Programs & Events

On Saturday, Sept. 9, at 10 am the Ridgefield Historical Society will offer a one-hour walking tour led by Benjamin Hume to the former site of the Colonel Louis D. Conley’s mansion in Bennett’s Pond State Park in Ridgefield, CT. A limited number of tickets are available at $15 per person online here.

Benjamin Hume will weave stories together of the interesting history and people who once inhabited the Bennett’s Pond area. The walk will discuss the history of the land with a focus on the Conley family who owned the largest tin foil company in the world and established Outpost Farm, one of the largest estates in Ridgefield, totaling more than 1,500 acres, which grew into one of New England’s biggest nurseries in the 1920s and 1930s. Come celebrate, walk and learn about this fascinating piece of land, part of which is now known as Bennett’s Pond State Park. 

Mr. Hume moved to Ridgefield when he was 10 years old in 1980. Growing up in the area allowed him to explore the town’s many open spaces and learn about local history. In the past he has given popular Battle of Ridgefield walking tours for the Ridgefield Historical Society. While he has lived in other places, he has always had a fondness for Ridgefield and has considered the area to be home. Benjamin looks forward to sharing the story of Bennett’s Pond and looking for clues from the past with the participants in this walking tour.

Park at the main lot for Bennett’s Pond State Park at Bennett’s Farm Road and check in there by 9:50am with your name. The terrain is moderate but hiking footwear is recommended for this approximately half mile walk through some damp grass. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 10, at 10 am. For more information contact: [email protected] or 203-438-5821.