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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240727T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240727T150000
DTSTAMP:20240529T170702Z
CREATED:20240529T170657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T170702Z
UID:20816-1722074400-1722092400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Find us at Summerfest July 27
DESCRIPTION:Stop by and say hello to Ridgefield Historical Society volunteers who’ll be staffing our table at the 2024 Summerfest celebration on Main Street on Saturday\, July 27\, from 10 to 3. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is organizing the family festival\, which will include sidewalk sales\, craft vendors\, food\, entertainment\, a touch-a-truck display and more. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society table will be in front of Town Hall.  We will be giving away Historical Society memorabilia\, selling books on the history of Ridgefield\, and answering any questions you may have about our mission and how we can help you get a better understanding of our town’s past\, present\, and future. \n\n\n\nSummerfest is always a great day as friends and neighbors and visitors stroll our lovely Main Street and enjoy all that the town has to offer. For more information about the Ridgefield Historical Society\, please visit our website\, https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/. For more about Summerfest\, visit ridgefieldchamber.org.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/find-us-at-summerfest-july-27/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Summerfest-2023.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T150000
DTSTAMP:20240529T172623Z
CREATED:20240423T193819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T172623Z
UID:20621-1717243200-1717254000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Pride in the Park
DESCRIPTION:Ridgefield Historical Society will have a table at Pride in the Park at Ballard Park on Saturday\, June 1\, from noon to 3 and will be sharing Ridgefield LGBTQIA+ history as well as talking about an oral history project begun this year. Admission is free and all are welcome. \n\n\n\nA generous grant awarded by CT Humanities to the Ridgefield Historical Society\, will support this project. This two-year $50\,000 initiative is a collaboration of the Ridgefield Historical Society\, Ridgefield CT Pride\, and student volunteers from Ridgefield High School to diversify the Ridgefield Historical Society’s oral history collection.  \n\n\n\n“We’re thrilled that CT Humanities awarded us this grant to support our innovative oral history project and celebrate our community’s diverse history\,” said Stephen Bartkus\, Executive Director of the Ridgefield Historical Society. “This project will document the untold stories of LGBTQIA+ residents in Ridgefield\, a significant step towards filling a gap in our historical record while encouraging intergenerational connections within our community.”
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/history-is-being-preserved-learn-more-at-pride-in-the-park/
LOCATION:Ballard Park Ridgefield CT\, 485 Main St\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:LGBTQIA+,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pride-in-the-Park-2024.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240527T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240527T130000
DTSTAMP:20240503T080441Z
CREATED:20240423T185922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240503T080441Z
UID:20618-1716809400-1716814800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Memorial Day Parade
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society will add its float to Ridgefield’s Memorial Day parade\, commemorating the history and sacrifice of countless residents\, on Monday\, May 27. Volunteers will be walking alongside the float. The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. with a rifle salute at the veterans monument in front of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church\, 207 Main Street\, and concludes with ceremonies at Ballard Park. If you’d like to join us in the parade contact: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/see-you-on-main-street-memorial-day-parade/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Memorial-Day-.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T160000
DTSTAMP:20240503T124757Z
CREATED:20240321T175057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240503T124757Z
UID:20488-1714827600-1714838400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Cemetery Tour: "1918-19\, Not The Best of Times!"
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Graveyard Restoration Committee\, which is an official town committee\, invites townspeople to a self-guided tour at the town’s main cemetery complex\, at the intersection of North Salem Road\, North Street\, and Mapleshade Road\, on Saturday\, May 4\, from 1 to 4 p.m. (rain date: Sunday\, May 5\, 1 to 4). There is no admission charge; freewill donations can be made to the Ridgefield Historical Society. Drive into the cemetery and check in at the registration table. \n\n\n\nThe theme will be “Not the best of times!” The committee is highlighting some of the graves of Ridgefielders who are believed to have died in the great Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-19. The vital records from those days didn’t often specify “influenza” so the deaths of a substantial group of 20-to-30-year-olds all within the time when influenza overran Connecticut are used as an indicator. \n\n\n\nWhile Ridgefielders were coming to the end of the Great War (World War I) and a global pandemic as 1920 approached\, there was a portion of the population that was prospering. Their monuments can also be found in the cemetery complex: people like George Pratt Ingersoll\, Harvey Platt Bissell\, and George A. Doubleday. (Mr. Doubleday actually lost his wife to influenza; wealth was not a protection.) \n\n\n\nThe cemeteries in the triangle bounded by North Salem Road\, Mapleshade Road\, and North Street include Titicus\, Mapleshade\, Scott’s\, Hurlbutt\, Fairlawn\, and Lounsbury. Access is from the gate at the intersection of Mapleshade Road and North Street; volunteers will guide tour-goers to parking and there will be maps guiding visitors to the highlighted graves. \n\n\n\nRepresentatives from the Ridgefield Historical Society\, which stores the records of the Graveyard Restoration Committee and hosts its meetings\, will be on hand at the tour with information about other Historical Society events. They will have copies of Jack Sanders’ book\, Here Lyes the Body\, about all of Ridgefield’s cemeteries\, for those who want to learn more about the many fascinating people who chose to make Ridgefield their final resting place.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/a-cemetery-tour-highlights-1918-19-not-the-best-of-times/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ridgefield-Cemetery-map-copy-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T150000
DTSTAMP:20240501T203849Z
CREATED:20240501T173501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240501T203849Z
UID:20760-1714816800-1714834800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Downtown Ridgefield's Spring Stroll
DESCRIPTION:Join the Ridgefield Historical Society on Saturday May 4th from 10am-3pm on Main Street in Downtown Ridgefield to celebrate Spring! Try your hand at colonial games like a jacobs ladder\, spinning tops or ring toss.  Come visit us and learn more about how we are preserving and celebrating the history of Ridgefield.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/downtown-ridgefields-spring-stroll/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Spring-Stroll-2024.webp
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240418T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240418T100000
DTSTAMP:20240402T015928Z
CREATED:20240402T015851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240402T015928Z
UID:20562-1713434400-1713434400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Remembering Ridgefield’s Covid Victims: A Memorial Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:A ceremony\, Remembering Ridgefield’s Covid Victims\, will take place Thursday\, April 18\, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the pocket park opposite the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane. \n\n\n\nThe Covid memorial tree\, donated and maintained by Steve Zemo for the town\, was dedicated last spring at the first ceremony. \n\n\n\nAll are welcome to attend the 2024 gathering and to place flowers at the bottom of the tree in honor of those who lost their lives in the pandemic. The brief program will include remarks by First Selectman Rudy Marconi\, prayer by a representative of the Ridgefield Clergy Association\, and closing comments by Ridgefield Historical Society executive director Stephen Bartkus. \n\n\n\nThe Historical Society will then host a reception in the Scott House and highlight some of the objects and oral histories collected during the pandemic to preserve the memories of this global event as it affected Ridgefield. Please join us.  \n\n\n\nThe event free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Ridgefield Commission on Aging\, the Ridgefield Historical Society and Steve Zemo.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/remembering-ridgefields-covid-victims-a-memorial-ceremony/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/covidtree-1682379842-from-HamletHub.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240118T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240118T183000
DTSTAMP:20231125T010639Z
CREATED:20231125T010206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231125T010639Z
UID:19945-1705597200-1705602600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Wine\, Cheese & Chamber Chat with Ridgefield Historical Society
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce’s “Wine\, Cheese\, and Chamber Chat”\, featuring the Ridgefield Historical Society\, on Wednesday\, January 18\, 2024 from 5 to 6:30 PM. \n\n\n\nImmerse yourself in the rich history of our town while savoring delicious wine and cheese selections. \n\n\n\nHosted in partnership with the Lounsbury House. This event is free and open to all. Don’t miss out – RSVP today!
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/wine-cheese-chamber-chat-with-ridgefield-historical-society/
LOCATION:Lounsbury House\, 316 Main Street\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Free Events,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chamber-Wine-and-Cheese-for-Historical-Society.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce":MAILTO:info@ridgefieldchamber.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231210T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231210T140000
DTSTAMP:20231129T221256Z
CREATED:20231103T063118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231129T221256Z
UID:19888-1702202400-1702216800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Silhouettes by Deborah O'Connor
DESCRIPTION:Silhouettes\, a beloved tradition and benefit for the Ridgefield Historical Society\, returns for the holiday season on Sun. Dec. 10\, 2023 from 10am-2pm. Calling all children\, families\, and yes even pets! Silhouettes make a unique holiday gift. Make an appointment here and join us at the historic Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane on Dec. 10 to have beautiful hand cut silhouette portraits created for you and your family\, including your dogs and cats. Each silhouette\, starting at $30 each\, is cut in exacting detail in just a few minutes by Rhode Island artist Deborah O’Connor. Ms. O’Connor has been practicing this lost art for over forty years. New this year\, silhouettes can also be made from digital profile pictures submitted online in advance. \n\n\n\nReservations and Pricing \n\n\n\nThere are just 28 appointments are available for this special event. Register here on Eventbrite and pay a $15 nonrefundable deposit which reserves your seat for one appointment which will be applied to the total cost of your silhouette(s)\, which start at $30 each and up. The Eventbrite credit card fee of $2.85 is a separate additional expense for you and will not be applied to your silhouette purchase. Ms. O’Connor can create silhouettes for 1-2 subjects during each appointment. If you plan to have silhouettes made for more than 2 subjects\, please book two consecutive appointments. \n\n\n\nYou can purchase just the unframed silhouette\, or you can have it matted and framed for an additional cost. \n\n\n\nOne original unframed silhouette: $30 \n\n\n\nExtra unframed copy of the silhouette: $15 \n\n\n\nAdditional Add-on Options: \n\n\n\nMat (8″x10″) for one subject: $10 \n\n\n\nMat (11″x14″) for groupings of 2-3 subjects: $20 \n\n\n\nFrame (5″x7″) for one subject: $40 \n\n\n\nFrame (8″x10″) for groupings of 2-3 subjects: $60 \n\n\n\nPlease arrive at the Ridgefield Historical Society 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to check in\, fill out your order form\, and process your payment. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated and deposits are nonrefundable for missed appointments. Parking at the Historical Society is limited and traffic is heavy. Please allocate extra travel time to get to this event. \n\n\n\nAdvance Orders \n\n\n\nSkip the line and submit your profile photos in digital format in advance on Ms. O’Connor’s website https://thesilhouettelady.com/ and then pick up your completed silhouettes at the Ridgefield Historical Society. \n\n\n\nDuring the checkout process on Ms. O’Connor’s website\, when asked for the name of the fundraiser’s sponsoring organization in the “Special Instructions Box”\, enter “Ridgefield Historical Society”. Select the option to pay by check. Do not pay by credit card. You will pay for your order when you pick it up at the Ridgefield Historical Society on Sun. Dec. 10 between 10am and 3pm. An appointment on Eventbrite is not needed for advance orders. \n\n\n\nAssistance with placing advance orders will also be provided at the Historical Society’s table at the Christmas Market at Lounsbury House during the Holiday House Tour on Sat. Dec. 2. \n\n\n\nSilhouettes History \n\n\n\nSilhouette cutting is done entirely freehand in a matter of minutes. Working with multiple layers of paper\, it is possible to create several silhouettes of the same subject at once. These extra “copies” are traditionally sold at half the cost of the “original”\, and make wonderful gifts. There is a magical quality to this art\, beyond the fascination of seeing how quickly an accurate portrait is produced\, using only scissors and a trained eye. That special quality is the unique ability of a silhouette to seemingly capture the very “essence” of a person. Once experienced you will become an enthusiastic fan of the art. These loyal fans have sought out the dwindling number of practitioners with enough frequency to keep the art from extinction. \n\n\n\nBefore the invention of the camera\, the silhouette ranked as the most popular form of portraiture. Compared to other means of having a portrait done\, silhouettes were inexpensive. Previous to being dubbed “silhouettes” they were called “shades” or “shadows”. The term silhouette derived from a French minister of finance and amateur shade cutter named Etienne de Silhouette. His stringent financial policies caused the slogan “a la Silhouette” to be used in reference to anything that was considered “cheap” in France at that time. The name stuck unfortunately\, denigrating what is truly a fine art\, into something that sounds almost worthless. \n\n\n\nOn the bright side\, most people are no longer aware of that association. One other quality that is unique to silhouettes\, is how they tend to remain displayed on the walls of a home for decades. They slowly and unintentionally evolve into becoming a family’s most treasured heirlooms. Capturing the essence of a person\, which is timeless\, they do not become outdated\, as photographs do and tend to remain untouched and on display for decades. Historians have attributed the survival of so many intact antique silhouettes to this fact. Join us for the opportunity to have heirloom quality silhouettes created for your family. \n\n\n\nFor More Information \n\n\n\nContact the Ridgefield Historical Society at ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org\, info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety\, or 203-438-5821.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/silhouettes-2/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Silhouette_2400x1600.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231206T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231206T183000
DTSTAMP:20231108T213329Z
CREATED:20231101T022219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231108T213329Z
UID:19871-1701887400-1701887400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:God Save Benedict Arnold - Talk\, Book Signing and Reception with Jack Kelly
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society is delighted to announce a talk\, book signing\, and reception at 6:30pm on Wednesday\, December 6\, 2023 with author Jack Kelly\, following the December publication of his new work\, God Save Benedict Arnold\, The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man. His presentation will take place at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall at 353 Main Street in Ridgefield\, CT. Tickets for the program are $15 for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society and $20 for non-members and can be purchased online here. Tickets are nonrefundable. To inquire about your membership status call 203-438-5821 or email info@ridgfieldhistroricalsociety.org. To become a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society join here. Books on the Common will have books for sale and signing at the event. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSay “Benedict Arnold” and the average person would say “traitor.” Students of Ridgefield history\, while acknowledging his later treachery\, would also call him a hero of the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield where he rallied the Continental troops and local militias against a huge British force. While General Arnold\, General David Wooster\, and General Gold Selleck Silliman and their men couldn’t defeat General Tryon’s troops\, they did demonstrate that invasions like the raid on Danbury were not without cost to the invaders. \n\n\n\nSo esteemed was General Arnold here — he fought bravely at the barricade\, had his horse shot out from under him\, and suffered a leg injury — that for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield the Town of Ridgefield commissioned a medal honoring him. (It was reissued in 2002 for the 225th.) \n\n\n\nGod Save Benedict Arnold\, published by St. Martin’s Press\, explores Arnold’s life and military career\, both his efforts for the Patriot cause in the early years of the Revolutionary War and how he came to turn traitor. Kevin J. Weddle\, Ph.D.\, Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Army\, Professor of Military Theory and Strategy\, U.S. Army War College\, calls the book “Wonderfully written\, Jack Kelly’s fresh and lively new study of one of America’s greatest combat commanders is an important contribution to our understanding of this complicated and influential leader.” \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society appearance will be followed by a book tour that includes a Dec. 7 talk at The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati\, Inc.\, in Washington\, D.C. \n\n\n\nJack Kelly is an award-winning author and historian; he lives in the Hudson Valley. His books include Band of Giants: The Amateur Soldiers Who Won America’s Independence\, which won the DAR History Medal; Valcour; The Edge of Anarchy; Heaven’s Ditch\, and Gunpowder. He has also published five novels.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/god-save-benedict-arnold-book-talk-signing-and-reception-with-jack-kelly/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Author Talks,Battle of Ridgefield,Lectures,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Copy-of-Jack-Kelly_credit-Jeff-Brouws.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231202T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231202T150000
DTSTAMP:20231129T152157Z
CREATED:20230927T212629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231129T152157Z
UID:19796-1701507600-1701529200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield Holiday Historic House Tour - SOLD OUT
DESCRIPTION:Back after a four-year hiatus\, Tiger Hollow’s always-anticipated house tour will offer a new experience in 2023: Tiger Hollow and the Ridgefield Historical Society are joining forces to present a Saturday tour of historic homes that will be preceded by a Friday evening gala preview party. \n\nAll the seasonal beauty of Ridgefield will be the backdrop for the Holiday Historic House Tour and Preview Party on Dec. 1 and 2. \n\nCoinciding with the Ridgefield Holiday Stroll\, the Preview Party and Historic House Tour will be a time for celebrating with friends and toasting the return of a traditional part of the holiday season. With the new schedule putting the house tour on a Saturday\, the house tour committee will be able to accommodate more visitors during three two-hour time slots (9am\, 11am\, or 1pm) and will facilitate groups of friends being together to visit the homes. Early purchase helps assure a time slot and grouping. \n\nThe Houses \n\nThe selection of homes for 2023 highlights many aspects of Ridgefield’s history\, from the first settlers to the late 19th Century “summer people.” \n\nThe Joshua King House\, a home that has anchored a prominent corner on Ridgefield’s Main Street for centuries\, was originally the home of Revolutionary War veteran Joshua King\, who built it in 1801. King was Ridgefield’s first postmaster and the founder of King & Dole\, a store whose building is now incorporated into the Aldrich Museum.  Although a fire in 1889 destroyed the original home\, the King family rebuilt a very similar structure\, set a bit further back from the street. In the early 20th Century\, the property was sold to Richard Arbuthnot Jackson\, whose family continued living there until the 1970s. \n\nThe Benedict House and Shop\, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places\, was the modest home of a cobbler\, who had his shop on the property. The house\, built around 1740\, backs up to a hillside where it’s believed a skirmish with British soldiers took place as the Battle of Ridgefield was winding down. The house and shop were extensively restored by architect Cass Gilbert\, who bought the property in 1920. It was later the home of Robert and Mildred Wohlfor. \n\nThe Benjamin Keeler House dates to the pre-Revolutionary era and the early layout of the town: it sits on Proprietor’s Lot #25. The house was part of a large farmstead and remained in the Keeler family until the early 19th Century when it went into the Benedict family. One of its later owners was the Pulitzer Prize-winning author\, Richard Kluger. \n\nThe Olmsted House is a handsome home built on land purchased in 1923 by Frances M.  Olmsted\, reportedly a distant relative of Frederick Law Olmsted\, from  Julia Finch Gilbert\, wife of the famed architect\, Cass Gilbert. The  Gilberts owned large areas of land surrounding their country home\, which  they called the Cannonball House and is now the Keeler Tavern Museum  and History Center.  \nThe David Hoyt House\, The Fountain Inn\, sits on the east side of Main Street\, facing the Cass Gilbert Fountain\, donated by the famous architect. The original home on this site was built in 1740\, on the Proprietor’s Lot #1\, and featured in the story of the Battle of Ridgefield. Hoyt\, a prominent loyalist\, is said to have prevailed on the British to cease their attacks on his next-door neighbor\, Timothy Keeler\, whose tavern was a gathering place for the patriots. Hoyt’s motive was to protect his own home from stray fire\, but after the war\, he\, like other loyalists\, left the country for England. The Fountain Inn not only hosts overnight guests\, but is also a venue for small gatherings and celebrations. \n\nPreview Party – SOLD OUT \n\nBefore the tour\, there’s the Preview\, a chance to enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the beautifully restored Tuttle-Smith House\, and an opportunity to support both Tiger Hollow Inc. and the Ridgefield Historical Society in a very convivial setting. The Friday\, Dec. 1\, event is limited in attendance and because alcohol will be served\, no one under 21 can be admitted. \n\nTickets for both the Preview Party and the Historic House Tour will be on sale beginning Oct. 2 at the Ridgefield Historic House Tour website. \n\nPost-Tour \n\nStop at The Benjamin\, 20 West Lane\, for post-tour conversation with friends and lunch or a cocktail; they’ll contribute a portion of the afternoon’s proceeds to the two tour sponsoring organizations.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-holiday-historic-house-tour-2/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:House Tour,Special Events,Tours & Open Houses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HouseTourBenjaminKeelerHouse.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231201T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231201T200000
DTSTAMP:20231125T000935Z
CREATED:20230927T221912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231125T000935Z
UID:19802-1701453600-1701460800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Preview Party for the Ridgefield Holiday Historic House Tour - SOLD OUT
DESCRIPTION:Back after a four-year hiatus\, Tiger Hollow’s always-anticipated house tour will offer a new experience in 2023: Tiger Hollow and the Ridgefield Historical Society are joining forces to present a Saturday tour of historic homes that will be preceded by a Friday evening gala preview party. \n\nAll the seasonal beauty of Ridgefield will be the backdrop for the Holiday Historic House Tour and Preview Party on Dec. 1 and 2. \n\nCoinciding with the Ridgefield Holiday Stroll\, the Preview Party and Historic House Tour will be a time for celebrating with friends and toasting the return of a traditional part of the holiday season. With the new schedule putting the house tour on a Saturday\, the house tour committee will be able to accommodate more visitors during three two-hour time slots (9am\, 11am\, or 1pm) and will facilitate groups of friends being together to visit the homes. Early purchase helps assure a time slot and grouping. \n\nPreview Party – SOLD OUT \n\nBefore the tour\, there’s the Preview\, a chance to enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the beautifully restored Tuttle-Smith House\, and an opportunity to support both Tiger Hollow Inc. and the Ridgefield Historical Society in a very convivial setting. The Friday\, Dec. 1 event\, from 6-8pm\, is limited in attendance and because alcohol will be served\, no one under 21 can be admitted. \n\nTickets for both the Preview Party and the Historic House Tour will be on sale beginning Oct. 2 at the Ridgefield Historic House Tour website. \n\nThe Houses \n\nThe selection of homes for 2023 highlights many aspects of Ridgefield’s history\, from the first settlers to the late 19th Century “summer people.” \n\nThe Joshua King House\, a home that has anchored a prominent corner on Ridgefield’s Main Street for centuries\, was originally the home of Revolutionary War veteran Joshua King\, who built it in 1801. King was Ridgefield’s first postmaster and the founder of King & Dole\, a store whose building is now incorporated into the Aldrich Museum.  Although a fire in 1889 destroyed the original home\, the King family rebuilt a very similar structure\, set a bit further back from the street. In the early 20th Century\, the property was sold to Richard Arbuthnot Jackson\, whose family continued living there until the 1970s. \n\nThe Benedict House and Shop\, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places\, was the modest home of a cobbler\, who had his shop on the property. The house\, built around 1740\, backs up to a hillside where it’s believed a skirmish with British soldiers took place as the Battle of Ridgefield was winding down. The house and shop were extensively restored by architect Cass Gilbert\, who bought the property in 1920. It was later the home of Robert and Mildred Wohlfor. \n\nThe Benjamin Keeler House dates to the pre-Revolutionary era and the early layout of the town: it sits on Proprietor’s Lot #25. The house was part of a large farmstead and remained in the Keeler family until the early 19th Century when it went into the Benedict family. One of its later owners was the Pulitzer Prize-winning author\, Richard Kluger. \n\nThe Olmsted House is a handsome home built on land purchased in 1923 by Frances M.  Olmsted\, reportedly a distant relative of Frederick Law Olmsted\, from  Julia Finch Gilbert\, wife of the famed architect\, Cass Gilbert. The  Gilberts owned large areas of land surrounding their country home\, which  they called the Cannonball House and is now the Keeler Tavern Museum  and History Center.  \nThe David Hoyt House\, also known as The Fountain Inn\, sits on the east side of Main Street\, facing the Cass Gilbert Fountain\, donated by the famous architect. The original home on this site was built in 1740\, on the Proprietor’s Lot #1\, and featured in the story of the Battle of Ridgefield. Hoyt\, a prominent loyalist\, is said to have prevailed on the British to cease their attacks on his next-door neighbor\, Timothy Keeler\, whose tavern was a gathering place for the patriots. Hoyt’s motive was to protect his own home from stray fire\, but after the war\, he\, like other loyalists\, left the country for England. The Fountain Inn not only hosts overnight guests\, but is also a venue for small gatherings and celebrations. \n\nPost-Tour \n\nStop at The Benjamin\, 20 West Lane\, for post-tour conversation with friends and lunch or a cocktail; they’ll contribute a portion of the afternoon’s proceeds to the two tour sponsoring organizations.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/preview-party-for-the-ridgefield-holiday-historic-house-tour/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877
CATEGORIES:House Tour,Special Events,Tours & Open Houses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Tuttle-Smith-House-1.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231118T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231118T153000
DTSTAMP:20231111T230130Z
CREATED:20231101T023928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231111T230130Z
UID:19877-1700321400-1700321400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Tellabration: Your Part in Historical Ridgefield
DESCRIPTION:Tellabration is a storytelling festival that was started by Paw Paw Pinkerton in Connecticut in 1988 and has since spread worldwide. We’ll celebrate with some town tales at the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane on the traditional Saturday before Thanksgiving\, Nov. 18\, 2023 at 3:30pm. The goal of this gathering is to help bring joy\, friendship\, and reminders of common humanity to listeners and tellers. Parking at the Scott House is limited so please register in advance here or call 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\nThe five-minute true stories are based on a theme. Here\, in 2023\, it’s “Your Part in Historical Ridgefield\,” organized by Dr. Darla Shaw\, who will be one of the storytellers. \n\n\n\nDr. Shaw will be the afternoon’s M.C. and start the stories with a history of Tellabration in Ridgefield. Among the other topics will be Benjamin Hume\, Bringing History to Life; Barbara Serfilippi\, 39 Years as Ridgefield Town Clerk; Ben Shaw\, Early Eight Lakes Community; Martha Bishop\, Ridgefield’s Oldest Senior Band in the State; Dr. Joe Ellis\, Diversity Day; Steve Maydan\, History of the Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off in Town; Elaine Keleman\, Growing Up in the Scott House Neighborhood; Peter Nichols\, Childhood Memories of Ridgefield; and Bob Cox\, Students I Have Taught in Ridgefield.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/tellabration-your-part-in-historical-ridgefield/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Free Events,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DONE-tellabrationLogoiwithTag.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T193000
DTSTAMP:20231103T071628Z
CREATED:20231002T222509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231103T071628Z
UID:19825-1700073000-1700076600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Intemperate Habits: LGBTQ History from a Connecticut Perspective
DESCRIPTION:On Wednesday\, November 15\, 2023 at 6:30pm the Ridgefield Historical Society\, in partnership with the Ridgefield Library and Ridgefield CT Pride\, will present\, Intemperate Habits: LGBTQ History from a Connecticut Perspective\, a talk by Susan Ferentinos\, PhD. To register for this free program at the Ridgefield Library\, which is made possible by a grant from CT Humanities\, click the blue button above to register. \n\n\n\nTo celebrate the launch of our Ridgefield LGBTQ Oral History Project\, historian Susan Ferentinos will offer an overview of LGBTQ history\, with particular emphasis on the experiences of LGBTQ people in Connecticut. From some of the earliest evidence of same-sex desire in the English colonies to the LGBTQ civil rights struggles of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries\, Connecticut has been a part of the national story of gender and sexual diversity. By using local stories to illustrate national trends\, Dr. Ferentinos will demonstrate the importance of individual LGBTQ lives and communities to our understandings of the past. \n\n\n\nSusan Ferentinos\, PhD\, is a public history researcher\, writer\, and consultant helping cultural organizations share untold stories about women and LGBTQ people. She will be assisting with the Ridgefield LGBTQ Oral History Project and has recently worked with the Palmer-Warner House in East Haddam\, Connecticut\, and the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park\, New York. She is the author of the award-winning book Interpreting LGBT History at Museums and Historic Sites and has contributed her expertise to the National Park Service initiative “Telling All Americans’ Stories.” \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nRidgefield Historical Society preserves\, interprets\, and fosters public knowledge of Ridgefield’s historical\, cultural\, and architectural heritage. Learn more by visiting www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org \n\n\n\nRidgefield CT Pride celebrates Ridgefield’s LGBTQIA+ community\, educates\, promotes awareness\, understanding\, and acceptance\, fosters a sense of belonging\, as well as provides support for both LGBTQIA+ individuals and their friends and family. Learn more by visiting www.ridgefieldctpride.com \n\n\n\nConnecticut Humanities (CTH) is an independent\, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants\, partnerships\, and collaborative programs. CTH projects\, administration\, and program development are supported by state and federal matching funds\, community foundations\, and gifts from private sources. Learn more by visiting www.cthumanities.org \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Library is located at 472 Main St. in Ridgefield\, CT. For more information call 203-438-5821\, email info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org\, or visit www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/intemperate-habits-lgbtq-history-from-a-connecticut-perspective-3/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Library\, 472 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lectures,LGBTQIA+,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Susan-Ferentinos-Picture-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T110000
