BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ridgefield Historical Society - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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: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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250415T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250415T110000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 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 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250409T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250409T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 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 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250405T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250405T130000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 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/ 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:20250329T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250329T163000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 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 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250323T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250323T150000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 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 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T110000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 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 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T201500 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 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 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T193000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 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 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250218T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250218T110000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20250124T223441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250208T125528Z UID:21757-1739872800-1739876400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Exploring the new Ridgefield Encyclopedia DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\nThe next Ridgefield History Club meeting on Tuesday\, February 18\, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, will be an opportunity to ask any of those nagging questions you may have about the town we live in. Bring your inquiries about Ridgefield’s past and present people\, places\, and events. For example\, Who was the man known as the Ridgefield Hermit during the 19th century and what earned him this mysterious title? This meeting will be an opportunity to have a lively conversation as we explore and find the answers to your questions in the new Ridgefield Encyclopedia\, a compendium of facts that has more than 5\,000 entries. \n\n\n\nThe author is Jack Sanders\, who has written many histories centered on Ridgefield\, and who was editor of The Ridgefield Press for more than 40 years. He’ll be on hand for the meeting to assist in answering your questions and hopes to get some questions that he has not yet answered\, to add to the next edition of the Encyclopedia. \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. Jack Sanders\, who has written over 10 books on Ridgefield’s history will be on hand. 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. All are welcome to this free program. \n\n\n\nCopies of the Ridgefield Encyclopedia are available at the Ridgefield Historical Society and from our friends at Books on the Common for those who’d like to purchase a copy. \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\n\nRegister Here URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-exploring-the-new-ridgefield-encyclopedia/ 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/2025/01/RidgefieldEncyclopedia-cover.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T203000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20241126T194233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241210T041544Z UID:21556-1738177200-1738182600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:The Granite Church Lecture DESCRIPTION:Redding Co-Historian Brent Colley discusses how the railroad shaped Gilbert & Bennett’s success and aided the growth of surrounding areas. \n\n\n\nOn Wednesday\, January 29\, 2025 at 7-8:30pm Brent Colley\, the Town of Redding Co-Historian\, will examine how the institution of the railroad helped shape the success of the Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill and impacted the growth of the surrounding areas\, including Branchville\, a section of Ridgefield. This program will take place at The Granite Church at 5 North Main Street in Redding and is co-Sponsored by the Ridgefield Historical Society. Admission is $5 and tickets can be purchased online here. \n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets Here\n\n\n\n\nDestination: Georgetown\, Part Three \n\n\n\nJoin us for a five-part lecture series\, Destination: Georgetown\, where the impact of the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Company on the development of Georgetown and surrounding towns will be explored. \n\n\n\nThe Destination: Georgetown lecture series will explore the lived experience of the Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill complex in Georgetown and its involvement in the creation of “place.” Closed in 1989\, the mill remains a landmark tied to the development of the area – the settlement of Swedish immigrants\, education and the construction of a school\, and the local labor movement. This lecture series will present a new look at the mill and help understand Georgetown as a place of cooperation and diversity. \n\n\n\nBrent Colley is the co-historian of Redding\, Connecticut alongside Bruce Nelson. A historian and educator known for his contributions to both historical scholarship and innovative teaching methods\, Brent’s work often explores the intersections of history\, education\, and storytelling to emphasize the importance of understanding the past to inform contemporary practices.   URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/granite-church-lecture/ LOCATION:5 North Main Street\, Redding\, CT CATEGORIES:Lectures ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Graphic-for-Destination-Georgetown-Series-3-Jan.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250125T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250125T113000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20241126T223029Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T010040Z UID:21562-1737799200-1737804600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Writing History: An Obituary Workshop DESCRIPTION:Writing History: An Obituary Workshop\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\nOne of the tasks often left to survivors of a beloved family member has traditionally been writing an obituary\, a record to inform the community of a death. At the Ridgefield Historical Society\, we see these vital pieces of our town’s history\, and we are offering some pre-planning help in January. \n\n\n\nUntil late in the 20th Century\, obituaries were formal\, often very stylized\, submitted by a funeral director. But in Jack Sanders’ nearly half century as editor of The Ridgefield Press\, obituaries were seen as news and one of the most-read sections of the weekly newspaper. \n\n\n\nMany obituaries are now published online\, rather than in print\, but each one can still be a mini-history of a life and\, in years to come\, a historical reference. Obituaries are a prime source of information for genealogical and historical researchers. \n\n\n\nTo make sure that your story is told accurately\, and to relieve family members of the burden of researching hazy memories of events and accomplishments\, Sanders recommends writing your own obituary now and giving it to family members – just in case it should be needed. And someday\, it will. \n\n\n\nMr. Sanders will teach a class in obituary writing at the Ridgefield Historical Society on Saturday\, January 25\, 2025 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This unique workshop offers participants a rare opportunity to learn the nuances of obituary writing from a master journalist\, historian and storyteller whose decades of experience and insights will ensure that your story is told with care\, respect\, and lasting impact. As part of this workshop\, all participants will have the opportunity to submit their obituary to Jack after the class for personalized feedback and one-on-one editing. \n\n\n\nThe class size is limited to 25\, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Tickets sales benefit the mission of the Historical Society\, are nonrefundable\, and are $45 per person for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society and $50 for those who are not yet members. To become a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society sign up here: https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/ \n\n\n\nA Fairfield County native and graduate of the College of the Holy Cross\, Jack Sanders retired in 2014 after 45 years as an editor of The Ridgefield Press. He’s written 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\nThe snow date for this program is Sat. Feb. 1\, 2025\, 10-11:30 a.m. For more information contact the Ridgefield Historical Society at info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\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. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/writing-history-an-obituary-workshop/ LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Educational Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/JackSandersHS.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250121T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250121T110000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20250101T215640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250101T222853Z UID:21697-1737453600-1737457200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Ridgefield Wintertime Memories DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\n“Wintertime Memories” will be the Ridgefield History Club topic on Tuesday\, January 21\, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane. Everyone is welcome to attend this free gathering. \n\n\n\nShare your stories and memories of winter life in Ridgefield! How did you spend your time on those snowy days? How much colder and snowier were the winters of the 20th Century? Do you recall a particular storm that left a lasting impression? When did pond skating disappear—or has it? What were the best sledding or tobogganing hills in town? And does anyone still have a toboggan or a classic Flexible Flyer? How was your home heated? Coal furnace? Oil burner? Who remembers the portable kerosene heaters that many people bought after a series of wintertime power outages and during the oil shocks of the 1970s? Did you install a wood stove? \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. Jack Sanders\, who has written over 10 books on Ridgefield’s history will be on hand. 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\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\nCaption for event photo: Francis D. Martin and Nina Coogan ca. 1963 on Lake Mamanasco. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-ridgefield-wintertime-memories/ 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/2025/01/FrancisDMartin-Nina-Coogan-ca-1963LakeMamanasco.