Monday, June 3 @ 8:30 am – Friday, August 30 @ 4:30 pm EDT
The Ridgefield High School senior interns at the Ridgefield Historical Society have created a new exhibit highlighting the old Branchville Schoolhouse, a town property that has deteriorated in recent years and which the Historical Society hopes to restore. Using materials and photographs from the Ridgefield Historical Society collection, Marko Katra, Jane Prusko, Maddie Winslow and Elena Avaliani designed and installed the display, which is in the case on the lower level of Town Hall and will remain on view through August 30. Admission to this exhibit is free and it’s open Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30.
Experienced contractors and architects with an understanding of historical preservation and adaptive reuse will carry out the restoration work, closely guided by the Ridgefield Historical Society to preserve the building’s historical integrity. The restoration project will encompass both the exterior and interior, focusing on repairing and restoring the roof, cupola, siding, windows, and doors. The interior will be renovated to serve as a museum documenting Ridgefield’s history and the generations of Ridgefield families who attended school there, as well as a community meeting space.
On June 5, 2024 resulting from nominations by the Ridgefield Historical Society, the Historic Preservation Council of the State of Connecticut voted to add the Branchville Schoolhouse along with the West Lane/Peter Parley Schoolhouse to the State Register of Historic Places. Being on the Register of Historic Places is generally a requirement for grants to rehabilitate and preserve antique structures.
For more information about the Branchville Schoolhouse Restoration Project and to make a contribution please click here.