DTSTAMP:20231107T225819Z
CREATED:20231107T225815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231107T225819Z
UID:19899-1700040600-1700046000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Live-stream of the 2nd Annual Witness Stones Installation Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:The 2nd annual Witness Stones Installation Ceremony will take place at 9:30am on Wednesday\, November 15\, 2023. Because space is very limited this event is by invitation only\, but it will be live-streamed to the community through the RPS Curriculum YouTube Channel  and recorded for future viewing. This partnership with the Ridgefield Public Schools\, Ridgefield Historical Society\, and the Witness Stones projects brings history alive through inquiry for each 8th-grade student in Ridgefield. Students are studying the history of slavery through a regional and local lens while practicing the skills of a historian. Last year\, students studied the lives of Quash and Lidia\, two formerly enslaved persons in Ridgefield. This year\, students are investigating the lives of Dinah and Peter. All four of these enslaved residents of Ridgefield lived in the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Scott House during the 18th century.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/live-stream-of-the-2nd-annual-witness-stones-installation-ceremony/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Educational Programs,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ridgefield-Historical-Societys-Scott-House.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231108T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231108T220000
DTSTAMP:20231103T064227Z
CREATED:20231001T021625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231103T064227Z
UID:19811-1699466400-1699480800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Rich Cohen\, Guest Bartender @ The Benjamin
DESCRIPTION:Strands of history will converge on Wednesday evening\, Nov. 8\, 2023 when author Rich Cohen will be the guest bartender at The Benjamin\, 20 West Lane in Ridgefield\, to benefit the Ridgefield Historical Society. \n\n\n\nThe evening will be the time to savor a historic location in Ridgefield and enjoy some time with friends while quizzing the bartender about sports history\, particularly the 1987 NBA season. This fun gathering will include the “fast break” as our signature drink\, drawings (bring cash for tickets)\, and more. A percentage of every beverage and food purchase in the bar between 6 and 10 p.m. will be donated to the Ridgefield Historical Society. Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no admission fee. \n\n\n\nCohen’s most recent book is When the Game Was War: The NBA’s Greatest Season\, when the greatest teams were the Celtics\, the Lakers\, the Pistons and the Bulls\, led by Larry Bird\, Magic Johnson\, Isiah Thomas and a young Michael Jordan. The story of this season is in many ways the story of the 1980s NBA\, when the finals always came down to a team facing the Celtics or the Lakers\, and three times to those two facing each other. 1987 was one of those seasons. \n\n\n\nRich Cohen has fleshed out sports history across football (Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football); baseball\, The Chicago Cubs: Story of a Curse; and even youth hockey (Pee Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent). His other New York Times bestsellers  include Tough Jews; When I Stop Talking\, You’ll Know I’m Dead (with Jerry Weintraub)\, and The Sun & the Moon & the Rolling Stones. \n\n\n\nThe Benjamin\, named for Founding Father Benjamin Franklin\, opened this year in a building with a long history of hospitality. Built around 1900 as the country home of George Pratt Ingersoll\, who called it Ingleside\, it became the Kane’s Inn in the 1930s and was later Walter Tode’s Inn\, then Henry Prieger’s Inn at Ridgefield\, and in 2000\, Bernard’s\, owned by Bernard and Sarah Bouissou\, who sold the property to restaurateurs Rob Moss\, Dave Studwell and BJ Lawless. \n\n\n\nRich Cohen is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Tough Jews; Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football; Sweet and Low; When I Stop Talking\, You’ll Know I’m Dead (with Jerry Weintraub); The Sun & the Moon & the Rolling Stones; The Chicago Cubs: Story of a Curse\, and Pee Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent. His new book\, When The Game Was War: The NBA’s Greatest season\, was published on Sept. 5\, by Random House. He is a co-creator of the HBO series Vinyl\, an Editor at Large at Air Mail and a columnist at the Wall Street Journal. He has written for The New Yorker\, The Atlantic\, and Harper’s Magazine\, among other publications. Cohen has won the Great Lakes Book Award\, the Chicago Public Library’s 21st Century Award\, and the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for outstanding coverage of music. His stories have been included in The Best American Essays and The Best American Travel Writing. According to his official biography\, “Despite frequent predictions\, he still lives in Connecticut.” \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society works to preserve and celebrate Ridgefield history; for more information call 203-438-5821. For more information on The Benjamin\, click here.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/rich-cohen-guest-bartender-the-benjamin/
LOCATION:The Benjamin\, 20 West Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Rich-Cohen.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230923T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230923T170000
DTSTAMP:20230905T044701Z
CREATED:20230731T190355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230905T044701Z
UID:19457-1695481200-1695488400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Reception for the New Executive Director of Ridgefield Historical Society
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society has announced a reception to welcome and introduce Stephen Bartkus as its new Executive Director. Scheduled for Saturday\, Sept. 23\, 3 to 5 pm\, the gathering will celebrate the Historical Society’s new chapter under Mr. Bartkus’ leadership. \n\n\n\nAs an accomplished professional with an extensive background in museums\, preservation\, archaeology\, and community engagement\, his appointment marks a significant milestone for the Historical Society and the Ridgefield community at large. \n\n\n\nAlso join us in welcoming Kendra Menary\, Executive Assistant\, to the Ridgefield Historical Society team! \n\n\n\nAll members\, local history enthusiasts\, and interested individuals are encouraged to attend this occasion at the Scott House located at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is limited so carpooling is encouraged and registration is requested here. Please contact info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821 for additional information.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/reception-for-the-new-executive-director-of-ridgefield-historical-society/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Stephen-Bartkus-Headshot-Color.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ridgefield Historical Society":MAILTO:info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230909T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230909T200000
DTSTAMP:20230902T193827Z
CREATED:20230902T191219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230902T193827Z
UID:19735-1694289600-1694289600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Eccentric Women of Ridgefield
DESCRIPTION:SATURDAY\, SEPTEMBER 9\, 2023 at 8:00pm \n\n\n\nand \n\n\n\nSUNDAY\, SEPTEMBER 10\, 2023 at 5:00pm \n\n\n\nThese monologues\, adapted for the stage from the storytelling of Dr. Darla Shaw\, celebrate four eccentric women of Ridgefield: \n\n\n\nSarah Bishop  \n\n\n\nMary Louise Beatrice Olcott \n\n\n\nJaqueline Seligmann \n\n\n\nCarmela Sabilia \n\n\n\nDirected by Linda Seay \n\n\n\nOriginal Historical Stories by Dr. Darla Shaw \n\n\n\nStage Adaptations by Stephen Robbins \n\n\n\nJoin us as these women are brought to life on the RTB stage\, in a joint presentation with the Ridgefield Historical Society.  \n\n\n\nThe Sunday performance will include a talkback with the actors\, director Linda Seay\, and Sally Sanders of the Ridgefield Historical Society! \n\n\n\nDoors open at 7:00pm Saturday\, and 4:00pm Sunday\, one hour prior to curtain \n\n\n\nCabaret Seating – Bring Food & Drink \n\n\n\n(snacks and drinks available at our Lobby Concessions Stand) \n\n\n\nThis show is presented without intermission. \n\n\n\nFor more information: boxoffice@ridgefieldtheatrebarn.org or 203-431-9850
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/eccentric-women-of-ridgefield-2-2/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Theater Barn\, 37 Halpin Road\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Eccentric-Women-of-Ridgefield.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230830T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230830T200000
DTSTAMP:20230731T193742Z
CREATED:20230731T182346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230731T193742Z
UID:19444-1693422000-1693425600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ballard Park Gardens Then and Now Lecture
DESCRIPTION:Terry McManus\, President of the Ridgefield Garden Club\, archivist and historian\, will give a talk on the history and current care of Ballard Park and its gardens. This program is presented in partnership with the Ridgefield Library and Ridgefield Historical Society. To register for the talk click here. There will also be a tour led by Ms. McManus of the Ballard Park gardens the day after this talk on Thursday\, August 31 at 11:00 am (separate registration is required for the tour here).
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ballard-park-gardens-then-and-now/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Library\, 472 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Ballard-Park.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230827T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230827T160000
DTSTAMP:20230731T193605Z
CREATED:20230731T170914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230731T193605Z
UID:19435-1693130400-1693152000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield Historical Society to Honor Legacy at the 2023 Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society will be an exhibitor at the 91st Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair at 25 Cannon Road in Wilton on Sunday\, Aug. 27\,  10-4. \n\n\n\nThe much-anticipated annual event is the grand finale to summer and is enjoyed by hundreds of children and adults who participate in juried agricultural contests ranging from Culinary Arts to Poultry & Fowl\, to Rabbits\, Sewing & Needlework and many more. Details for entries are at cannongrange.org. Additionally\, dozens of concessionaires will be in attendance.  Admission is $2. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Grange joined forces with the Cannon Grange inthe 1950s\, uniting two organizations dedicated to preserving the agricultural legacy of Wilton and Ridgefield. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society will offer visitors an opportunity to delve into the rich history of Ridgefield and its agricultural heritage through a display of photographs and merchandise\, including a wide selection of Ridgefield history books\, which will be for sale.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-historical-society-to-honor-legacy-at-the-2023-cannon-grange-agricultural-fair/
LOCATION:Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair\, 25 Cannon Road\, Wilton\, Connecticut\, 06897
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Cannon-Grange-Fair.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230503T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230503T100000
DTSTAMP:20230430T015544Z
CREATED:20230429T173111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230430T015544Z
UID:18621-1683104400-1683108000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:COVID-19 Memorial Tree Dedication
DESCRIPTION:Early this May\, the Town of Ridgefield will be dedicating a special tree to the memory of those lost in the Coronavirus pandemic.  The tree\, an ‘Autumn Brilliance’ Amelanchier\, was planted outside the Ridgefield Historical Society in April 2022 and has begun flowering this spring.   \n\n\n\nThe COVID-19 Memorial Tree on the day it was planted in April 2022.\n\n\n\nThe ceremony — open to all — will include words and a plaque dedication by Ridgefield First Selectman\, Rudy Marconi\, and Pastor Beth Anderson of St. Andrew’s Church in Ridgefield. Refreshments will follow in the Scott House\, the headquarters of the Ridgefield Historical Society.  The Society continues to collect COVID-19 artifacts and oral histories representing this uncommon time in the history of our town\, and our world.  \n\n\n\nThe COVID-19 Memorial Tree was initiated by the Commission on Aging of Ridgefield and was generously donated by Steve Zemo of Ridgefield Apartments. Zemo owns and maintains the ‘pocket park’ in which the tree resides.   \n\n\n\nSometimes referred to as “a tree for all seasons\,’ the Autumn Brilliance Amelanchier flowers in springtime\, produces berries in summer\, displays fiery brilliance in fall\, and captures snow in the winter — a year-round tribute to the many friends and family members who lives were lost to the global pandemic.    \n\n\n\nAll are invited to attend the dedication ceremony\, as well as stop by the park for visits across the seasons.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/covid-19-memorial-tree-dedication/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/covidtree-1682379842-from-HamletHub.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221204T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221204T150000
DTSTAMP:20221203T202253Z
CREATED:20221021T023152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221203T202253Z
UID:16722-1670149800-1670166000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Hand-Cut Silhouettes
DESCRIPTION:PLEASE NOTE: All Silhouette Appointments are currently booked. To get a place on the waiting list\, please email or call. Silhouettes may also be created virtually. See details below. \nEnjoy the artistry and talent of Silhouette artist Deborah O’Connor as she demonstrates her craft at this annual tradition at the Scott House. Original and irreplaceable\, hand-cut silhouettes make treasured gifts and capture their subjects in the briefest and most precious moments in time.\nA silhouette is a portrait cut freehand from black paper and placed on a light background; they first became popular in the mid-18th Century.\nMs. O’Connor requires only five minutes to capture the profile of a sitter\, whether it’s a calm and composed 10-year-old or a wiggly toddler; she also does pet silhouettes\, generally from photographs. Adults as well as children sit for these classic images. \nThis year\, the Historical Society is offering in-person appointments as well as the option of ordering in advance with a photo (pick-up on Dec. 4 at Scott House). Advance ordering is recommended for pet silhouettes.\nThe cost is $35 ($30 for members) for each silhouette\, mounted on white cardstock. Duplicates are $15. Traditional frames and mats will also be available for purchase.\nFollowing Registration\, you will be contacted by the Ridgefield Historical Society to schedule your time(s) on Sunday\, December 4.\nTo order a Silhouette online using a photograph\, please visit the artist’s website (TheSilhouetteLady.com). Be certain to include “Ridgefield Historical Society” in the Special Instructions box so that we share the proceeds.\nThank you for your interest in this very special event and tradition. PLEASE NOTE: all Silhouette Appointments are currently booked. To get a place on the waiting list\, please email or call 203-438-5821. Silhouettes may also be created virtually.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/save-the-date-hand-cut-silhouettes/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Silhouette_2400x1600.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220704T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220704T143000
DTSTAMP:20220629T202920Z
CREATED:20220621T222949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220629T202920Z
UID:12521-1656943200-1656945000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Let Freedom Ring! 2022
DESCRIPTION:This Fourth of July\, Don’t Hold Back…Rock Your Bells and Let Freedom Ring!\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nRidgefield Historical Society leads the town in bell-ringing tradition\n\n\n\nOn this Fourth of July\, Ridgefield will be celebrating Let Freedom Ring\, a long-standing tradition in which local churches\, institutions\, and individuals ring their bells 13 times at 2:00pm to celebrate our freedom and independence. \n\n\n\nThe community wide event is being organized by the Ridgefield Historical Society with the support and encouragement of the Town of Ridgefield and First Selectman Rudy Marconi. Participating institutions include Jesse Lee\, St. Mary\, St. Stephen’s\, Sacred Heart\, Saint Patrick’s in Georgetown\, The Meetinghouse/Ridgebury Congregational Church\, the Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, and Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center.  \n\n\n\nWith the Town’s permission\, a  group of patriots will also be congregating on Bailey Avenue to give the old fire bell 13 tolls for independence — a melodic reminder of our liberty and good fortune. \n\n\n\nPlease Listen and Ring Your Bells\n\n\n\nAll those in Ridgefield at 2:00pm on Independence Day are invited to participate. Take a moment to listen to the sound of our freedom; or participate with your own bell;  or use our quick and easy audio file\, 13 Tolls for Freedom.   \n\n\n\n Typically\, bells are rung 13 times\, representing the 13 colonies that fought for freedom and independence in 1776.  \n\n\n\nFor those who want the full experience\n\n\n\nJoin the Ridgefield Historical Society team on Bailey Avenue\, or visit Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center for their Fourth of July Celebration. A reading of the Declaration of Independence will follow the chiming bells — and free museum tours\, games\, watermelon\, and a dunk tank will be on hand to remind us all that liberty is not only precious\, it can also be a lot of fun!  \n\n\n\nFree Popsicles for Those Who Post\n\n\n\nAll those who post videos and photos on Facebook of themselves\, friends\, and family rocking their bells on July 4th earn a free popsicle from the Historical Society’s Scott House (4 Sunset Lane) during open hours in the month of July.  Use the hashtag #LetFreedomRingRidgefield2022.  \n\n\n\nAbout the Tradition\n\n\n\nThe Let Freedom Ring tradition was made official in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed July 4 to be “National Bell Ringing Day” through U.S. Congressional Resolution Number 25\, where all across the nation Americans would ring bells to celebrate freedom and patriotism\, as the founding fathers would have done when the Revolutionary War was won in 1783. Historic sites like the Liberty Bell\, many National Parks\, Pearl Harbor\, and the Alamo have participated in this event\, and locally the Norwalk Historical Society has hosted this event in the past. \n\n\n\nTo learn more\, or to join the list of participating organizations\, please contact the Ridgefield Historical Society at info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/let-freedom-ring-2022/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Free Events,In-Person,Lectures,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/let-freedom-ring-thumb.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220501T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220501T160000
DTSTAMP:20220323T012242Z
CREATED:20220316T015401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220323T012242Z
UID:11011-1651402800-1651420800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Keeler Tavern: Tavern Tours (Day 2)
DESCRIPTION:Location: Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center\, 152 Main Street \n\n\n\n\n\nKeeler Tavern Museum & History Center is offering free specialty Battle of Ridgefield-themed tours on Saturday\, April 30 and Sunday\, May 1. Tours of the historic tavern museum explore the complex history of what it means to live through war at home. By sharing the experiences of former site residents during the Battle of Ridgefield\, tours complicate some of the Revolutionary War archetypes we’ve been taught: the “ardent patriot\,” the “courageous housewife\,” the “loyal Black servant.”  \n\n\n\nVisitors can also head over to the historic carriage barn for exhibits and activities\, including a History Detectives station for children. \n\n\n\nHours: Saturday\, April 30\, 10:00am to 4:00pm\, Sunday\, May 1\, 11:00 am to 4:00pm.  All visitors must check in at the Visitor Center first. Tours go out every twenty minutes and are 45 minutes in length. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis program is provided by the Keeler Tavern and History Center.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/keeler-tavern-tavern-tours-copy/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:20th Anniversary,Battle of Ridgefield 245th Anniversary,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Scott-House-Front.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220501T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220501T130000
DTSTAMP:20220428T141845Z
CREATED:20220307T192508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220428T141845Z
UID:10694-1651402800-1651410000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Battle of Ridgefield Funeral Procession and Ceremonial Salute
DESCRIPTION:Procession beginning on Main Street and proceeding to Olde Town Cemetery \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nView/download Event Map\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nThe 5th Connecticut Regiment and The Brigade of the American Revolution will conduct a funeral procession and ceremony\, rooted in the traditions of the late 1700s\, for the Revolutionary War soldiers discovered in Ridgefield in 2019. These young men died in battle in 1777 and will receive formal recognition at last. Join the community for a special tribute honoring their lives.  \n\n\n\nRepresentatives from the Continental Army will depart from their camp at Jesse Lee at 11:00am\, joining their British counterparts at Ballard Park. From there\, the troops will form a column for the procession\, proceeding up Main Street with a horse-drawn carriage and period caskets.  The ceremony will begin at approximately 12:00pm in the Olde Town Cemetery.   \n\n\n\nPlease note: There is no parking inside the cemeteries\, Main Street and North Street will be closed to traffic.  Please enter the event through the Maple Shade cemetery.  See map.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/bor-245th-funeral-procession-ceremonial-salute/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:20th Anniversary,Battle of Ridgefield 245th Anniversary,Free Events,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Scott-House-Front.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220430T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220430T230000
DTSTAMP:20220426T210937Z
CREATED:20220307T190520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220426T210937Z
UID:10675-1651345200-1651359600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:The Musket Ball: A Community Celebration of the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield
DESCRIPTION:Great history warrants community celebration!  \n\n\n\nJoin friends and neighbors\, mingle with re-enactors\, and party like it’s 1777. The Commanders of the Army and Generals will attend for cocktails\, and Revolutionary Guards will ensure safety.  \n\n\n\nCocktails\, dinner\, dancing\, magic\, art lounge\, and more!   \n\n\n\nFestive attire (black tie not required); plentiful hors d’oeuvres and buffet.  \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nIf you prefer to pay by check\, please write a check payable to the Town of Ridgefield and send to Harriet Hanlon\, 36 Perry Lane\, Ridgefield\, 06877. \n\n\n\nDonations provided by Nod Hill Brewery and Tuck Gin.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/bor-245th-musket-ball-at-lounsbury-house/
LOCATION:Lounsbury House\, 316 Main Street\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:20th Anniversary,Battle of Ridgefield 245th Anniversary,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Scott-House-Front.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220430T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220430T170000
DTSTAMP:20220428T141548Z
CREATED:20220307T175341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220428T141548Z
UID:10664-1651327200-1651338000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Battlefield Archaeology Day: Digging for History
DESCRIPTION:Battlefield Archeology Day is a drop-in event. Registration is optional to help the Ridgefield Historical Society understand attendance.   \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\nView/download Event Map\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen Revolutionary War remains — human skeletons and other artifacts  — were discovered in 2019 near Ridgefield’s Main Street\, a research grant was awarded and the historians and archeologists got to work. Since then\, we’ve learned a lot about the remains and the Battle\, and there’s a lot more still to learn.   Meet the field historians and researchers who’ve been studying the Battle of Ridgefield and see demonstrations of the archeological work they do. Watch soil screening and ground penetrating radar in action and participate in metal detecting on the Scott House property. Maybe we’ll find something great! See the Revolutionary War artifacts that have already been found in Ridgefield\, including an authentic musket ball. Great for all ages. Refreshments for all. \n\n\n\nCome when you can.  Come as you are.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/archaeology-day-we-dig-for-history/
LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:20th Anniversary,Battle of Ridgefield 245th Anniversary,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Scott-House-Front.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220430T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220430T160000
DTSTAMP:20220323T012307Z
CREATED:20220307T185615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220323T012307Z
UID:10669-1651316400-1651334400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Keeler Tavern: Tavern Tours
DESCRIPTION:Location: Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center\, 152 Main Street \n\n\n\n\n\nKeeler Tavern Museum & History Center is offering free specialty Battle of Ridgefield-themed tours on Saturday\, April 30 and Sunday\, May 1. Tours of the historic tavern museum explore the complex history of what it means to live through war at home. By sharing the experiences of former site residents during the Battle of Ridgefield\, tours complicate some of the Revolutionary War archetypes we’ve been taught: the “ardent patriot\,” the “courageous housewife\,” the “loyal Black servant.”  \n\n\n\nVisitors can also head over to the historic carriage barn for exhibits and activities\, including a History Detectives station for children. \n\n\n\nHours: Saturday\, April 30\, 10:00am to 4:00pm\, Sunday\, May 1\, 11:00 am to 4:00pm. All visitors must check in at the Visitor Center first. Tours go out every twenty minutes and are 45 minutes in length. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis program is provided by the Keeler Tavern and History Center.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/bor-245th-keeler-tavern-tours/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:20th Anniversary,Battle of Ridgefield 245th Anniversary,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Scott-House-Front.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220430T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220430T130000
DTSTAMP:20220428T141506Z
CREATED:20220307T174123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220428T141506Z
UID:10659-1651316400-1651323600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Battle of Ridgefield Reenactment
DESCRIPTION:Location: Meet at Main Street just north of Olcott Way \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nRevolutionary War reenactors will re-stage the historic Battle of Ridgefield on the streets of the town. Main Street will be closed to traffic from 10:00am until 1:00pm. \n\n\n\n\nView/download Event Map\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nArmy formations begin at 11:00am at Jesse Lee and Ballard Park campgrounds. Battle begins at 12:00pm near Casagmo with focal points at Main St. at Catoonah St.; Main St. at Governor St.; and Main St. at Market St.; ending at Jesse Lee.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/bor-245th-reenactment/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:20th Anniversary,Battle of Ridgefield 245th Anniversary,Free Events,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Scott-House-Front.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220430T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220430T160000
DTSTAMP:20220428T141256Z
CREATED:20220307T171717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220428T141256Z
UID:10652-1651309200-1651334400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tours
DESCRIPTION:Location: Meet at Main Street just north of Olcott Way \n\n\n\n\n\nAll tours time slots are full.  \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRevolutionary War characters\, including Benedict Arnold\, General Tryon\, and Anna Stebbins\, among others will be stationed at several stops along Main Street\, beginning at the Battle of Ridgefield sign north of Casagmo\, and ending with a Tavern Tour at Keeler Tavern. \n\n\n\nEach stop will feature a short\, entertaining\, and informative script. \n\n\n\n\nView/download Event Map
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/bor-245th-walking-tours/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:20th Anniversary,Battle of Ridgefield 245th Anniversary,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Scott-House-Front.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220429T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220501T170000
DTSTAMP:20220428T141102Z
CREATED:20220307T161913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220428T141102Z
UID:10643-1651258800-1651424400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Revolutionary War Reenactment Camps
DESCRIPTION:Locations: (click for maps and directions)British encampment: Ballard Park American encampment: Jesse Lee Methodist Church \n\n\n\n\nView/download Event Map\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nRevolutionary War reenactors arrive and set up camp for the weekend. Camp Tours and Demonstrations on Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1 @ 9 am and 2 – 5 pm. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegiments include:  \n\n\n\nContinental Army: the 4th\, 5th\, and 6th Connecticut Regiments; 4th and 5th New York Regiments; 3rd New Jersey Blues and 3rd New Jersey Greys; 2nd Continental Dragoons; 10th Massachusetts Light Infantry Unit; the Lebanon militia. For the Crown: 22nd\, 23rd\, and 54th Regiments of Foot; New Jersey Volunteers; Peters’ Corps of Loyalists; De Lancey’s Brigade; the Royal Artillery Corps; the King’s Rangers; and more.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/revolutionary-war-reenactment-camps/
LOCATION:Ballard Park\, 485 Main St\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:20th Anniversary,Battle of Ridgefield 245th Anniversary,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Scott-House-Front.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR