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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250727T010000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250727T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
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:20250726T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250726T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250614T170142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250614T170846Z
UID:22218-1753524000-1753542000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Summerfest
DESCRIPTION:Join the Ridgefield Historical Society at Summerfest — Saturday\, July 26 \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society invites you to stop by our booth at Summerfest 2025 on Saturday\, July 26\, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Ridgefield. Hosted by the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce\, this vibrant celebration of community brings Main Street to life with sidewalk sales\, local artisans\, food\, live entertainment\, a touch-a-truck experience\, and more. Admission is free. \n\n\n\nVisit our booth to: \n\n\n\nEnjoy hands-on history activities for all ages \n\n\n\nPick up free Historical Society keepsakes \n\n\n\nShop a curated selection of Ridgefield history merchandise \n\n\n\nChat with our knowledgeable staff and volunteers about our exciting ongoing initiatives — including the Battle of Ridgefield Archaeology Project\, forensic analysis of the historic skeletal remains\, the Branchville Schoolhouse restoration\, our town-wide Historic Resources Inventory\, and the Ridgefield Oral History Project — and learn how you can get involved. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhether you’re solving a mini history mystery or exploring our town’s past through vintage maps and photos\, there’s something for everyone to discover. \n\n\n\nSummerfest is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Ridgefield in full summer spirit — with neighbors\, friends\, and visitors all gathering to celebrate the charm of our town. \n\n\n\nLast year’s event buzzed with energy\, drawing thousands for a day full of fun\, discovery\, and connection. We can’t wait to see you there! \n\n\n\nLearn more about the Ridgefield Historical Society at ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. For event details\, visit ridgefieldchamber.org.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/summerfest/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Summerfest-2025-Graphic.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250715T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250715T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250620T230219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250715T172408Z
UID:22229-1752573600-1752577200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: When Ridgefield Was a Summer Resort
DESCRIPTION:Register\n\n\n\n\nA summer escape for city dwellers \n\n\n\nRidgefield was a popular resort town for several decades around the turn of the 20th Century\, as city dwellers flocked to the town’s clean air and water and its higher elevations and open spaces. The very wealthy built “summer cottages” while the merely well-off flocked to the accommodations built to meet the demand for stays in the country. \n\n\n\nOn Tuesday\, July 15\, at 10 a.m. at the Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, the Ridgefield History Club will focus on this resort era\, with a slide presentation by historian Jack Sanders telling about the hotels — especially Elm Shade Cottages\, Oreneca House\, Bailey Inn\, Ridgefield Inn\, West Lane Inn — that were active from the 1880s till the 1920s. Sanders will also show examples of souvenirs of Ridgefield that were sold to the tourists. History Club participants are encouraged to participate in the informal discussion and bring any souvenirs or photos of Ridgefield’s resort era. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe History Club is a Ridgefield Historical Society program and admission is free; the programs are broadcast live on the society’s Facebook page. Because space is limited at the Scott House\, advance registration is requested. For more information or to register\, please visit ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or call 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\n\nRegister
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-when-ridgefield-was-a-summer-resort/
LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-INNS-Ridgefield-ca-1912-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250704T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250704T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250614T161612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250614T162659Z
UID:22211-1751626800-1751641200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield's America 250 Kickoff
DESCRIPTION:July 4 Event Begins Year of Celebration \n\n\n\nRidgefield Commemorates America at 250 Commission’s year of townwide initiatives to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence starting on July 4\, 2025\, with the Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center’s traditional July 4 celebration from 11 to 3. The Ridgefield Historical Society will be at the event and we invite everyone to stop at our table to say hello and to talk about the amazing history of our town. Bring questions – we love them! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBell ringing has long been a part of July 4 celebrations\, so stop by the Ridgefield Historical Society table to pick up your own bell to herald the beginning of a year of celebration of the freedoms our forefathers fought for. Traditionally\, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is “tapped” at 2 pm on July 4 in a ceremony honoring the signing of the Declaration of Independence on that date in 1776. Many towns across the country ring church bells and school bells at the same time. \n\n\n\n\nIf you’ve wondered about the name of the street or road on which you live\, come ask for its history. We’ll be equipped with Ridgefield Names by Jack Sanders\, which includes not only streets and roads\, but also interesting place names\, some of them pretty amusing. (Ever heard of a place called Peespunk? Do you know where the Wolf Pits were? What’s one of the most misspelled road names in Ridgefield?) \n\n\n\nThe day will begin with a fife and drum duo marching down Main Street to KTM&HC. Throughout the day\, visitors will enjoy a wide range of family-friendly activities\, including: museum tours; costumed reenactors; demonstrations of historic crafts such as spinning and shoemaking; kids’ games\, crafts\, and a scavenger hunt; live music and dance on the tented terrace; a dunk tank to dunk King George; a vintage firetruck; an art exhibit in the barn curated by the Ridgefield Guild of Artists; free watermelon; assorted merchandise; and more! Grilled BBQ menu options and other refreshments will be on sale. The event will culminate with the reading of the Declaration of Independence by community members\, followed by a rendition of “America the Beautiful” and a reading of Frederick Douglass’s speech\, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFree admission. No onsite parking. The event will begin with a fife and drum duo marching down Main Street to KTM&HC. Throughout the day\, visitors will enjoy a wide range of family-friendly activities\, including: museum tours; costumed reenactors; demonstrations of historic crafts such as spinning and shoemaking; kids’ games\, crafts\, and a scavenger hunt; live music and dance on the tented terrace; a dunk tank to dunk King George; a vintage firetruck; an art exhibit in the barn curated by the Ridgefield Guild of Artists; free watermelon; assorted merchandise; and more! Grilled BBQ menu options and other refreshments will be on sale. The event will culminate with the reading of the Declaration of Independence by community members\, followed by a rendition of “America the Beautiful” and a reading of Frederick Douglass’s speech\, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” \n\n\n\nFree admission. No onsite parking. All proceeds from the BBQ to benefit the RCA250 town committee. \n\n\n\nAs Ridgefield’s United States Semiquincentennial year gets underway\, it’s a great time to learn about and celebrate the history of our town and delve into how it fits into the fabric of our country. Events will continue throughout the next year\, culminating in the town’s 250th celebration on July 4\, 2026. For more information\, visit ridgefieldct250.org.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefields-america-250-kickoff/
LOCATION:Keeler Tavern\, 152 Main Street\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:America 250,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Ridgefield-250-Kickoff-Graphic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250701T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250701T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250507T060226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250630T173625Z
UID:22116-1751394600-1751400000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Rochambeau - America’s Forgotten French Founding Father
DESCRIPTION:Purchase Tickets\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society and The Meetinghouse in Ridgebury proudly present historian Keith Marshall Jones III who will give the illustrated presentation\, Rochambeau – America’s Forgotten French Founding Father\, on Tuesday\, July 1\, 2025\, at 6:30pm in the historic Meetinghouse at 605 Ridgebury Road\, Ridgefield\, CT. Held in honor of the 300th anniversary of Rochambeau’s birth (July 1\, 1725)\, the presentation will be followed by a reception. \n\n\n\nTickets are limited\, non-refundable\, and expected to sell out quickly. Admission is $15 for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society and The Meetinghouse in Ridgebury\, and $20 for those who aren’t yet members. Tickets can be purchased online here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/rochambeau-americas-forgotten-french-founding-father \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn July 1\, 1781\, French Lieutenant General Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur\, Comte de Rochambeau\, celebrated his 56th birthday right here in Ridgefield. While his superbly equipped and immaculately clad 4\,700-man army camped in Ridgebury Parish\, en route to Yorktown to join General George Washington’s forces and secure American independence\, the Comte dined at Ensign Samuel Keeler’s nearby tavern. The following morning\, one of his regimental chaplains conducted Connecticut’s first inland Catholic Mass. \n\n\n\nJoin Keith Marshall Jones III on July 1 to commemorate Rochambeau’s birthday visit and explore the story of his army’s two-day stay in Ridgefield. Learn why French money\, arms\, and manpower paved the way for American independence. Discover how it was Rochambeau\, not General George Washington\, who devised the bold stale-mate-breaking strategy that led to the decisive victory at Yorktown\, and how he later narrowly escaped the guillotine during the French Revolution as thanks for his efforts. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeith Marshall Jones III\, Founding President of the Ridgefield Historical Society\, is the author of THE BATTLE OF RIDGEFIELD\, Benedict Arnold\, the Patriot Militia and the Surprising 1777 Battle that Galvanized Revolutionary Connecticut (2024). Other books include: JOHN LAURANCE\, the Immigrant Founding Father America Never Knew (awarded the American Philosophical Society’s 2019 “Publication of the Year”); CONGRESS AS MY GOVERNMENT\, Chief Justice John Marshall in the War for Independence (2008); Farmers Against the Crown (2002); and The Farms of Farmingville (2001). He lives in New York City and Connecticut. \n\n\n\nFor more information contact: info@ridgfieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821 \n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/rochambeau-americas-forgotten-french-founding-father/
LOCATION:The Meetinghouse\, 605 Ridgebury Road\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Lectures
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Rochambeau.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250701T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250731T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250716T052219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250720T221333Z
UID:22329-1751374800-1753981200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Where's Waldo?
DESCRIPTION:July is the month for youngsters who enjoy a challenge: Finding the striped-shirted fellow at a variety of Ridgefield locations\, including the Ridgefield Historical Society\, in a program sponsored by Books on the Common at 404 Main Street.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll participants should pick up their passports from Books on the Common in late June; this year\, there are 25 locations where Waldo will be hiding. We at the Ridgefield Historical Society will be participating for the entire month of July on the days we are open\, Tuesday through Thursday\, from 1-5pm at the Scott House on 4 Sunset Lane and on Sunday\, July 27 from 1-4pm at The Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse on West Lane at South Salem Rd. We’ll have some history-related items to show visitors and stickers for the passports (assuming Waldo is found!) \n\n\n\nAt the end of July\, children who have found Waldo in at least 10 places will receive a sticker and a button from Books on the Common; those with 20 will also be entered into a prize drawing on July 31. #booksonthecommon on Facebook; Ridgefield Historical Society.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/wheres-waldo-2/
LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WALDO.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250629T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250629T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
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:20250628T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250517T194958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250614T152617Z
UID:22137-1751126400-1751133600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Sunset Cocktail Party: Where East Meets West
DESCRIPTION:Members of Ridgefield Historical Society’s Catoonah Circle are invited to this complimentary summer gathering. Enjoy a glass of wine\, light hors d’oeuvres\, and conversation in an intimate and art-filled setting.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStep into an architecturally significant Ridgefield home — a hidden modernist gem where art and nature meet. Enjoy a special opportunity to explore highlights from an extraordinary private collection\, a thoughtfully curated and ever-evolving display of works that span cultures and centuries. With over 4\,500 pieces in the full collection — from Haitian to Asian\, historic to contemporary — selected works are on view throughout the home\, creating an environment where art lives\, breathes\, and inspires. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKindly RSVP by June 21: sbartkus@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org Address will be provided upon RSVP. \n\n\n\nIf you aren’t yet a member of the Catoonah Circle and would like to attend this event\, please join here.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/sunset-cocktail-party-where-east-meets-west/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Catoonah Circle,Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_5089.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250621T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250621T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250509T151709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T044419Z
UID:22121-1750514400-1750521600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield Oral History Project Celebration & Conversation
DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nTo commemorate and celebrate the success of the Ridgefield LGBTQIA+ Oral History Project\, the Ridgefield Historical Society and Ridgefield CT Pride invite you to the Ridgefield Oral History Project Celebration & Conversation. It will be a time to come together\, to celebrate and share reflections\, stories\, and insights gathered throughout the project. Nationally renowned LGBTQIA+ historian\, Susan Ferentinos PhD\, will facilitate an informal roundtable with project participants. Refreshments will be served. This free program is open to the public and will take place at 2-4pm on Saturday\, June 21\, 2025\, at the Ridgefield Library\, 472 Main Street\, Ridgefield\, CT. Seating is limited and registration online here is required to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdY7b7y6veNV6whJ0CS-SmNrBtb4AFlG7w9UUQ-Ji1As8bvpg/viewform \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLaunched in 2023\, thanks to a generous grant from CT Humanities\, the Ridgefield LGBTQIA+ Oral History Project is a collaboration between the Ridgefield Historical Society\, Ridgefield CT Pride\, and student volunteers from Ridgefield High School. The goals of the Ridgefield Oral History Project are to record\, preserve\, and share Ridgefield LGBTQIA+ stories\, which are underrepresented in the Ridgefield Historical Society’s collection; to foster intergenerational conversation; and increase civic pride and awareness. \n\n\n\nUnder the guidance of Dr. Susan Ferentinos\, Project Advisor; Stephen Bartkus\, Ridgefield Historical Society Executive Director and Project Director; Alisa Trachtenberg\, Ridgefield CT Pride Director; Dr. Robin Collins\, Project Manager; Julie Henderson\, Ridgefield High School GSA Club Advisor; and Betsy Reid\, Ridgefield Historical Society Collections Manager; Ridgefield High School student volunteers were trained in oral history techniques and conducted 29 interviews with 33 individuals from the Ridgefield community. These powerful stories have been transcribed\, cataloged\, and preserved in both the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Online Catalog and in the Connecticut Digital Archive\, and will also be featured in a forthcoming book edited by Dr. Ferentinos. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“This project represents an important step in making Ridgefield’s history more inclusive\,” said Bartkus. “By empowering students to record and preserve the stories of LGBTQIA+ residents\, we’ve helped forge meaningful connections across generations and created a more complete and representative historical record.” \n\n\n\nThe June 21 roundtable will discuss these experiences and celebrate the voices and histories of Ridgefield’s LGBTQIA+ residents. Audience members will have the opportunity to engage with project participants and reflect on the role of personal storytelling in fostering understanding and a more inclusive community. \n\n\n\nFor more information about the project contact info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or visit: https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/collections/oral-history-project/ \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-oral-history-project-celebration-conversation/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Library\, 472 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:LGBTQIA+
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024.06.14-FINAL-LGBTQ-Oral-History-Project-Collage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250621T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250621T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250617T054428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T054620Z
UID:22224-1750503600-1750514400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Bee Historic Coffee Tasting
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy a complimentary tasting of Bee Historic\, the Ridgefield Historical Society’s new limited-edition coffee blend\, at Queen B Coffee Co. at 417 Main Street in Ridgefield. A portion of the proceeds from each bag sold supports the Society’s mission to preserve and share Ridgefield’s rich history.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/bee-historic-coffee-tasting-2/
LOCATION:Queen B\, 417 Main Street\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Free Events,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025.04.04-FINAL-Be-Historic-Coffee-Label.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250617T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250617T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250612T080702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250614T151432Z
UID:22206-1750154400-1750158000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Summer Camps
DESCRIPTION:Register\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nHow did young Ridgefielders spend those endless summer days between “School’s out!” and “Back to School”? \n\n\n\nSummer camps were part of the picture for many\, whether it was at the (then) Boy’s Club\, or the Community Center\, or the Girl Scouts’ Camp Catoonah. There were private camps as well\, like Rabbit Hole Farm. More recently\, Parks & Recreation also offered day camps. There were even camps for adults. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club will devote its June 17 meeting to summer camps\, with a discussion led by Jack Sanders; the club meets at the Ridgefield Historical Society’s headquarters\, the Scott House\, at 4 Sunset Lane. \n\n\n\nHistory Club is an informal history discussion at which participants are invited to share their insights and ask questions. If you have photos or artifacts\, please bring those to share. The free one-hour meeting will begin at 10 a.m. \n\n\n\nEveryone is welcome. Space is limited and we ask that people sign up in advance. \n\n\n\nFor more information\, call 203-438-5821 or email info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org \n\n\n\n\nRegister
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-summer-camps/
LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/History-Club-Summer-Camps.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
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:20260404T173135
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:20250601T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250601T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250414T053452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T053801Z
UID:22077-1748779200-1748790000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Pride in the Park
DESCRIPTION:Ridgefield Historical Society will have a table at Pride in the Park at Ballard Park on Sunday\, June 1\, from 12 to 3pm and will be sharing Ridgefield’s LGBTQIA+ history as well as talking about our oral history project. Admission is free and all are welcome. \n\n\n\nA generous grant awarded by CT Humanities to the Ridgefield Historical Society\, supported this project. This 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/pride-in-the-park/
LOCATION:Ballard Park\, 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:20250526T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250526T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250414T052828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T052941Z
UID:22076-1748259000-1748264400@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 26. 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 walk with us in the parade contact: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/22076/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mem-Parade-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250525T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250525T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
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:20250520T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250520T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250503T064522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250504T231433Z
UID:22103-1747735200-1747738800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Gardens and Gardening in Ridgefield
DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club topic for Tuesday\, May 20\, 2025\, at 10 a.m. will be “Gardens and Gardening in Ridgefield.” Everyone is welcome to attend this free gathering at the Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane. \n\n\n\nJoin us to share your stories about the town’s gardens—whether they were flower beds\, vegetable plots\, or grand estate landscapes. Did you or your family members work as gardeners on any of the estates in Ridgefield? We’ll share photos of Ridgefield’s gardens from years past. Do you remember a time when backyard gardens were a wartime necessity or a neighborhood staple? Were you part of a garden club or involved in school garden projects? What were the go-to nurseries and garden centers in town over the years? Let’s talk about your favorite heirloom vegetables and flowers\, compost piles\, and victory gardens—and the people who kept Ridgefield blooming. Bring your green-thumb memories and help us cultivate a colorful chapter of Ridgefield’s past. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club\, an informal community storytelling program (it’s not a presentation or lecture) of the Historical Society\, meets for an hour on the third Tuesday of every month to share memories and stories related to a specific topic in Ridgefield’s history. The discussion is recorded and cataloged in the Historical Society’s archive to preserve all the stories of Ridgefield’s people\, places\, and events for future generations. It’s also streamed live on Facebook and is uploaded to our YouTube channel. \n\n\n\nEveryone is invited\, just bring your love of history and your curiosity. Some people come to every session while others attend when the topic is of special interest to them. This is a great opportunity to connect with other history enthusiasts and learn something new about our wonderful town. Both longtime residents and newcomers contribute. \n\n\n\nFor more information about this program\, contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org Parking and seating at the Scott House is limited\, and registration is requested for this free program. \n\n\n\nEvent photo caption: Garden of Mary Mitchell\, Ridgefield circa 1925. \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-ridgefield-gardens-and-gardening/
LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Mary-Mitchell-Garden.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250518T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250518T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250414T055602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T055928Z
UID:22079-1747569600-1747591200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield Playhouse Presents: Ridgefield Town Party
DESCRIPTION:This FREE community celebration will feature live entertainment\, great food\, and family-friendly fun\, in collaboration with local nonprofits\, to bring Ridgefield together for a day of connection and celebration of Ridgefield Playhouse’s 25th Anniversary! \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society and Ridgefield Garden Club will have a table filled with Ridgefield history\, gardens\, and handouts\, and will be talking about and selling tickets to the Spring Soiree and Ridgefield Garden Tour. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nSchedule of Events:12:00-4:00PM:– Ridgefield Non-profits Perform: The Ridgefield Chorale\, SPHERE\, The Ridgefield Theater Barn\, Prospector Theater\, and A.C.T. of CT– Children’s activities sponsored by Ridgefield Academy– Delicious food & drinks available for purchase from local food trucks– One-of-a-kind auction items \n\n\n\n4:00-6:00PM:– Ridgefield Playhouse Headliner: Guster \n\n\n\nAdmission:FREE tickets available for all Ridgefield residents\, businesses\, and their employees. Spots are limited\, reserve yours today! \n\n\n\nNon-Profit Booths:A.C.T. of CT\, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum\, Compassionate Ridgefield\, Founders Hall\, Keeler Tavern Museum\, Lounsbury House\, Prospector Theater\, Ridgefield A Better Chance\, Ridgefield Academy\, The Ridgefield Chorale\, Ridgefield CT Pride\, Ridgefield Guild of Artists\, Ridgefield Historical Society (w/ The Ridgefield Garden Club)\, Ridgefield Library\, Ridgefield Lions Club\, SPHERE \n\n\n\nAbout Guster: \n\n\n\nGuster is an East Coast alt-rock band that started in the mid-’90s with a mix of acoustic folk and pop. Over time\, they developed a bigger sound combining Brit-pop and American rock. Known for catchy hooks\, powerful choruses\, and unique hand-drumming\, they gained popularity in 1999 with their album Lost and Gone Forever\, featuring the hit “Fa Fa.” Later albums like Ganging Up on the Sun (featuring smash hit song “Satellite”) and Easy Wonderful (featuring hit “Do You Love Me”)\, received wide critical and popular acclaim. \n\n\n\nJOIN THE WAITLIST \n\n\n\nDue to an overwhelmingly positive response\, capacity has been reached for RSVPs. Please note that an RSVP does not guarantee a ticket. RSVP’s will be notified by April 14 if their attendance is confirmed. If you are interested in attending\, you may join the waitlist\, and if tickets become available\, you will receive a confirmation by May 12.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-playhouse-presents-ridgefield-town-party/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Playhouse\, 80 East Ridge\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RPH-TOWN-PARTY-550x800-1.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250427T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250427T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250311T051009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T053940Z
UID:21892-1745762400-1745773200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield Neighbors & Newcomers Non-profit Fair
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society is pleased to participate in the inaugural Ridgefield Non-Profit Fair\, hosted by Ridgefield Neighbors and Newcomers on Sunday\, April 27\, 2025\, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Yanity Gym at 60 Prospect Street in Ridgefield\, CT. \n\n\n\nThis free community event offers an opportunity for residents to explore local organizations and discover ways to get involved. Visitors to our table can learn about Ridgefield’s rich history\, our exciting projects\, upcoming programs\, volunteer opportunities\, and how to support our mission of preserving and sharing the town’s heritage. We look forward to connecting with community members and welcoming new friends to the Historical Society! \n\n\n\nRidgefield Neighbors and Newcomers\, formerly known as the Newcomers Club of Ridgefield for over 50 years\, recently changed their name and mission to deepen their connections to the Ridgefield community. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to inspired events and meaningful social opportunities that bring together members from Ridgefield and surrounding communities. They can be reached at ridgefieldnewcomers.org or info@ridgefieldnewcomers.org \n\n\n\nFor more information contact: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821 or view ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-historical-society-at-the-ridgefield-neighbors-newcomers-non-profit-fair/
LOCATION:Yanity Gym\, 60 Prospect Street\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RNNTraditionalFlyer.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250426T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250426T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250412T232435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250412T232437Z
UID:22058-1745663400-1745672400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Bee Historic Coffee Tasting
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy a complimentary tasting of Bee Historic\, the Ridgefield Historical Society’s new limited-edition coffee blend\, at Queen B Coffee Co. A portion of the proceeds from each bag sold supports the Society’s mission to preserve and share Ridgefield’s rich history.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/bee-historic-coffee-tasting/
LOCATION:Queen B\, 417 Main Street\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Free Events,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025.04.04-FINAL-Be-Historic-Coffee-Label.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250426T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250426T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250303T044356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T233021Z
UID:21848-1745663400-1745672400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tours
DESCRIPTION:Purchase Tickets Here\n\n\n\n\n4/22/2025 Update: The Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tours are sold out. Please continue to register and you’ll be added to the waitlist and contacted if tickets become available. \n\n\n\nOn Saturday\, April 26\, 2025 the Ridgefield Historical Society will host one hour long walking tours at 10:30am\, 11:00am\, 11:30am\, and 12:00pm to commemorate the 248th Anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield\, which took place on April 27\, 1777. This was the only inland engagement of the Revolutionary War fought in Connecticut and we will commemorate the courage of a vastly outnumbered Patriot force led by Generals David Wooster\, Benedict Arnold\, and Gold Selleck Silliman\, who confronted a force of 2\,000 British troops that had burned Danbury. \n\n\n\nThe Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tour is a “living history” event produced by the Ridgefield Historical Society under the direction of local luminary Dr. Darla Shaw. Revolutionary War characters will be brought to life by actors in period costumes\, including Benedict Arnold\, General Tryon\, and Anna Stebbins\, among others\, who will be stationed at stops along the east side of Main Street\, beginning at the Battle of Ridgefield sign at Casagmo Condominium Association\, and ending at the British cannonball lodged in Keeler Tavern. The tour is around one mile long\, an hour in length\, and each stop will feature a short\, entertaining\, and informative performance. \n\n\n\nTours will take place rain or shine and will be capped at 20 people per group. Park at the nearest public lot\, walk to the meeting location on Main Street at the entrance of Casagmo Condominium Association\, and check in no later than 10 minutes before your tour departure time as tours will depart promptly. If you’re late or miss your tour\, we unfortunately won’t be able to add you to another tour. \n\n\n\nTickets are limited\, nonrefundable\, and are expected to sell out: $15 each for Ridgefield Historical Society members (members should enter promo code 5OFF at checkout)\, $20 each for non-members. If you’re not a member of the Historical Society\, we welcome you to join by clicking HERE. For more information\, email info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or call 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\nGet a limited edition Battle of Ridgefield t-shirt by the Ridgefield Historical Society! See an image of the shirt below. Mark this anniversary with our official commemorative tee. Secure yours today and wear a piece of history on the tour: PLACE YOUR ORDER HERE \n\n\n\nAlso\, on Thur. April 24\, 6:30-7:30pm\, Dr. David Naumec\, an archaeologist and historian with Heritage Consultants\, will give the illustrated presentation about the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Battle of Ridgefield Archaeology Project\, at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall\, 353 Main Street\, in Ridgefield: REGISTER FOR THIS PRESENTATION HERE \n\n\n\nPlease note: Keeler Tavern is also offering complimentary ‘War at Home’ tours of their museum on Saturday\, April 26. Participants of the 10:30am Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tour are welcome to join the 11:30am ‘War at Home’ tour inside Keeler Tavern. Similarly\, attendees of the 12:00 pm Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tour can join the 1:00 pm ‘War at Home’ tour. Tickets are limited and advance registration for the ‘War at Home’ tour is required though Keeler Tavern at the following link: https://keelertavernmuseum.org/events/489/battle-of-ridgefield-anniversary/
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/battle-of-ridgefield-walking-tours-2/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Battle of Ridgefield
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Battle-of-Ridgefield-Walking-Tour-Featured-Photo.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ridgefield Historical Society":MAILTO:info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250424T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250424T193000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250303T060723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T195923Z
UID:21850-1745519400-1745523000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Unearthing Answers to Battle of Ridgefield Mysteries
DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\nOn Thursday\, April 24 from 6:30 to 7:30pm Dr. David Naumec\, an archaeologist and historian with Heritage Consultants\, will give an illustrated presentation\, Unearthing Answers to the Battle of Ridgefield Mysteries: Using Hi-Tech Archaeology to Reveal our History\, about the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Battle of Ridgefield Archaeology Project\, at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall\, at 353 Main Street in Ridgefield\, CT. Admission is free\, thanks to an American Battlefield Protection Program Grant\, but seating is limited\, and registration is required. The presentation will also be livestreamed\, with the link provided upon registration. Please register online here. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn 2021\, with the support of a generous National Park Service (NPS) American Battlefield Protection Program Grant\, the Ridgefield Historical Society enlisted Heritage Consultants to research the boundaries of the Battle of Ridgefield\, and to recommend goals for future archaeological work. Building on that survey\, another NPS grant has been secured by the Ridgefield Historical Society to solve the mysteries highlighted by the first investigation. Over the next two years\, hi-tech archaeological methods will be applied throughout Ridgefield to unearth answers to the questions that still puzzle local historians. This lively presentation will describe key findings and unveil the goals of the upcoming second survey. It will also explain the fascinating technology that Heritage Consultants will be using – and how you can participate in this unique effort to reveal our history! Ridgefield property owners interested in participating in this exciting archaeological study are encouraged to attend this presentation to meet Dr. Naumec\, learn more about the process\, and sign up to participate. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. David Naumec is a Historian\, Archaeologist\, and Museum Consultant. He is an Archaeology Field Director for Heritage Consultants and is Historic New England’s Revolution 250 Research Scholar\, studying New England’s indigenous and African American Revolutionary War veterans. Dr. Naumec is a graduate of UConn\, holds a Master’s Degree in History & Museum Studies from Tufts University\, and a PhD in Race & Ethnicity in Early America through the Civil War from Clark University. His interests include Native American history\, colonial North America\, the history of Connecticut\, and Battlefield Archaeology. Dr. Naumec was a member of the Heritage Consultants team that studied the Battle of Ridgefield from 2021-2022\, and was a consultant for historian Keith Marshall Jones’s latest book “The Battle of Ridgefield: Benedict Arnold\, the Patriot Militia and the Surprising 1777 Battle that Galvanized Revolutionary Connecticut.” \n\n\n\nFor more information contact: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821 or view ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/unearthing-answers-to-battle-of-ridgefield-mysteries/
LOCATION:St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church\, 353 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Battle of Ridgefield
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/David-J.-Naumec.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250415T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250415T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250328T054038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T054327Z
UID:21964-1744711200-1744714800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: 150th Anniversary of the Ridgefield Press
DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nRidgefield History Club: 150th Anniversary of the Ridgefield Press \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Press is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year\, and the next meeting of the Ridgefield History Club will explore the rich history of this community institution. Join us on Tuesday\, April 15\, at 10 a.m. at the Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, for an engaging discussion led by Jack Sanders\, former Ridgefield Press editor of more than 40 years and the author of over 10 books on Ridgefield’s history. Sanders will share insights into the newspaper’s evolution\, its role in shaping local journalism\, and memorable stories from its storied past. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen D. Crosby Baxter announced his new monthly publication for the town of Ridgefield in 1875\, he chose the motto\, “Great oaks from little acorns grow.” By the end of that year\, the monthly was a weekly\, its name revised to The Ridgefield Press. Karl S. Nash\, a descendant of Ridgefield settlers\, bought the paper with his brother John Nash in 1937\, and it remained in the family until 2018\, reaching a circulation of more than 7\,000 in the 1990s for a 90% saturation of town households. As it grew under Nash leadership\, The Press (and other weeklies in the organization) became a training ground for aspiring young journalists\, who went on to a variety of careers\, including at the Wall Street Journal\, the New York Times (two Pulitzer Prizes)\, and other national publications. Others went on to law school; at least one became a judge. Many Ridgefield youngsters got their first job as a Press newsboy/girl\, lining up on Thursday afternoons to get papers literally hot off the presses at the Bailey Avenue office. In the 150 years since its founding\, the town’s weekly newspaper has had multiple editors and owners\, all local until 2018\, when it became part of Hearst Media. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRidgefield History Club is an informal history discussion at which participants are invited to share their insights and ask questions. Everyone is welcome to the free one-hour meeting at the Ridgefield Historical Society headquarters in the Scott House. Space is limited and we ask that people sign up in advance here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ridgefield-history-club-150th-anniversary-of-the-ridgefield-press-tickets-1303839782889?aff=oddtdtcreator \n\n\n\nFor more information\, view ridgefieldhidtoricalsoriety.org or call 203-438-5821 or email info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-150th-anniversary-of-the-ridgefield-press/
LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/img495-The-Ridgefield-Press-Building-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250409T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250409T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250223T031836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T200126Z
UID:21825-1744225200-1744228800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Author Talk: Gardening with Nature at the New York Botanical Garden by Todd Forrest
DESCRIPTION:  \n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\nOn Wednesday\, April 9\, 2025 at 7pm\, Todd Forrest\, of the New York Botanical Garden\, will give a presentation about the new book\, Gardening with Nature at the New York Botanical Garden\, at the Ridgefield Library at 472 Main Street in Ridgefield\, CT. This program is co-sponsored by the Ridgefield Library\, Books on the Common\, Ridgefield Garden Club\, Ridgefield Historical Society\, and the Ridgefield Garden Tour. Books on the Common will provide books for purchase and signing. Registration is requested for this free program here. \n\nThe world-renowned New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is a 250-acre multifaceted cultural destination situated in the heart of the Bronx. NYBG’s natural features – rolling hills punctuated by rock outcroppings\, an old-growth forest\, the dramatic gorge of the Bronx River – were incorporated into its original design and have been celebrated throughout its 130-year history\, creating a tapestry of gardens and plant collections that blend seamlessly with the incredible landscape. \n\nToday\, NYBG embodies the principles of sustainable horticulture\, and Gardening with Nature demonstrates their application. This richly illustrated new book highlights seven distinct horticultural environments captured by photographer Larry Lederman. Through his lush images\, readers will witness the process of decay and regeneration in the Thain Family Forest\, the carpet of millions of naturalized daffodils on Daffodil Hill\, the vibrant azaleas emerging from rocky outcrops and sheltered by majestic trees\, the recently installed Native Plant Garden\, and more. Featuring authoritative text by Todd A. Forrest – complemented by historic images and Lederman’s contemporary photographs – Gardening with Nature offers a model for professional and home gardeners alike\, encouraging and inspiring readers to adopt sustainable\, nature-based processes and techniques. \n\nMr. Forrest is the Arthur Ross Vice President for Horticulture and Living Collections at The New York Botanical Garden where he leads all the programs and activities of the Garden’s Horticulture and Living Collections division\, including the gardens\, grounds\, exhibitions\, community horticulture initiatives\, and a staff of approximately 80 managers\, curators\, and horticulturists. Mr. Forrest came to The New York Botanical Garden in 1998 as a research assistant in the Institute of Economic Botany. He joined the Horticulture staff as curator of woody plants in 1999 and became Vice President in 2005. Mr. Forrest received his Master of Forest Science degree from Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. \n\nMr. Forrest serves as the Honorary Chair for the upcoming Ridgefield Garden Tour on June 8\, as well as the Spring Soirée on the evening of June 7. Learn more at www.ridgefieldgardentour.org \n  \n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/author-talk-gardening-with-nature-at-the-new-york-botanical-garden-by-todd-forrest/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Library\, 472 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lectures
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Todd-Forrest-Book-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250405T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250405T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250329T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250329T163000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250311T030436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T195650Z
UID:21885-1743258600-1743265800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Burial Sites from the American Revolution
DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\nJoin the Ridgefield Historical Society on Saturday\, March 29\, 2025\, for a special meetup at the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology (FOSA) Annual Meeting\, where leading researchers will present on Burial Sites from the American Revolution. The event will take place at the Farmington High School Auditorium\, 10 Monteith Drive\, Farmington\, CT. Admission is $10 per person\, and online registration is requested here.  \n\n\n\nThe presentations will highlight recent archaeological discoveries related to Revolutionary War burials. Connecticut State Archaeologist Sarah Sportman will discuss the 2019 discovery of adult male burials in Ridgefield\, believed to be casualties of the Battle of Ridgefield. Wade P. Catts and Jennifer Janofsky will explore the Red Bank Battlefield Archaeology Project\, where a mass burial site of Hessian soldiers from the 1777 attack on Fort Mercer was uncovered. Lisa Anderson from the New York State Museum will examine the impact of smallpox on Revolutionary War soldiers\, focusing on unmarked graves discovered in 2019 at Fort George in Lake George\, NY. A Q&A session will follow the presentations. \n\n\n\nAttendees should plan to drive to Farmington High School independently and meet Ridgefield Historical Society staff in the school lobby at 2:15 p.m. to check in and secure seating. Please allow approximately one hour and fifteen minutes for travel from Ridgefield\, depending on traffic. The presentations begin promptly at 2:45 p.m. \n\n\n\nFollowing the presentation everyone is invited to join Ridgefield Historical Society Executive Director Stephen Bartkus and members of the Battle of Ridgefield Archaeology Project Advisory Committee for continuing conversation in the bar at Wood-n-Tap Grill\, 1593 Farmington Ave.\, located across the street from Farmington High School. View the menu and read more about Wood-n-Tap Grill here.  \n\n\n\nFor additional information\, contact the Ridgefield Historical Society at info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821\, or visit ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. \n\n\n\nSpeaker Schedule \n\n\n\n2:45-3:00pm \n\n\n\nOSA UPDATE ON POSSIBLE BATTLEFIELD BURIALS FROM RIDGEFIELD\, CT                                                                                      \n\n\n\nSarah Sportman\, Connecticut State Archaeologist \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2019 construction activities uncovered burials under the cellar of a private residence in Ridgefield\, CT. Excavations by the State Archaeologist yielded remains of adult males\, four of whom were hastily buried together in a common shallow grave within the Battle of Ridgefield (April 27\, 1777) battlefield. Recovered buttons dated the remains to the last quarter of the 18th-century. The working hypothesis is that these men were victims of the battle. This presentation provides a brief overview of the discovery\, and an update on the analysis of the burial site skeletal remains and material culture. \n\n\n\nPlease note: The study of the Ridgefield skeletal remains is still in progress\, and no new findings will be shared during this presentation. \n\n\n\n3:00-3:30pm \n\n\n\n“NAKED AND TORN BY THE GRAPESHOT”: THE RED BANK BATTLEFIELD ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT                                                                                                                             \n\n\n\nWade P. Catts\, President\, South River Heritage Consulting and Jennifer Janofsky Prof. of Public History\, Rowan University    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring the summer of 2022\, a mass burial space was discovered at Red Bank Battlefield Park in Gloucester County\, New Jersey. The burial is believed to contain remains of Hessian soldiers who died during the October 22\, 1777 attack on Fort Mercer. This presentation summarizes the histories of the battle and of Battlefield Park\, as well as the archaeological fieldwork and forensic research. The multi-disciplinary project team’s work is continuing\, and we will highlight some of the team’s analyses. \n\n\n\n3:30-4:00pm \n\n\n\n“SMALLPOX IN OUR NORTHERN ARMY CARRIES WITH IT MUCH GREATER DREAD THAN OUR ENEMIES”: THE QUEBEC CAMPAIGN & COURTLAND STREET BURYING GROUND    \n\n\n\nLisa Anderson\, Curator of Bioarchaeology\, New York State Museum \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn 1776\, Governor Jonathan Trumbull wrote about smallpox plaguing troops returning from a failed campaign to invade Quebec. The army established a general hospital at Fort George to isolate the sick. In 2019\, unmarked graves believed to be associated with the general hospital were disturbed by construction in the Village of Lake George\, NY. A major salvage effort recovered the fragmentary and scattered remains of over 40 individuals. Subsequent work has focused on reconstructing and interpreting the lives of soldiers and plans to honor them in 2026. \n\n\n\n4:00-4:30pm                                                                                                                                            Q&A \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/burial-sites-from-the-american-revolution/
LOCATION:Farmington High School\, 10 Monteith Drive\, Farmington\, Connecticut\, 06032\, United States
CATEGORIES:Battle of Ridgefield
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Sarah-Sportman-Headshot.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250323T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250323T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250125T003144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250208T005924Z
UID:21759-1742738400-1742742000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:A Historical Tribute to Connecticut's Two Great Female Governors
DESCRIPTION:Purchase Tickets Here\n\n\n\n\nTo commemorate Women’s History Month\, Dr. Darla Shaw\, Ridgefield resident and “retired” women’s studies professor at Western Connecticut State University\, will pay tribute to Connecticut’s two women governors on Sunday\, March 23\, 2025 at 2pm at the Ridgefield Historical Society at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield\, CT.  \n\n\n\nTickets are discounted at $15 for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society and $20 for those who aren’t yet members. Tickets are very limited\, non-refundable\, and are expected to sell out quickly. If you’d like to become a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society click here: https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/ \n\n\n\nDr. Darla Shaw will take on the role of Governor Ella Grasso (1975-80) talking about her rise from a child of poor immigrant parents to the first woman governor in the country (in her own right\, not succeeding a spouse). Dr. Shaw will also pay tribute to Governor Jodi Rell (2004-11) who lived in nearby Brookfield and passed recently. The stories of these two women show that anything is possible if you have the right attitude and work hard enough. Anyone with personal stories of either woman is welcome to share them at the presentation. \n\n\n\nPlease note\, parking at the Scott House is limited to nine spaces and available on a first-come\, first-served basis. Additional parking is located at nearby businesses with a sidewalk connecting the locations. If walking presents a challenge due to mobility needs\, please contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 on Tue\, Wed\, or Thur in advance of this program for assistance. \n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets Here
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/a-historical-tribute-to-connecticuts-two-great-female-governors/
LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Governors.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250303T013347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T035506Z
UID:21840-1742292000-1742295600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Exploring the Korker Collection
DESCRIPTION:The March 18 meeting of the Ridgefield History Club will be devoted to Clarence Korker’s photographs\, a sampling of the thousands that he created over his more than 40 years at the Ridgefield Photo Shop on Main Street in Ridgefield. Mr. Korker\, who just turned 100\, now lives in Florida. \n\n\n\nKeith Russell\, the Historical Society volunteer who’s been working with the Korker Collection’s negatives and creating the digital scans\, has selected some of his recent favorites to share and will lead the discussion. Jack Sanders\, who has written 10 books on Ridgefield history\, will also be on hand. \n\n\n\nRidgefield History Club is an informal history discussion at which participants are invited to share their insights and ask questions. The free one-hour meeting on Tuesday\, March 18\, 2025 will begin at 10 a.m. at the Ridgefield Historical Society headquarters in the Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane. Everyone is welcome. \n\n\n\nSpace is limited and we ask that people sign up in advance here:  \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\nFor more information\, call 203-438-5821 or email info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. \n\n\n\nPhoto Captions: The Ridgefield Photo Shop\, Main Street\, Ridgefield\, circa 1970\, by Korky Korker and a self-portrait by Korky Korker.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-exploring-the-korker-collection/
LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Copy-of-Untitled-Design-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T201500
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250204T025847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250302T182723Z
UID:21784-1741890600-1741896900@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Architectural Gems of Ridgefield
DESCRIPTION:Purchase Tickets\n\n\n\n\n3/1/2025 Update: This program is now sold out. Continue to register and join the waitlist. If a ticket becomes available you will be notified. \n\n\n\nJoin us for an enlightening evening with Phil Esser as he discusses “20 Architectural Gems of Ridgefield\,” presented by the Ridgefield Historical Society and Lounsbury House. The event will take place on Thursday\, March 13\, 2025 at 6:30pm in the ballroom at Lounsbury House\, 316 Main Street\, Ridgefield. This event is proudly sponsored by Karla Murtaugh Homes and Doyle Coffin Architecture. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“When you live in a town like Ridgefield\,” says Mr. Esser\, an architectural historian and preservationist\, and chair of the Historic Preservation Committee of the Ridgefield Historical Society\, “it’s almost easy to forget how special and meaningful the structures and residences that surround us are. Each has a story\, both personal and architectural\, and our mission is to preserve these stories and share them broadly — for centuries to come.” \n\n\n\nMr. Esser will lead the presentation\, joined by Tracy Seem of the Historic Preservation Committee\, and Mary Dunne\, the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer from the CT State Historic Preservation Office. Mr. Esser plans to discuss 20 exemplary structures that represent different architectural styles present in the town\, exceptional preservation efforts\, and architectural and societal trends of the times in which they were developed. A highlight will be Lounsbury House\, host for the evening and a crown jewel on Main Street since 1896. \n\n\n\nNot intended to exclude the hundreds of fine architectural examples in Ridgefield\, the presentation will feature notable examples of architecture captured in the 2023 Historic Resources Inventory [HRI]\, a survey funded by grants from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The grants were awarded to the Ridgefield Historical Society and Town of Ridgefield to expand the original 1979 Ridgefield Historic and Architectural Resources Survey with the addition of 300 properties\, some of which reflect more recent growth and development in the town. The resulting document will serve as an extraordinary record of Ridgefield’s built environment and aid in preservation efforts. \n\n\n\nThe presentation will also include a brief reception. Seating is limited and tickets are nonrefundable. Discounted tickets ($20) are available for Ridgefield Historical Society and Lounsbury House members. Full-price tickets ($25) for non-members. The snow date is Thursday\, March 20 at 6:30pm. For more information contact info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/architectural-gems-of-ridgefield/
LOCATION:Lounsbury House\, 316 Main Street\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Lectures
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Architectural-Gems-Collage.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T193000
DTSTAMP:20260404T173135
CREATED:20250107T023412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250213T182732Z
UID:21730-1740594600-1740598200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:The Story of Ridgefield's First Black Church
DESCRIPTION:Purchase Tickets Here\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \nTo commemorate Black History Month\, the Ridgefield Historical Society will host an illustrated presentation\, The Story of Ridgefield’s First Black Church\, by Ridgefield resident and educator Christine Johnsmeyer. The event will take place on Wednesday\, February 26\, 2025\, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, followed by a reception. In case of inclement weather\, the event will be rescheduled for Thursday\, February 27\, at 6:30 p.m. \n\n\n\n\n \nTickets are $15 for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society and $20 for those who aren’t yet members. Tickets are limited\, non-refundable\, and are expected to sell out quickly. If you’d like to become a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society click here: https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/  \n\n\n\n\n \nRidgefield’s Goodwill Baptist Church was founded in 1941 by a group of Black congregants living in and around the Town of Ridgefield. For some 30 years\, the church made its home on Creamery Lane\, a short walk from Main Street. After initially meeting in the First Congregational church\, parishioners acquired and dedicated the Creamery Lane building in 1942. The church saw its parishioners live through the war years\, the Second Great Migration\, the Civil Rights Movement and a tragic spate of assassinations\, including that of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King\, Jr. The history of the church offers insight into the Black experience and the integral role the Black church plays in the spiritual and cultural life of descendants of the enslaved who embraced Christianity. \n\n\n\n\n \nMs. Johnsmeyer is a graduate of Manhattanville College with a B.A. in Economics and an M.A. in Humanities. Her love for social history and character-driven narratives has been at the heart of her career\, beginning with her work for Historic Hudson Valley as a tour guide for Kykuit\, John D. Rockefeller’s estate located in Pocantico Hills\, NY\, followed by her 25 years experience as an English teacher. Her presentation will focus on the details of the church’s founding and its final years\, as well as two dynamic pastors of the church\, Rev. John Percell Ball and Rev. DeWitt Stephens\, who both played integral roles in the church’s life\, exemplifying the significance and cultural importance of the Black church in America’s history. \n\n\n\n\n \nFor more information contact: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\n\n \nEvent photograph: Rev. DeWitt Stevens of the Goodwill Baptist Church. \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \nPurchase Tickets Here
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/the-story-of-ridgefields-first-black-church/
LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lectures
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Rev.-DeWitt-Stevens-Baptist-Church-Copy.jpg
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