BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ridgefield Historical Society - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ridgefield Historical Society X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ridgefield Historical Society REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20210314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20211107T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260628T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260628T160000 DTSTAMP:20260628T142441Z CREATED:20260618T185324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260628T142441Z UID:23464-1782651600-1782662400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Last Sundays at the Schoolhouse DESCRIPTION:Last Sundays at the Schoolhouse\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse\, now a small museum operated by the Ridgefield Historical Society\, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m Sunday\, June 28\, 2026. Admission to the schoolhouse is free\, donations are accepted. \n\n\n\nDuring each open house\, guests are invited to tour the one-room school (last used by students in 1915) and learn about how Ridgefield’s district schools were organized and what has become of the structures where 18th\, 19th and some 20th Century Ridgefielders received all of their education. Ridgefield Town Historian Jack Sanders and Historical Society Vice President\, Sally Sanders\, who are the schoolhouse’s stewards\, will be on hand to answer questions. \n\n\n\nAs part of the Gateway Project\, a Semiquincentennial project to upgrade the three trianglesalong Route 35 leading to Main Street\, has brought a new roof and chimney facing to theschoolhouse\, and accent lighting to the grounds\, which will undergo further landscaping shortly. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/last-sundays-at-the-schoolhouse-5/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/pps-thumb-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260531T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260531T160000 DTSTAMP:20260520T171000Z CREATED:20260406T234431Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T171000Z UID:23053-1780232400-1780243200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Last Sundays at the Schoolhouse DESCRIPTION:Last Sundays at the Schoolhouse\n\n\n\nThe Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse\, now a small museum operated by the Ridgefield Historical Society\, will begin its seasonal open houses on Sunday\, May 31\, from 1 to 4 p.m. Other Sunday open houses will take place June 28\, July 26\, Aug. 30\, Sept. 27 and Oct. 25\, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to the schoolhouse is free\, donations are accepted. \n\n\n\nDuring each open house\, guests are invited to tour the one-room school (last used by students in 1915) and learn about how Ridgefield’s district schools were organized and what has become of the structures where 18th\, 19th and some 20th Century Ridgefielders received all of their education. Ridgefield Town Historian Jack Sanders and Historical Society Vice President\, Sally Sanders\, who are the schoolhouse’s stewards\, will be on hand to answer questions. \n\n\n\nAs part of the Gateway Project\, a Semiquincentennial project to upgrade the three trianglesalong Route 35 leading to Main Street\, has brought a new roof and chimney facing to theschoolhouse\, and accent lighting to the grounds\, which will undergo further landscaping shortly. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/last-sundays-at-the-schoolhouse-4/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sundays-at-the-Schoolhouse.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251206T150000 DTSTAMP:20251111T125347Z CREATED:20250903T045241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251111T125347Z UID:22500-1765011600-1765033200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield Holiday House Tour DESCRIPTION:Tiger Hollow Inc. and the Ridgefield Historical Society present the 2025 Ridgefield Holiday House Tour with generous support from presenting sponsor Karla Murtaugh Homes. Tickets are now on sale with proceeds funding important preservation\, education\, athletic\, and community enrichment initiatives of Tiger Hollow Inc and the Ridgefield Historical Society in Ridgefield. The tour\, featuring six distinctive Ridgefield homes\, each beautifully decorated for the season\, will take place on Saturday\, Dec. 6. Visit ridgefieldholidayhousetour.org for details and tickets. Tickets are limited\, nonrefundable\, and expected to sell out quickly as they did for the previous tour. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom colonial charm to the high style of a Main Street Italianate residence to a former barn\, the tour offers a taste of many eras in Ridgefield’s history. Adding to the seasonal splendor\, Lounsbury House will serve as the tour’s headquarters\, where tickets can be picked up and guests can browse a selection of fabulous Raffle Prizes and enjoy shopping at a festive Holiday Market showcasing exceptional gifts\, elegant decor\, and unique finds to delight and inspire. \n\n\n\nAs in 2023\, the tour includes bus service to the various locations (two\, however\, are within a short walk of Lounsbury House)\, which are all in southern Ridgefield. Tickets will be available for three time slots: 9-11 a.m.\, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.\, and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. – so early purchase to ensure the preferred period is recommended. \n\n\n\nHosting hundreds of ardent and curious tour-goers to a magnificent day viewing Ridgefield’s private homes\, the Ridgefield Holiday House Tour offers exceptional Sponsorship Opportunities to share your name and message with a large\, attentive\, and invested audience. For more information contact info@ridgefieldholidayhousetour.org or 203-438-5821. Media sponsors for the tour are InRidgefield\, Home and Garden CT-NY\, and Bedford and New Canaan Magazine. \n\n\n\n\nPURCHASE TICKETS HERE URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-holiday-historic-house-tour-3/ LOCATION:CT CATEGORIES:House Tour ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RHHT2025_letter-flyer.pdf END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251026T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251026T160000 DTSTAMP:20251023T082142Z CREATED:20250810T231326Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T082142Z UID:22372-1761483600-1761494400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Last Sundays at the Schoolhouse DESCRIPTION:SCHOOLHOUSE HALLOWEEN \n\n\n\nNo tricks\, just treats at the Peter Parley Schoolhouse on Sunday\, Oct. 26\, from 1 to 4. Come in costume and chat with the schoolmaster and schoolmistress about the way school was conducted during the district school era in Ridgefield. \n\n\n\nThe Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse operated from 1756 to 1915\, serving families within about a mile’s walk of the building. Restored by the Ridgefield Garden Club\, the school is now maintained by the Ridgefield Historical Society as a small museum of early education. It’s open on the last Sunday afternoons of May through October. \n\n\n\nWork on the schoolhouse and the triangle on which it is located is currently going on as part of the Gateway Project\, an effort to upgrade the three triangles along West Lane (Parley\, Olmstead and the Cass Gilbert Fountain) that greet visitors to Ridgefield. \n\n\n\nThis will be the last Sunday at the Schoolhouse for 2025 and the schoolhouse will reopen in May 2026. Admission is free\, donations are accepted. The schoolhouse is located at the intersection of West Lane and South Salem Road. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/last-sundays-at-the-schoolhouse-3/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Schoolhouse-autumn-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250928T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250928T160000 DTSTAMP:20250810T230714Z CREATED:20250810T230711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250810T230714Z UID:22371-1759064400-1759075200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Last Sundays at the Schoolhouse DESCRIPTION:The West Lane District/Peter Parley Schoolhouse will be open to visitors: Learn about early Ridgefield’s district schools at this small museum of early education operated by the Ridgefield Historical Society and furnished as it would have looked when the school closed in 1915. Jack and Sally Sanders will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the school’s history. Admission is free\, donations are accepted. The schoolhouse is located at the intersection of West Lane and South Salem Road. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/last-sundays-at-the-schoolhouse-2/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Peter-Parley-Schoolhouse-front-face.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250831T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250831T160000 DTSTAMP:20250810T230504Z CREATED:20250810T230501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250810T230504Z UID:22370-1756645200-1756656000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Last Sundays at the Schoolhouse DESCRIPTION:The West Lane District/Peter Parley Schoolhouse will be open to visitors: Learn about early Ridgefield’s district schools at this small museum of early education operated by the Ridgefield Historical Society and furnished as it would have looked when the school closed in 1915. Jack and Sally Sanders will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the school’s history. Admission is free\, donations are accepted. The schoolhouse is located at the intersection of West Lane and South Salem Road. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/last-sundays-at-the-schoolhouse/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Peter-Parley-Schoolhouse-for-Planned-Giving-Page-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250727T010000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250727T160000 DTSTAMP:20250701T082727Z CREATED:20250701T082430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250701T082727Z UID:22288-1753578000-1753632000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Last Sundays at the Peter Parley Schoolhouse - Happy Birthday\, Samuel G. Goodrich! DESCRIPTION:Happy birthday\, Samuel G. Goodrich! \n\n\n\nYoung Samuel G. Goodrich\, born in 1793\, spent his early years as a student at the West Lane District Schoolhouse\, where he formed his opinions of the era’s texts for children\, which led him to write some of the most popular children’s books of the 19th Century. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse\, which honors Goodrich’s literary pseudonym\, will celebrate his birthday month on Sunday\, July 27\, at its open house from 1 to 4 p.m. The school\, at the intersection of West Lane and South Salem Road\, is a museum of early childhood education and district schools\, maintained by the Ridgefield Historical Society in a tradition established by the Ridgefield Garden Club. \n\n\n\n\nThere will be lemonade to toast Peter Parley and cookies on Sunday. Jack and Sally Sanders\, who oversee the schoolhouse for the historical society\, will be on hand to answer questions. Admission is free\, donations are accepted. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/last-sundays-at-the-peter-parley-schoolhouse-happy-birthday-samuel-g-goodrich/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Peter-Parley-Schoolhouse-for-Planned-Giving-Page-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250629T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250629T160000 DTSTAMP:20250614T173831Z CREATED:20250614T173236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250614T173831Z UID:22220-1751202000-1751212800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Last Sundays at the Peter Parley Schoolhouse DESCRIPTION:District Schools in Ridgefield: Learn more on June 29 \n\n\n\nHow many former one-room schools do you know of in town? There are several still going strong (one left town for North Salem!) and one is a museum of early education: The Peter Parley/West Lane District School is now maintained and operated by the Ridgefield Historical Society. \n\n\n\nIt will be open on Sunday\, June 29\, from 1 to 4 p.m.; we invite everyone to visit and learn about district schools\, and West Lane in particular. The schoolhouse is located at the intersection of West Lane and South Salem Road. Admission is free\, donations are accepted. \n\n\n\nRidgefield children were educated as a matter of civic responsibility from the earliest days of the town. At first\, the Meeting House\, in the center of the settlement\, was where children learned to read and write\, taught by the Congregational minister. \n\n\n\nEventually\, Ridgefield had 15 school districts\, each independently operated by a school committee responsible for building and maintaining a school and hiring teachers. West Lane District School\, at the intersection of West Lane and South Salem Road\, was where the famous 19th Century author Peter Parley (Samuel G. Goodrich) was educated\, along with his brother\, author Charles A. Goodrich\, and sister\, editor Abigail Goodrich Whittelsey. The school was in operation from 1756 to 1915. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBesides the West Lane School\, the Ridgefield Historical Society is also overseeing the restoration and preservation of the one-room Branchville Schoolhouse (used 1873-1939) on Old Branchville Road. The American Legion has its headquarters in the Titicus School\, the town’s only two-room district school. Three schoolhouses are now homes: Limestone\, Scott\, and Ridgebury. \n\n\n\nTo learn more go to: ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/last-sundays-at-the-peter-parley-schoolhouse/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Peter-Parley-Schoolhouse-for-Planned-Giving-Page-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T170000 DTSTAMP:20250303T192501Z CREATED:20250107T183726Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250303T192501Z UID:21734-1749376800-1749402000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield Garden Tour DESCRIPTION:Purchase Tickets Here\n\n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Garden Tour\, Beyond the Garden Gate\, will be the first town garden tour in more than 30 years\, created by two Ridgefield organizations\, whose goals for the town align perfectly\, the Ridgefield Garden Club and the Ridgefield Historical Society. \n\n\n\nThe June 8\, 2025 tour will treat guests to an insider’s view of several of the town’s most beautiful private gardens\, as well as celebrate one of the most beautiful public gardens\, at Ballard Park. A soirée the evening before\, Hats Off to Spring!\, will highlight another of Ridgefield’s glorious gardens and feature hors d’oeuvres\, cocktails\, music\, and plenty of florals and cheer.  \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Garden Club\, founded in 1914\, and the Ridgefield Historical Society\, founded in 2001\, both devote their energies to the town’s betterment and to connecting the town’s history to its present. The inaugural Ridgefield Garden Tour\, Beyond the Garden Gate\, is planned for the peak of seasonal blooms\, featuring seven gardens of different sizes\, styles and designs. While the homes that these gardens enhance will not be open to the public\, each of the properties has a unique place in Ridgefield history\, from the early 18th to the mid-20th Century. \n\n\n\nFor more information\, visit https://ridgefieldgardentour.org/. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-garden-tour-2/ LOCATION:CT CATEGORIES:Garden Tour ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2019-McManus-photo-of-Metrick-garden-approved-by-Metrick-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250607T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250607T220000 DTSTAMP:20250524T161319Z CREATED:20250303T190200Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250524T161319Z UID:21857-1749322800-1749333600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Hats Off to Spring! Soiree DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, June 7\, 7:00 pm–10:00 pmThe Boulders\, a Historic Ridgefield homeSpring Soirèe Tickets: $200Cocktail Attire \n\n\n\nJoin us on Saturday\, June 7\, from 7:00– 10:00 pm\, for an enchanting evening at The Boulders\, a 1910 Tudor residence in Ridgefield. This special event celebrates the launch of Beyond the Garden Gate\, Ridgefield’s first garden tour in thirty years\, organized by and benefitting the Ridgefield Garden Club and the Ridgefield Historical Society\, with generous support from presenting sponsors Anita and Nick Donofrio. \n\n\n\n*Soirèe address will be emailed to guests the week prior to the event.  \n\n\n\n\nA limited number of tickets are available for this special event and may be purchased online. \n\n\n\n\nGET TICKETS \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Soirée\n\n\n\nEnjoy an elegant evening in a stunning historic setting. Mingle with fellow garden enthusiasts\, history lovers\, business leaders\, and community supporters while indulging in delectable small plates\, an open bar\, and music from our DJ\, setting the perfect mood for dancing. Comfortable lounge areas will provide intimate spaces for conversation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe are thrilled to welcome our Honorary Chair\, Todd Forrest\, the Arthur Ross Vice President for Horticulture and Living Collections at the New York Botanical Garden\, who will be available to share his extensive horticultural insights throughout the evening.  (Meet Todd Forrest here.) \n\n\n\n\nAbout The Boulders\n\n\n\nEnhancing the evening’s allure\, The Boulders carries a rich artistic and historical legacy. Built for renowned German-American artist Frederick Dielman\, the estate served as his country retreat until his passing in 1935. Dielman\, a celebrated muralist and former president of the National Academy of Design\, left an indelible mark on American art history. His works\, including the Law and History mosaics at the Library of Congress\, remain treasured pieces of public art. Steeped in history\, the estate sits on rocky terrain where British and American forces are believed to have skirmished following the Battle of Ridgefield in 1777. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this unforgettable evening of artistic heritage\, historic preservation\, and community spirit. Secure your spot and be part of this one-of-a-kind celebration! \n\n\n\nGET TICKETS \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPURCHASE TICKETS \n\n\n\nLearn more \n\n\n\nAbout the Ridgefield Historical Society The Ridgefield Historical Society maintains state of the art archives in a vault beneath its 1714 saltbox headquarters and works to preserve and promote the rich history of Ridgefield through community outreach and programs designed to increase awareness of historic preservation. It maintains a small museum of early education in the one-room Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse and has recently leased the Branchville District Schoolhouse\, another one-room school\, with plans to restore it and create an exhibit and meeting space. \n\n\n\nAbout the Ridgefield Garden Club The Ridgefield Garden Club describes itself as “A local garden club with a love of plants and gardening\, a concern for our natural resources\, and a continued desire to beautify our town.” Its members have been active in both their individual gardening projects and their town beautification efforts for more than a century. They maintain the gardens created by Elizabeth Ballard in what is now Ballard Park as well as the greenhouse that was part of the Ballard Estate. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/hats-off-to-spring-soiree/ LOCATION:CT CATEGORIES:Garden Tour ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_3338.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250525T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250525T160000 DTSTAMP:20250522T050902Z CREATED:20250414T052104Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T050902Z UID:22073-1748178000-1748188800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Season Opening Day at the Historic Peter Parley Schoolhouse: A Celebration of Children’s Literature and Local History DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society is pleased to announce the 2025 season opening of the Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse at the intersection of West Lane and South Salem Rd. on Sunday\, May 25\, 2025 from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free\, donations are accepted\, and all are welcome to step back in time at this cherished one-room schoolhouse museum. \n\n\n\nAs a special treat\, James Segelstein\, Ridgefield resident and Historical Society Board Member\, will present a reading at 2 p.m. from his newly released children’s book\, Springtime Miracles and Mud. With enchanting illustrations by Larysa Maliush\, the story follows a timid field mouse named Leon on a heartwarming journey of discovery\, courage\, and community. Copies of the book will be available for purchase by check or cash only and signing following the reading. Registration is requested here to attend the reading as space is limited to 25 children. Carpooling is encouraged because parking is also limited at the historic schoolhouse. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, originally built in 1756\, is named for one of its most famous students\, Samuel Griswold Goodrich\, a Ridgefield resident who wrote under the pen name Peter Parley. A pioneer in American children’s literature\, Goodrich’s legacy lives on through the many generations inspired by his imaginative and educational storytelling. It is only fitting that the season’s opening celebrates this rich tradition with a new voice in children’s literature. \n\n\n\nGuests are invited to explore the schoolhouse and enjoy refreshments in honor of the season’s start. Historical Society volunteers will be on hand to share stories of the building’s past and Ridgefield’s early educational history. \n\n\n\nThe Peter Parley Schoolhouse will continue to host open houses on the last Sunday of each month through October. For more information\, please visit www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or contact info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/season-opening-day-at-the-historic-peter-parley-schoolhouse-a-celebration-of-childrens-literature-and-local-history/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Cover-for-Jame-Book-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250405T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250405T130000 DTSTAMP:20250318T162246Z CREATED:20250303T025517Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T162246Z UID:21844-1743847200-1743858000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Bus Tour of Ridgefield’s Great Estates with Jack Sanders DESCRIPTION:Purchase Tickets Here\n\n\n\n\n3/18/2025 Update: This event is now sold out. Please continue to register and join the waitlist. If a ticket becomes available you will be notified. \n\n\n\nMore 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 10am to 1pm on Saturday\, April 5\, 2025. \n\n\n\nJack Sanders\, author of the book\, Ridgefield’s Great Estates\, will lead 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\, CT the tour is entirely by mini school bus and will not include walking around or inside buildings. Seating is limited to 17 people and is expected to sell out quickly. Tickets for this unique opportunity are nonrefundable and priced at $75. \n\n\n\nFor 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 here and will be distributed on the bus tour. This book can also be purchased from our friends at Books on the Common. A couple copies will be available on loan for the tour. \n\n\n\nA Fairfield County native and graduate of Holy Cross\, Jack Sanders retired in 2014 after 45 years as an editor of The Ridgefield Press. He’s written a dozen books on Ridgefield history\, and also created and administers the “Old Ridgefield” group on Facebook\, which has more than 9\,000 followers. He and his wife\, Sally\, a retired newspaper editor who is on the board of the Ridgefield Historical Society\, live in a 250-year old farmhouse in Ridgefield. \n\n\n\nFor additional information contact: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821 or ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org \n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets Here URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/21844/ LOCATION:CT CATEGORIES:Bus Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Great-Estates_cover-front-scaled.