Battlefield Research and Stewardship
Preserving Our History
In November 2019, the Battle of Ridgefield became the subject of intense interest with the finding of human remains under the basement of a historic house, which sits not far from the main engagement. This battle was the only inland engagement of the Revolutionary War fought in Connecticut.
The Ridgefield Historical Society received a multi-year grant in 2020 from the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program, followed by another grant in 2023 to convert this enthusiasm into preservation action and long-term stewardship of this important site through research, archaeology, and community-based dialogue. We are seeking proposals from cultural resource management firms to complete the objectives of the 2023 American Battlefield Protection Program Grant (application deadline 10/31/2024), read more here.
For more information about our Battle of Ridgefield project, please email: [email protected]
Fund for the Forensic Study of Skeletal Remains
The Ridgefield Historical Society has established a special fund to provide financial support for the forensic work and for the eventual reinterment of the remains to help identify and honor the men who died on Ridgefield’s battleground.
Updates:
Uncovering Ridgefield’s Revolutionary Past: Archaeologists Begin Historic Battlefield Study
Beneath Ridgefield’s quiet streets lies a battlefield waiting to be rediscovered—and this spring, a groundbreaking archaeological project is bringing that history to light.
New Insights into Ridgefield’s Revolutionary War Legacy Shared
Keith Marshall Jones III offered fresh perspectives about the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield in this captivating lecture.
Seeking Proposals for Battle of Ridgefield Archaeology Project
The Ridgefield Historical Society seeks to contract with a professional cultural resource management firm to carry out the objectives of an American Battlefield Protection Program Grant, administered by the National Park Service.
Announcing a New Book about the Battle of Ridgefield
Renowned historian Keith Marshall Jones III unveils his latest work, offering the most comprehensive and compelling account of the Battle of Ridgefield to date.
Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tours 2024
History was brought to life on the 247th anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield.
How the Battle of Ridgefield Impacted the Revolutionary War
In this sold out gathering we learned the influence Ridgefield had on the American Revolution.
Ridgefield Historical Society Awarded $20,000 Grant for Forensic Analysis of Skeletal Remains
Help us complete the forensic work required to identify and honor these men who gave their lives in the Battle of Ridgefield during the American Revolution.
Sen. Blumenthal Praises NPS $117,714 Grant for Ridgefield Historical Society Battleground Study
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal visited the Ridgefield Historical Society on Tuesday morning, Aug. 8, 2023 to celebrate a $117,714 Preservation Planning Grant through the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program.
2023 Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tours
The Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tours went off as planned on Saturday, April 29th, featuring eight historical characters, a mile-long route, and plenty of raindrops.
Own a Piece of Ridgefield History
Own a limited-edition printed 72-page book documenting the 245th reenactment of the Battle of Ridgefield.
Community Contributes to Battlefield Planning
In spring 2022, the Ridgefield Historical Society invited community members to offer ideas and suggestions for future Battle of Ridgefield programming and commemorations. Here are the results.
After the Battle: Looking to the future with a pair of town planning sessions
The Ridgefield Historical Society is conducting Battle of Ridgefield Community Planning Charrettes to look to the future and consider how Ridgefield might integrate the Battle of Ridgefield history into our current landscape.
Watch for ongoing updates to this developing story:
- Three skeletons, possibly Revolutionary War soldiers, found under Ridgefield house, Stephen Coulter, Ridgefield Press, 12/17/2019
- Skeletons found near Ridgefield battle site fascinates history lovers, Macklin Reid, Ridgefield Press, 12/18/19
- Revolutionary War soldiers? State archaeologist believes Ridgefield skeletons fit the bill, Stephen Coulter, Ridgefield Press, 12/18/2019
- Experts to determine if remains found in Ridgefield are from American Revolution, reported by Mark Sudol, News 12 Connecticut, 12/18/2019
- Digging Up History in Ridgefield: Archaeologist, Historians, Scientist Study Three Skeletons, Possibly Revolutionary War Soldiers, HamletHub, 12/18/2019
- Skeletons that may be the remains of Revolutionary War soldiers discovered beneath historic house, Fox News, 12/20/2019
- QU Students Studying Skeletal Remains Found in Ridgefield (video), NBC Connecticut, 1/3/2020
- Possible Revolutionary War remains studied at Quinnipiac University in North Haven, Record-Journal, 1/3/2020
- Tests Begin on Bones That May Be Revolutionary War Soldiers, U.S. News, 1/3/2020
- Skeletal Remains Found in Ridgefield May Be Revolutionary War Soldiers, UConn Today, 1/15/2020
- Fourth skeleton discovered in Ridgefield, Ridgefield Press, 1/20/2020
- Update coming on Ridgefield skeletons, News Times, 2/28/2020
Testing on the skeletal remains was suspended due to the pandemic. We are awaiting news of any change to this situation from state archaeologist Sarah Sportman.
