Programs & Events

Ridgefield’s Great Estates Bus Tour

More than 20 grand estates that covered much of Ridgefield a century ago will be the focus of a bus tour presented by the Ridgefield Historical Society, from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026.

Town Historian Jack Sanders, author of the book, Ridgefield’s Great Estates, will bring the group to and sometimes through these grand properties during a 25-mile excursion of the town, describing the grounds and mansions – some of which are still standing and have been repurposed. Beginning and ending at Jesse Lee Church at 207 Main Street in Ridgefield, the tour is entirely by mini school bus and will not include walking around or inside buildings. Seating is limited to 16 people and is expected to sell out quickly. Tickets for this unique opportunity are nonrefundable and priced at $75 or discounted at $65 for Ridgefield Historical Society members (members should enter discount code 10OFF at checkout).

For a complete experience, tour-goers should bring their copies of Ridgefield’s Great Estates, for illustrations to which Mr. Sanders will be referring throughout the trip. Copies may be ordered as an add-on at checkout and will be distributed at the bus tour. This book can also be purchased from our friends at Books on the Common. A couple of copies will be available on loan for the tour.

A Fairfield County native and graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, Jack Sanders retired in 2014 after 45 years as an editor of The Ridgefield Press. He’s written 20 books on Ridgefield history, and also created and administers the “Old Ridgefield” group on Facebook, which has more than 13,000 followers. He and his wife, Sally, a retired newspaper editor who is vice president of the Ridgefield Historical Society, live in a 250-year old farmhouse in Ridgefield.

Please do not use the discount code if you are not a member. If you’re not a member of the Historical Society, we invite you to join by clicking HERE. If you are unsure of your membership status, contact [email protected] or call 203-438-5821