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Ridgefield Historical Society":MAILTO:info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241109T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241109T120000 DTSTAMP:20241008T000601Z CREATED:20241007T234900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T000601Z UID:21424-1731146400-1731153600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Bus Tour of Ridgefield's Great Estates with Jack Sanders DESCRIPTION:10/7/2024 Update: This event is now sold out. Please continue to register and you will be added to the waitlist. If tickets become available you will be contacted. Thank you! \n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets Here\n\n\n\n\nMore than 20 grand estates that covered much of Ridgefield a century ago will be the focus of a luxury bus tour presented by the Ridgefield Historical Society\, from 10am to 12pm on Saturday\, November 9\, 2024. \n\n\n\nJack Sanders\, author of the book\, Ridgefield’s Great Estates\, will lead 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 East Ridge Middle School at 10 East Ridge Road\, the tour is entirely by bus and will not include walking around or inside buildings. Seating is limited to 21 people and is expected to sell out quickly. Tickets for this unique opportunity are nonrefundable and priced at $75 for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society. \n\n\n\nAs a benefit of your membership in the Ridgefield Historical Society\, we are offering members advance access to tickets for this sure to sell out event\, prior to making them available to the general public. If you aren’t yet a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society\, join here. \n\n\n\nFor 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 here and will be distributed on the bus tour. This book can also be purchased from our friends at Books on the Common. A limited number will be available on loan for the tour. \n\n\n\nA Fairfield County native and graduate of Holy Cross\, Jack Sanders retired in 2014 after 45 years as an editor of The Ridgefield Press. He’s written a dozen books on Ridgefield history\, and also created and administers the “Old Ridgefield” group on Facebook\, which has more than 9\,000 followers. He and his wife\, Sally\, a retired newspaper editor who is on the board of the Ridgefield Historical Society\, live in a 250-year old farmhouse in Ridgefield. \n\n\n\nFor additional information contact: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821 or ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org \n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets Here URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/bus-tour-of-ridgefields-great-estates-with-jack-sanders/ LOCATION:CT CATEGORIES:Bus Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/GREAT-ESTATES-COLLAGE-scaled.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Ridgefield Historical Society":MAILTO:info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241027T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241027T160000 DTSTAMP:20241002T201747Z CREATED:20240925T175210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241002T201747Z UID:21388-1730034000-1730044800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Come in Costume for Schoolhouse Open House DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, Oct. 27\, will be the final Sunday at the Peter Parley Schoolhouse for 2024\, a chance to see how young Ridgefielders received their early education and to do a bit of trick-or-treating. Come in costume! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe school\, formally the West Lane District School\, sits in the triangle at the intersection of West Lane and South Salem Road. It has been expanded and renovated over the years since its opening in 1756\, but it is still a basic one-room school. Furnished as it was when the school finally closed in 1915\, when the town’s first modern grammar school opened on East Ridge\, the school is maintained as a small museum by the Ridgefield Historical Society. \n\n\n\nThe open house on Sunday will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Jack and Sally Sanders\, who are Ridgefield Historical Society volunteers\, will be on hand to greet visitors and answer questions. For more information\, visit https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/come-in-costume-for-schoolhouse-open-house/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/schoolhousesunday-JackSanders-scaled.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240728T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240728T170000 DTSTAMP:20240626T175226Z CREATED:20240626T175223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240626T175226Z UID:20973-1722153600-1722186000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Schoolhouse Sunday is July 28 DESCRIPTION:The Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, also known as the West Lane District Schoolhouse\, has been a part of Ridgefield since about 1756\, a place where children from the southwestern part of town learned to read and write and do math.  \n\n\n\nRecently listed on the State Register of Historic Places and also cited by the Country School Association of America\, the schoolhouse\, rebuilt and expanded over the centuries but remaining a one-room place of learning\, is now a small museum of early Ridgefield education. One of more than a dozen neighborhood schools in Ridgefield (“district schools”)\, the school is now furnished as it was in 1915\, the year that it closed. \n\n\n\nIt will be open to visitors on Sunday afternoon\, July 28\, from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be refreshments and we’ll highlight West Lane alumna Abigail Goodrich Whittelsey\, one of the first women to write and publish women’s magazines; she was the sister of Samuel G. Goodrich (Peter Parley). Schoolhouse volunteers Jack and Sally Sanders will be on hand to answer questions.  \n\n\n\nThe schoolhouse is in the triangle of land bounded by West Lane\, Silver Spring Road\, South Salem Road and Peter Parley Lane. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/schoolhouse-sunday-is-july-28/ LOCATION:CT CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Abigail_Goodrich_Whittelsey_PPSchoolhouse.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240630T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240630T160000 DTSTAMP:20240529T171712Z CREATED:20240529T165543Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T171712Z UID:20814-1719752400-1719763200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:School’s out: Last Sunday at Schoolhouse is June 30 DESCRIPTION:The Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse will be open to visitors on Sunday\, June 30\, from 1 to 4 p.m. Summer was the season for the younger students in the district to start learning their ABC’s and numbers\, while their farming families were spending long days tending the crops and livestock that were their livelihood for the coming year.  \n\n\n\n\nChildren as young as four would start their education in the summer\, and were thus kept busy while their parents tended the farm. Older students\, particularly boys\, would not be at the school until after the harvest. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe schoolhouse\, operated by the Ridgefield Historical Society\, is a small museum of early education in Ridgefield. Many of its furnishings were installed by the Ridgefield Garden Club\, which first restored the school. This district school closed in 1915 when the new East Ridge school\, a modern brick building opened in the center of town.  \n\n\n\n\nAdmission to the open house is free and caretakers Jack and Sally Sanders will be on hand to answer questions. Jack Sanders is the author of School Days\, Schools and Schooling in Old Ridgefield\, a book about all of Ridgefield’s schools. \n\n\n\nFor more information about the Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, please visit https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/.  \n\n\n\nAunt Delight Benedict\, as illustrated in Samuel G. Goodrich’s Recollections of A Lifetime\, who taught young pupils at the West Lane District School. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/schools-out-last-sunday-at-schoolhouse-is-june-30/ LOCATION:West Lane and South Salem rd\, 2-100 South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877 CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Aunt-Delight.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240526T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240526T160000 DTSTAMP:20240503T135250Z CREATED:20240413T030254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240503T135250Z UID:20591-1716728400-1716739200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Peter Parley/West Lane District School Season Opening DESCRIPTION:The Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse\, now a small museum operated by the Ridgefield Historical Society\, will begin its seasonal open houses on Sunday\, May 26\, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to the schoolhouse is free\, donations are accepted. \n\n\n\nCome to learn about early Ridgefield education and how the town’s one-room schools operated. For the opening\, an exhibit is planned based on a teacher’s notebook kept in 1820-21 by the young teacher David Whitney Olmsted\, who lived nearby on Olmstead Lane\, and whose son\, David Olmsted\, later attended the school. The record book is part of the Ridgefield Historical Society’s collection. \n\n\n\nThere will be refreshments to celebrate the start of a new season of open houses at the school; Jack and Sally Sanders\, volunteers with the Historical Society\, will be on hand to answer questions. \n\n\n\nOther Sunday open houses will take place June 30\, July 28\, Aug. 25\, Sept. 29 and Oct. 27\, from 1 to 4 p.m. Among the prominent graduates of the West Lane District School\, in addition to Samuel G. Goodrich (famous under the pen name was Peter Parley)\, whose birthday will be celebrated in August\, are his brother\, the Rev. Charles A. Goodrich\, also a prominent 19th Century author\, and their sister\, Abigail Goodrich Whittelsey\, one of the first woman editors and publishers of magazines. \n\n\n\nIn September\, the focus will be on Cyrus Northrop Jr.\, a Ridgefield farm boy who went on to graduate from Yale University\, taught there\, and later became the president of the University of Minnesota. October at the schoolhouse will be the time for Halloween costumes and treats. \n\n\n\nDuring each open house\, guests are invited to tour the one-room school (last used by students in 1915) and learn about how Ridgefield’s district schools were organized and what has become of the structures where 18th\, 19th and some 20th Century Ridgefielders received all of their education. \n\n\n\nFor more information\, contact info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/peter-parley-west-lane-district-school-season-opening/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Peter-Parley-1.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:20231029T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231029T160000 DTSTAMP:20231001T024107Z CREATED:20231001T024056Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231001T024107Z UID:19813-1698584400-1698595200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Special Spooky Schoolhouse Sunday DESCRIPTION:The final Last Sunday at the Schoolhouse of 2023 will be a slightly spooky affair on Oct. 29 at the Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, when we invite young visitors to come in costume. There will be treats and we’ll talk about some tricks that schoolhouse scholars perpetrated over the years that the West Lane District/Peter Parley Schoolhouse.  \n\n\n\nHours on Oct. 29 are 1 to 4 p.m. The school is at the intersection of West Lane and South Salem and Silver Spring Roads.  \n\n\n\nRidgefield Historical Society volunteers Jack and Sally Sanders will be there to answer questions. For more information call 203-438-5821. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/special-spooky-schoolhouse-sunday/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Halloween-at-Peter-Parley-Schoolhouse-2-rotated.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231007T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231007T170000 DTSTAMP:20230731T194838Z CREATED:20230731T191529Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230731T194838Z UID:19461-1696683600-1696698000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Revolutionary Ridgefield Bus Tour DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society will collaborate with Histoury on a bus tour of colonial homes in Ridgefield on Saturday\, Oct. 7\, 1-5pm. Early ticket sales\, through Tuesday\, Aug. 8\, are at a 10 percent discount and a portion of those sales will go to the Ridgefield Historical Society. The Oct. 7 Ridgefield event is a one-time-only tour. Space is limited. Use promo code HISTSOC for 10 percent off\, good through Tuesday\, Aug. 8. For ticket purchases\, click here. \n\n\n\nEnjoy an afternoon on a bus tour exploring colonial Ridgefield. Learn about the architecture\, people\, and stories connected to these historic places. Experience one of the town’s grandest colonial residences\, abandoned when its Loyalist owner fled to England. Ridgefield is home to a rare surviving colonial artisan’s workshop\, which was later renovated by acclaimed architect and revered Ridgefield resident Cass Gilbert. Many more historic colonial buildings have been well-preserved throughout the town. The tour will explore a great collection of some 20 of these places. Several stops will allow interior visits. \n\n\n\nHistoury is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and preservation of historic buildings in communities large and small through guided architectural history tours.  Its tours celebrate the architectural heritage found in communities throughout New England and New York. For additional information contact histoury.org or 212-683-2027. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/revolutionary-ridgefield-bus-tour/ LOCATION:CT CATEGORIES:Tours & Open Houses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Rev-Ridgefield-Poster.png ORGANIZER;CN="Histoury":MAILTO:info@histoury.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230924T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230924T160000 DTSTAMP:20230902T194830Z CREATED:20230902T194819Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230902T194830Z UID:19738-1695560400-1695571200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Peter Parley Schoolhouse will open Sept. 24 DESCRIPTION:The Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse on West Lane at South Salem and Silver Spring Roads will be open to visitors on Sunday afternoon\, Sept. 24\, from 1 to 4.  \n\n\n\nThis museum of early education in Ridgefield is named for one of its early illustrious students\, Samuel Goodrich/Peter Parley\, but for September\, we are saluting another distinguished West Lane alumnus\, Cyrus Northrop\, whose birthday is Sept. 30. He left his family farm on West Lane to study and eventually teach at Yale University and was then recruited to be president of the new University of Minnesota\, where he was a beloved leader. He was 87 and President Emeritus when he died there in 1922. Admission to the schoolhouse is free; the school is overseen by the Ridgefield Historical Society. Volunteers Jack and Sally Sanders will be on hand to answer questions. https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/ or 203-438-5821. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/peter-parley-schoolhouse-will-open-sept-24/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cyrus-Northrop.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230909T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230909T110000 DTSTAMP:20230902T185333Z CREATED:20230731T185718Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230902T185333Z UID:19453-1694253600-1694257200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Explore History on a Walking Tour of Bennett's Pond State Park DESCRIPTION: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. \n\n\n\nBenjamin 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.  \n\n\n\nMr. 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. \n\n\n\nPark 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: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/explore-history-on-a-walking-tour-of-bennetts-pond-state-park/ LOCATION:Bennett’s Pond State Park\, 572 Bennett's Farm Road\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877 CATEGORIES:Walking Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Conley-Estate-Postcard.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ridgefield Historical Society":MAILTO:info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230831T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230831T120000 DTSTAMP:20230731T193930Z CREATED:20230731T183719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230731T193930Z UID:19447-1693479600-1693483200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Walking Tour of Ballard Park Gardens DESCRIPTION:Come and experience the beautiful and varied gardens and greenhouse in Ballard Park which are maintained by the Ridgefield Garden Club and the Caudatowa Garden Club. \n\n\n\nMs. Terry McManus will lead the tour. This program is also presented in partnership with the Ridgefield Library and Ridgefield Historical Society. \n\n\n\nPlease register by clicking here. Limited to 15\, first come\, first served. \n\n\n\nBallard Park is located at 485 Main Street in Ridgefield\, CT. Registered participants are to meet at the Main Street entrance (opposite the Ridgefield Library) at 11:00 am. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/walking-tour-of-ballard-park-gardens/ LOCATION:Ridgefield Library\, 472 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Walking Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Ballard-Park.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230827T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230827T160000 DTSTAMP:20230801T022013Z CREATED:20230716T130654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230801T022013Z UID:19395-1693141200-1693152000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Peter Parley Schoolhouse Open House DESCRIPTION:With Ridgefield Public Schools officially starting tomorrow\, a visit to the Peter Parley Schoolhouse — and a celebration of Parley’s birthday — is a perfect re-entry to the 2023-2024 academic year. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe afternoon will feature a 2:00pm ‘lesson’ by Dr. Darla Shaw\, portraying Parley’s sister\, Abigail Goodrich Whittlesey – an engaging opportunity to learn more about the man\, the school\, and the times in which they lived. \n\n\n\nNo registration required. \n\n\n\nThe Peter Parley Schoolhouse honors the author and alumnus Samuel G. Goodrich (pen name Peter Parley)\, but his siblings\, who studied there as well\, were also accomplished wordsmiths. Abigail Goodrich (later Whittlesey) became one of America’s first female magazine editors and provided information and advice to countless 19th Century families\, while Charles A. Goodrich\, the only one of the three to receive a college education\, was the author of more than two dozen books on history\, geography and religion. We’ll honor Abigail’s legacy with a presentation by Dr. Darla Shaw at Last Sunday at the Schoolhouse on Sunday\, Aug. 27. The school\, formerly the West Lane District School and now a museum of early Ridgefield education\, will be open to visitors from 1 to 4; Dr. Shaw’s presentation will begin at 2. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/peter-parley-schoolhouse-open-house-5/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse,Tours & Open Houses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/West-Lane-School-House-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230730T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230730T160000 DTSTAMP:20230702T172946Z CREATED:20230525T002007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230702T172946Z UID:18981-1690722000-1690732800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Peter Parley Schoolhouse Open House DESCRIPTION:It’s late July and Ridgefield Schools are not in session\, but the Peter Parley Schoolhouse is open and welcoming students of all ages. No homework. No pressure. Just a wafting breeze and a glimpse into Ridgefield past. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVisit our museum of early Ridgefield education and learn about the district schools; see the classroom as it looked in 1915 and imagine yourself way back when. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/peter-parley-schoolhouse-open-house-3/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse,Tours & Open Houses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/West-Lane-School-House-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230625T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230625T160000 DTSTAMP:20230525T002729Z CREATED:20230525T001254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230525T002729Z UID:18978-1687698000-1687708800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Peter Parley Schoolhouse Open House DESCRIPTION:Visit a museum of early Ridgefield education and learn about the district schools; see the classroom as it likely looked in 1915. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/peter-parley-schoolhouse-open-house-2/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/West-Lane-School-House-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230610T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230610T160000 DTSTAMP:20230610T132511Z CREATED:20230511T123620Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230610T132511Z UID:19039-1686402000-1686412800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Cancelled: Peter Parley Schoolhouse Open House DESCRIPTION:Please note: This event has been cancelled. If you were planning to attend\, please visit us instead on Sunday June 25 or a subsequent date. We apologize for any inconveniences. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nThe event has been cancelled.Celebrate Connecticut Open House Day with a visit to the Peter Parley Schoolhouse. The one-room schoolhouse\, which began serving students in 1756 is currently set up at it likely looked in 1915. Come learn about the Ridgefield district schools\, and learn what school and education were like in prior centuries — a whole lot different\, that’s for sure! URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/peter-parley-schoolhouse-open-house-4/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/West-Lane-School-House-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230528T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230528T160000 DTSTAMP:20230516T015514Z CREATED:20230516T013809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T015514Z UID:18946-1685278800-1685289600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Peter Parley Schoolhouse Open House DESCRIPTION:Ridgefield Public Schools are winding down\, but it’s opening day at the Peter Parley Schoolhouse — known as the West Lane Schoolhouse in its day and subsequently named for exceptional graduate\, Peter Parley. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSee the classroom as it likely looked in 1915\, learn about the district schools\, and enjoy a special class at 2:30pm\, led by Dr. Darla Shaw and Barbara Kaplan — educators\, students\, and storytellers both who believe in the value of history to teach and entertain. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/peter-parley-schoolhouse-open-house/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/West-Lane-School-House-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221030T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221030T160000 DTSTAMP:20221004T230157Z CREATED:20221001T203616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221004T230157Z UID:12360-1667134800-1667145600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Peter Parley Schoolhouse Open House (Early Halloween) DESCRIPTION:The Peter Parley Schoolhouse — officially the West Lane School — will be open to visitors on Halloween Eve from 1 to 4 p.m. Wear your costume (not mandatory) and stay for a few old-fashioned ghost stories. Delectable treats included too. \n\n\n\nThe West Lane School\, a.k.a. Peter Parley Schoolhouse\n\n\n\nOriginally built in the mid-18th Century\, the schoolhouse for the West Lane district was replaced with the larger current building in the early 19th Century. Its informal name\, the Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, pays tribute to Samuel G. Goodrich\, who attended the school from 1799 to 1803 and later wrote a series of popular textbooks for children under the pen name\, Peter Parley. \n\n\n\nThe school served students of the district until 1915\, when it was closed and its children were transferred to the new and modern East Ridge School. \n\n\n\nStill owned by the Town of Ridgefield\, the schoolhouse at the intersection of West Lane\, South Salem and Silver Spring Roads was restored and maintained as a small museum by the Ridgefield Garden Club\, which transferred the responsibility for it to the Ridgefield Historical Society in 2012. Desks\, typical of the kind that would have been used more than a century ago\, fill the classroom whose walls offer information about Ridgefield’s one-room schools and other aspects of its history. Displays include some of the textbooks young Ridgefield scholars might have used. \n\n\n\nAs was the case when it was in use as a school\, the building does not have running water or sanitary facilities; the outhouse is long gone. \n\n\n\nJack and Sally Sanders\, who help oversee the schoolhouse for the Ridgefield Historical Society\, will be on hand to welcome guests and answer questions. \n\n\n\nSundays at the Schoolhouse is supported by Fairfield County Bank. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNote: Visitors to the schoolhouse who are vaccinated will not need to wear masks\, but those who are unvaccinated are asked to don face coverings before entering.  URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/peter-parley-schoolhouse-open-house-october-30-2022/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:In-Person,Peter Parley Schoolhouse,Tours & Open Houses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/pps-thumb.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR