong answers, no preposterous ideas. It’s a time for thinking and for dreaming. We’re looking for your thoughts on how we can honor the Battle of Ridgefield and preserve it for generations to come.
Register for a Charrette
Workshop #1: Thursday, May 12, 2022, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Via Zoom
Workshop #2: Sunday, June 12, 2022, 2:00 – 3:30 pm In Person at Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield, CT
Events will be facilitated by FHI Studio.