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241217T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241217T110000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20241126T192505Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241212T060358Z UID:21553-1734429600-1734433200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Holiday Baking Traditions DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club will explore holiday baking traditions from Ridgefield’s past at its Dec. 17 meeting at 10 a.m. at the Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane. Ridgefield Historical Society Collections Manager Betsy Reid will pull out town cookbooks from the archives and highlight some of the cookie recipes. Admission is free. \n\n\n\nDid your family have a traditional favorite that you’d be willing to share with the group? What was the one cookie that you always looked forward to during the holidays? Did anyone like fruitcake? Do you have a cookbook or baking tool that has been in your family for generations? Bring it for ‘show and tell’ and share a favorite recipe and story about it with the group. We’ll even have some of our favorite holiday cookies for everyone to sample. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club is an informal story telling session (it’s not a presentation or lecture) where everyone sits in a circle and shares their memories related to a specific topic in Ridgefield’s history. The discussion will be recorded and catalogued in the Historical Society’s archive to preserve memories about all of Ridgefield’s people\, places\, and events for future generations. You can watch recordings of our past meetings on our Facebook page. \n\n\n\nAttendees are encouraged to share their stories with the group or just come and listen to the fascinating conversation about our town’s past. All are reminded to bring related photos and objects about Ridgefield’s history for ‘show and tell.’ \n\n\n\nBecause parking at the Scott House is limited\, registration is requested to attend. Carpooling is encouraged. \n\n\n\nFor additional information\, contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-holiday-baking-traditions/ LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877 CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cookies-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241208T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241208T140000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20241031T162044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241111T235636Z UID:21493-1733648400-1733666400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Silhouettes by Deborah O'Connor DESCRIPTION:11/11/2024 Update: Silhouettes is sold out and in-person appointments are no longer available. But you can still have your silhouettes created in time for the holidays. Email Ms. O’Connor your profile photographs by Wednesday\, December 4 and she will cut and frame the silhouettes in her studio and bring them with her for you to pick up at the Ridgefield Historical Society between 9am-2pm on Sun. Dec. 8\, 2024. This link gives you instructions for purchasing silhouettes in advance of the event using digital profile photographs: https://thesilhouettelady.com/how-to-order During the checkout process on Ms. O’Connor’s website\, when asked for the name of the fundraiser’s sponsoring organization in the “ENTER SPONSORING GROUP’S NAME FOR FUNDRAISERS”\, enter “Ridgefield Historical Society“. Do not pay by credit card\, instead choose “PAY LATER WHEN PICKING UP ORDER AT A FUNDRAISER“. \n\n\n\n\nSilhouettes\, a beloved tradition and benefit for the Ridgefield Historical Society\, returns for the holiday season on Sun. Dec. 8\, 2024 from 9am-2pm. This event sells out quickly every year\, so be sure to make your reservation today. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silhouettes-by-deborah-oconnor-registration-1059129076579?aff=oddtdtcreato \n\n\n\n\nCalling all children\, families\, and yes even pets! Silhouettes make a unique holiday gift. Make an appointment here and join us at the historic Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane on Dec. 8 to have beautiful handcut silhouette portraits created for you and your family\, including your dogs and cats. Each silhouette\, starting at $30 each\, is cut in exacting detail by Rhode Island artist Deborah O’Connor. Ms. O’Connor has been practicing this lost art for over forty years. This year silhouettes can also be made from digital profile pictures submitted online in advance. \n\n\n\nThere are just 29 appointments available for this sure to sell out special event. Register here on Eventbrite and pay a $30 nonrefundable deposit here which reserves your seat for one appointment which will be applied to the total cost of your silhouette(s)\, which start at $30 each and up. The Eventbrite credit card fee of $3.85 is a separate additional expense for you and will not be applied to your silhouette purchase. Ms. O’Connor can create silhouettes for 1-2 subjects during each 10 minute appointment. If you plan to have silhouettes made for more than 2 subjects\, please book two consecutive 10 minute appointments. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou can purchase just the unframed silhouette\, or you can have it matted and framed for an additional cost. \n\n\n\nOne original unframed silhouette: $30 \n\n\n\nExtra unframed copy of the silhouette: $15 \n\n\n\nAdditional Add-on Options: \n\n\n\nMat (8″x10″) for one subject: $10 \n\n\n\nMat (11″x14″) for groupings of 2-3 subjects: $20 \n\n\n\nFrame (5″x7″) for one subject: $40 \n\n\n\nFrame (8″x10″) for groupings of 2-3 subjects: $60 \n\n\n\nMembers of the Ridgefield Historical Society will receive a 10% discount on their total order at the Scott House on Sun. Dec. 8. Not a member? Sign up here to take advantage of this member benefit. \n\n\n\nPlease arrive at the Ridgefield Historical Society 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to check in\, fill out your order form\, and process your payment. Late arrivals can not be accommodated and deposits are nonrefundable for missed appointments. Parking at the Historical Society is limited and traffic is heavy. Please allocate extra travel time to get to this event. \n\n\n\nAdvance Orders \n\n\n\nSkip the line and submit your profile photos in digital format in advance on Ms. O’Connor’s website https://thesilhouettelady.com/ and then pick up your completed silhouettes at the Ridgefield Historical Society. Follow these instructions: https://thesilhouettelady.com/how-to-order \n\n\n\nDuring the checkout process on Ms. O’Connor’s website\, when asked for the name of the fundraiser’s sponsoring organization in the “ENTER SPONSORING GROUP’S NAME FOR FUNDRAISERS”\, enter “Ridgefield Historical Society“. Do not pay by credit card\, instead choose “PAY LATER WHEN PICKING UP ORDER AT A FUNDRAISER“. You will pay for your order when you pick it up at the Ridgefield Historical Society on Sun. Dec. 8 between 9am and 2pm. An appointment on Eventbrite is not needed for advance orders with digital photographs. \n\n\n\nSilhouettes History \n\n\n\nSilhouette cutting is done entirely freehand in a matter of minutes. Working with multiple layers of paper\, it is possible to create several silhouettes of the same subject at once. These extra “copies” are traditionally sold at half the cost of the “original”\, and make wonderful gifts. There is a magical quality to this art\, beyond the fascination of seeing how quickly an accurate portrait is produced\, using only scissors and a trained eye. That special quality is the unique ability of a silhouette to seemingly capture the very “essence” of a person. Once experienced you will become an enthusiastic fan of the art. These loyal fans have sought out the dwindling number of practitioners with enough frequency to keep the art from extinction. \n\n\n\n\nBefore the invention of the camera\, the silhouette ranked as the most popular form of portraiture. Compared to other means of having a portrait done\, silhouettes were inexpensive. Previous to being dubbed “silhouettes” they were called “shades” or “shadows”. The term silhouette derived from a French minister of finance and amateur shade cutter named Etienne de Silhouette. His stringent financial policies caused the slogan “a la Silhouette” to be used in reference to anything that was considered “cheap” in France at that time. The name stuck unfortunately\, denigrating what is truly a fine art\, into something that sounds almost worthless. \n\n\n\n\nOn the bright side\, most people are no longer aware of that association. One other quality that is unique to silhouettes\, is how they tend to remain displayed on the walls of a home for decades. They slowly and unintentionally evolve into becoming a family’s most treasured heirlooms. Capturing the essence of a person\, which is timeless\, they do not become outdated\, as photographs do and tend to remain untouched and on display for decades. Historians have attributed the survival of so many intact antique silhouettes to this fact. Join us for the opportunity to have heirloom quality silhouettes created for your family. \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\nFor more information contact the Ridgefield Historical Society at ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org\, info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety\, or 203-438-5821. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/silhouettes-by-deborah-oconnor-returns-to-the-ridgefield-historical-society/ LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3243.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241119T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241119T110000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20241017T175929Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241109T124328Z UID:21449-1732010400-1732014000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Native American Life in Ridgefield DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\nNative American life in Ridgefield is the topic for the next gathering of the Ridgefield History Club at 10am on Tuesday\, November 19\, 2024\, in the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield\, CT. \, in the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield\, CT. Jack Sanders who has written over a dozen books about Ridgefield’s history will be in attendance\, as will archaeologist Lynn Marie Wieland. Ridgefield History Club programs are free and open to everyone; new participants are welcome at any time. Come to share memories or just to listen. \n\n\n\nEver wonder what life was like in Ridgefield 10\,000 years ago? Join us as we explore the lifeways of the first people to inhabit these lands. They were hunters and gatherers who subsided off of big game animals like mastodons. We will also be looking at stone tools they left behind in Ridgefield and hear how they were excavated by professional archaeologists. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club\, an informal community storytelling program (it’s a conversation\, not a lecture) of the Historical Society\, meets for an hour 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. \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\nSeating is limited at the Scott House\, so we ask that you register in advance here: \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\nFor more information about this free program contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-native-american-life-in-ridgefield/ 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/2024/10/IMG_7948-rotated.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241116T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241116T150000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20241028T024214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241117T160652Z UID:21477-1731765600-1731769200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Tellabration DESCRIPTION:Register\n\n\n\n\nCelebrate the art of storytelling at this year’s Tellabration from 2pm to 3pm on Saturday\, November 16\, 2024 at the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield. Originally founded in 1988 by PawPaw Pinkerton in Connecticut\, Tellabration has grown into a global tradition\, bringing people together through the power of shared stories. \n\n\n\nThis year\, the Ridgefield Historical Society invites you to gather for an afternoon of local tales\, centered around the theme “Your Part in Historical Ridgefield.” Our storytellers will share true\, five-minute stories that connect to our town’s rich history\, weaving together personal experiences and community memories. \n\n\n\nThe event will be held at the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Scott House\, and promises to be a joyful celebration of friendship\, humanity\, and the enduring tradition of storytelling. The afternoon will be hosted by Dr. Darla Shaw who will serve as MC. \n\n\n\nFeatured storytellers will be: Deborah Ahle\, Sandy Carpenter\, Mac Reid\, Sally Sanders\, Stephen Maydan\, Martha Talburt\, Jean Jaykus\, Pete Nichols\, and Peter Bachmann. \n\n\n\nFor more information\, please contact the Ridgefield Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or email info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. Due to limited parking at the Scott House\, registration is requested for this free event. Secure your seat by registering here: \n\n\n\n\nRegister URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/tellabration/ LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DONE-tellabrationLogoiwithTag.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241109T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241109T120000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 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/ 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:20260409T104653 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:20241017T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241017T200000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20240903T192309Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240922T162718Z UID:21301-1729188000-1729195200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Opening of the Vault Party DESCRIPTION:For members of the Catoonah Circle\, by invitation \n\n\n\nJoin us for an exclusive evening at the Ridgefield Historical Society’s “Opening of the Vault” Party on Thursday\, October 17\, 2024\, a special recognition event for members of the Catoonah Circle. This event will showcase Ridgefield treasures from our collection housed in the climate-controlled vault beneath our historic 1714 Scott House. Enjoy an evening of discovery and celebration with guided tours of the vault\, access to seldom seen Ridgefield artifacts from past centuries\, and a chance to meet and mingle with fellow history enthusiasts and supporters. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by Oct. 1 to: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nCatoonah Circle is a sustaining membership tier honoring Chief Catoonah’s legacy and directly helps us preserve and share Ridgefield’s rich history today and for future generations. To become an inaugural member of the Catoonah Circle and attend this special event\, join here: https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/ For more information contact: 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/opening-of-the-vault-party/ LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Member Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CATOONAHCIRCLE-logo-copy-1-e1735945568570.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241015T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241015T180000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20241003T210338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241009T055051Z UID:21405-1729011600-1729015200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield Historical Society Annual Meeting DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society Annual Meeting will take place at the Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, and via Zoom on Tuesday\, Oct. 15\, at 5 p.m.  \n\n\n\nThe session will include approval of the 2023 Annual Meeting minutes\, presentation of the 2024 annual report and the election of a slate of officers and directors. There will also be a vote on minor changes to the by-laws. \n\n\n\nMembers of the Ridgefield Historical Society are invited to this meeting. To sign up to attend or to receive the Zoom link for the meeting\, email: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. Participation details will be provided with the Zoom link. \n\n\n\nTo become a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society click here. \n\n\n\nFollowing the close of the Annual Meeting\, the officers and board will convene a regularly scheduled meeting\, which is open only to the board. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgfield-historical-society-annual-meeting-oct-15/ LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Member Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ScottHouse4_9019-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241015T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241015T110000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20240924T044113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240924T044907Z UID:21374-1728986400-1728990000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: The Danbury Fair DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\nThe history of The Great Danbury State Fair is the topic for the next gathering of the Ridgefield History Club at 10am on Tuesday\, October 15\, 2024\, in the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield\, CT. Ridgefield History Club programs are free and open to everyone; new participants are welcome at any time. Come to share memories or just to listen. \n\n\n\nOnce one of the largest agricultural fairs in the country\, The Great Danbury State Fair was a cherished event for generations of local residents until its closure in 1981 and the construction of the Danbury Fair Mall on the fairgrounds. From its early days in the 1800s to its grand finale\, the fair drew crowds from across the region with its agricultural displays\, midway attractions\, horse racing\, and entertainment. Many Ridgefielders have fond memories of visiting the fairgrounds\, located just a few miles from town\, and this is a chance to reflect on those experiences. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own Danbury Fair stories\, photographs\, and memorabilia to share during “show and tell”. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club\, an informal community storytelling program (it’s a conversation\, not a lecture) of the Historical Society\, meets for an hour 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\nSeating is limited at the Scott House\, so we ask that you register in advance here: \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\nFor more information about this free program contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-the-danbury-fair/ LOCATION:Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Danbury-Fair-Circa-1908.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240929T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240929T160000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20240828T211946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240910T181357Z UID:21276-1727614800-1727625600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Who’s a U of M Golden Gopher? Schoolhouse will honor Northrop-Last Sunday at the Schoolhouse DESCRIPTION:This month at the Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, we turn to another famous alumnus\, Cyrus B. Northrop\, a Ridgefield farmer’s son who went on to achieve great success in academia. The Schoolhouse will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday\, Sept. 29. Admission is free. \n\n\n\nRefreshments will be served in honor of Cyrus Northrop’s birthday (Sept. 30). \n\n\n\nBorn in 1834\, he was the first member of his family to be educated beyond eighth grade: He graduated from the prestigious Williston Seminary\, Yale College in 1857\, and Yale Law School in 1861. After stints as clerk of the Connecticut House of Representatives\, and the State Senate\, he became editor of a New Haven newspaper\, then returned to Yale to teach English literature and rhetoric. \n\n\n\nIn 1884 his wide-ranging talents and reputation prompted the then-little University of Minnesota to offer him the job of president. He became perhaps the university’s best known and accomplished leader. During his 27 years as president\, the university went from 300 students to more than 5\,000 and from four buildings to 46. Northrop remained as the president until 1911. He died in 1922\, aged 87. \n\n\n\nFor more information about the Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, which is maintained as a small museum by the Ridgefield Historical Society\, please visit https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/. Volunteers Jack and Sally Sanders will be at the schoolhouse on Sept. 29 to greet guests and answer questions. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/whos-a-u-of-m-golden-gopher-schoolhouse-will-honor-northrop/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cyrus-Northrop-UMN-Pres1907.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240918T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240918T193000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20240731T214815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240904T151348Z UID:21221-1726684200-1726687800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:The Battle of Ridgefield -Talk\, Book Signing\, & Reception with Keith Jones DESCRIPTION:Register for Program & Purchase Book Here\n\n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society is pleased to present Keith Marshall Jones III’s new book\, THE BATTLE OF RIDGEFIELD: Benedict Arnold\, the Patriot Militia\, and the Surprising 1777 Battle that Galvanized Revolutionary Connecticut\, which Connecticut State Historian Emeritus Dr. Walter Woodward calls “the definitive account of the Battle of Ridgefield for many years to come.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMr. Jones\, the Founding President of the Ridgefield Historical Society and author of Farmers Against the Crown (2002)\, has added a great deal of new information and understanding to the story of inland Connecticut’s largest Revolutionary War engagement\, the April 27\, 1777\, Battle of Ridgefield.  \n\n\n\nMr. Jones will share insights on the Battle of Ridgefield in a program on Wednesday\, Sept. 18\, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall\, 351 Main Street. Admission to the presentation is free\, but a ticket is required for entry. Book sales benefit the Ridgefield Historical Society. \n\n\n\nThe 320-page illustrated and indexed paperback book is priced at $35.95. Books are now available to purchase on site at the Ridgefield Historical Society at 4 Sunset Lane during open hours (Tue\, Wed\, and Thur\, 1-5pm) or other times by appointment. Books can also be pre-order through the Ridgefield Historical Society’s website and can be picked-up and signed by the author at this event on Sept. 18. Books can also be shipped to you for an additional $7\, for a total of $42.95 each. If you’d like more than one copy mailed to you please call the Ridgefield Historical Society (203-438-5821) before placing your order. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeith Marshall Jones III is author of JOHN LAURANCE\, the Immigrant Founding Father America Never Knew (awarded the American Philosophical Society’s 2019 “Publication of the Year”). Other books include: 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 Tucson\, Arizona. \n\n\n\nFor more information call the Historical Society at 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\n\nRegister for Program & Purchase Book Here URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/the-battle-of-ridgefield-talk-book-signing-and-reception-with-keith-jones/ LOCATION:St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church\, 353 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Author Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Keith-Jones-Headshot.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240917T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240917T110000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20240828T205602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240907T122134Z UID:21272-1726567200-1726570800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: The Battle of Ridgefield\, a special conversation with Keith Jones DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\nJoin us for a special conversation about The Battle of Ridgefield and the latest research discoveries about the event with Keith Jones\, the founding president of the Ridgefield Historical Society and author of the new book\, The Battle of Ridgefield: Benedict Arnold\, the Patriot Militia\, and the Suprising 1777 Battle that Galvanized Revolutionary Connecticut \, for the next gathering of the Ridgefield History Club at 10am on Tuesday\, September 17\, 2024 in the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield\, CT. Ridgefield History Club programs are free and open to everyone; new participants are welcome at any time. \n\n\n\nMr. Jones will be sharing new information and understanding to the story of inland Connecticut’s largest Revolutionary War engagement\, the April 27\, 1777\, Battle of Ridgefield. Have you ever found anything from the Battle? Bring your Battle of Ridgefield questions for the discussion and your Battle of Ridgefield artifacts\, documents\, and memorabilia for “show and tell”. \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\nConnecticut State Historian Emeritus Dr. Walter Woodward calls The Battle of Ridgefield: Benedict Arnold\, the Patriot Militia and the Surprising 1777 Battle that Galvanized Revolutionary Connecticut\, “the definitive account of the Battle of Ridgefield for many years to come.” Books will be available for purchase and signing at the Scott House. Registration is required since seating is limited\, please reister here. \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-special-preview-and-conversation-with-keith-jones/ LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877 CATEGORIES:Battle of Ridgefield,Ridgefield History Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jones-Cover-V1-Cropped-e1735945226395.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240915T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240915T160000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20240805T204201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240910T182718Z UID:21245-1726408800-1726416000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield Civics Bowl DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society will be represented with a table offering some historical nuggets from Ridgefield civic history at the Ridgefield Civics Bowl on Sunday\, Sept. 15\, from 2 to 4 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School at 10 East Ridge Road in Ridgefield.  An event for grades K-8 featuring activities and competitions\, the Civics Bowl is a chance for teams of students in grades 4-5 and 6-8 to show off their civics knowledge. Younger students will find crafts and activities emphasizing civics education presented by volunteers. The free event (donations encouraged) is organized by Ms President US\, a girls’ civic leadership program\, and proceeds will benefit the Ms. President US Scholarship Fund. For more information about the event click here. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-historical-society-ridgefield-civics-bowl/ LOCATION:East Ridge Middle School Auditorium\, 10 East Ridge Road\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877 CATEGORIES:Educational Programs ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Civics-Bowl-Graphic.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240901T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241031T170000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20240829T142906Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241007T235745Z UID:21280-1725177600-1730394000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:New Exhibit in Town Hall honors 9/11 Anniversary DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society created an exhibit in Town Hall in remembrance of the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. This annual display at Town Hall remembers the events of September 11\, 2001 and the profound impact they had on the world\, our country\, and our community. This exhibit includes publications and artifacts representing the day and the aftermath\, and honors those who lost their lives on this sad and memorable day. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/new-exhibit-in-town-hall-honors-9-11-anniversary/ LOCATION:Ridgefield Town Hall\, 400 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States CATEGORIES:Exhibits ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/9.11-scaled-e1724953417205.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240825T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240825T160000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20240731T221933Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240904T151826Z UID:21224-1724590800-1724601600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Peter Parley's Birthday: Last Sunday At the Schoolhouse DESCRIPTION:August is the birth month of Ridgefield’s Samuel Griswold Goodrich (1793-1860)\, who wrote some 170 children’s books under the pen name Peter Parley\, which sold millions of copies beginning in 1827. We will celebrate with lemonade and cookies on Sunday\, Aug. 25\, when the Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nA noted publisher in Boston\, Goodrich edited and wrote for the  illustrated annual\, The Token\, and was one of the earliest to promote the writing of Nathaniel Hawthorne\, among others. \n\n\n\nHe spent several years in France as U.S. Consul during his last decade\, and when he came back to the United States\, he had planned to move to Southbury\, Conn. \n\n\n\nHe died in New York and was buried in Southbury. Newspaper accounts at the time reported that his funeral was widely attended and two hundred Sunday School children headed the procession to the cemetery. His last published work was his Illustrated Natural History of the Animal Kingdom\, in 1859.The Peter Parley Schoolhouse is maintained as a small museum of early education and of the students who attended this one-room school from 1756 to 1915. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/peter-parleys-birthday-last-sunday-at-the-schoolhouse/ LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/samuel-griswold-goodrich.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240825T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240825T160000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20240613T190329Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240613T193432Z UID:20885-1724580000-1724601600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:92nd Cannon Grange Argricultural Fair DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society will be an exhibitor at the 92nd Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair at 25 Cannon Road in Wilton on Sunday\, Aug. 25\, 10am-4pm. \n\n\n\nThe much-anticipated annual event is the grand finale to summer and is enjoyed by hundreds of children and adults who participate in juried agricultural contests ranging from Culinary Arts to Poultry & Fowl\, to Rabbits\, Sewing & Needlework and many more. Details for entries are at cannongrange.org. Additionally\, dozens of concessionaires will be in attendance.  Admission is $2 per person. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Grange joined forces with the Cannon Grange in the 1950s\, uniting two organizations dedicated to preserving the agricultural legacy of Wilton and Ridgefield. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society will offer visitors an opportunity to delve into the rich history of Ridgefield and its agricultural heritage through a display of photographs and merchandise\, including a wide selection of Ridgefield history books\, which will be for sale. URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/92nd-cannon-grange-argricultural-fair/ LOCATION:Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair\, 25 Cannon Road\, Wilton\, Connecticut CATEGORIES:Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Grange-Agricultural-Fair-Photo.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240820T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240820T110000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 CREATED:20240725T230341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240805T153836Z UID:21103-1724148000-1724151600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Ridgefield Scrapbooks through Time DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\n“Ridgefield Scrapbooks through Time” is the topic for the next gathering of the Ridgefield History Club at 10am on Tuesday\, August 20\, 2024 in the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield\, CT. Jack Sanders\, who has written over 10 books on Ridgefield’s history\, will be on hand as we delve into the past through the lens of old Ridgefield scrapbooks. Ridgefield History Club programs are free and open to everyone; new participants are welcome at any time. Come to share memories or just to listen. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe’re going to examine Ridgefield scrapbooks from the past and explore these unique time capsules that preserve Ridgefield’s history within their pages. Helen Keeler’s Class of 1947 scrapbook provides insight into life in town during the 1940s and 50s and is filled with memorabilia from plays\, fieldtrips\, clippings\, movie tickets\, war ration books\, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own scrapbooks\, photographs\, and objects to share their memories and stories of people\, places\, and events from Ridgefield’s past. \n\n\n\n\n\n\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 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. \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\nSeating is limited at the Scott House\, so we ask that you register in advance here.For more information about this free program visit www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-ridgefield-scrapbooks-through-time/ LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877 CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_8611-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240728T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240728T170000 DTSTAMP:20260409T104653 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/ CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Abigail_Goodrich_Whittelsey_PPSchoolhouse.jpeg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR