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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231118T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231118T153000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090338
CREATED:20231101T023928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231111T230130Z
UID:19877-1700321400-1700321400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Tellabration: Your Part in Historical Ridgefield
DESCRIPTION:Tellabration is a storytelling festival that was started by Paw Paw Pinkerton in Connecticut in 1988 and has since spread worldwide. We’ll celebrate with some town tales at the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane on the traditional Saturday before Thanksgiving\, Nov. 18\, 2023 at 3:30pm. The goal of this gathering is to help bring joy\, friendship\, and reminders of common humanity to listeners and tellers. Parking at the Scott House is limited so please register in advance here or call 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\nThe five-minute true stories are based on a theme. Here\, in 2023\, it’s “Your Part in Historical Ridgefield\,” organized by Dr. Darla Shaw\, who will be one of the storytellers. \n\n\n\nDr. Shaw will be the afternoon’s M.C. and start the stories with a history of Tellabration in Ridgefield. Among the other topics will be Benjamin Hume\, Bringing History to Life; Barbara Serfilippi\, 39 Years as Ridgefield Town Clerk; Ben Shaw\, Early Eight Lakes Community; Martha Bishop\, Ridgefield’s Oldest Senior Band in the State; Dr. Joe Ellis\, Diversity Day; Steve Maydan\, History of the Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off in Town; Elaine Keleman\, Growing Up in the Scott House Neighborhood; Peter Nichols\, Childhood Memories of Ridgefield; and Bob Cox\, Students I Have Taught in Ridgefield.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/tellabration-your-part-in-historical-ridgefield/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Free Events,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DONE-tellabrationLogoiwithTag.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231121T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231121T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090338
CREATED:20231101T020222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231101T021242Z
UID:19869-1700560800-1700564400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:History Club: Photographing Ridgefield with Clarence Korker
DESCRIPTION:Photographing Ridgefield with Clarence Korker will be the topic for the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Ridgefield History Club on Tuesday\, November 21\, 2023 at 10am in the historic David Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane. Jack Sanders\, who has written 10 books on Ridgefield history\, will be on hand. Parking at the Scott House is limited and carpooling is recommended. Come to share memories or just to listen. Seating is limited at the Scott House\, so we ask that you register in advance. \n\n\n\nClarence “Korky” Korker\, the longtime photographer of Ridgefield people and places\, and the former owner of the Ridgefield Photo Shop snapped thousands of photographs during his forty-year career in the mid-1900s\, which are the now are part of the Ridgefield Historical Society’s collection and currently being digitized. This informal discussion will be devoted to looking at Korker’s streetscapes\, sharing stories\, and reminiscing about how Ridgefield has changed over the years. \n\n\n\nWere you ever photographed by Korky? If you have any photos or objects related to this topic\, please bring them with you for show and tell! \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club\, a program of the Historical Society\, meets regularly throughout the year to discuss the history of Ridgefield and all its villages. All are invited: just bring your love of history and your curiosity. This is a great opportunity to connect with other history enthusiasts and learn something new about our wonderful town. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club is an informal community story telling program (it’s not a presentation or lecture) where everyone sits in a circle and shares memories related to a specific topic in Ridgefield’s history. The discussion will be recorded and cataloged in the Historical Society’s archive to preserve the memories of all of Ridgefield’s people\, places\, and events for future generations. \n\n\n\nFor more information about this free program see www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. \n\n\n\nEvent photo: Clarence Korker self-portrait\, circa 1950. From the collection of the Ridgefield Historical Society.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/history-club-korker/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Free Events,Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Clarence-Korker-Self-Portrait-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231201T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231201T200000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090338
CREATED:20230927T221912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231125T000935Z
UID:19802-1701453600-1701460800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Preview Party for the Ridgefield Holiday Historic House Tour - SOLD OUT
DESCRIPTION:Back after a four-year hiatus\, Tiger Hollow’s always-anticipated house tour will offer a new experience in 2023: Tiger Hollow and the Ridgefield Historical Society are joining forces to present a Saturday tour of historic homes that will be preceded by a Friday evening gala preview party. \n\nAll the seasonal beauty of Ridgefield will be the backdrop for the Holiday Historic House Tour and Preview Party on Dec. 1 and 2. \n\nCoinciding with the Ridgefield Holiday Stroll\, the Preview Party and Historic House Tour will be a time for celebrating with friends and toasting the return of a traditional part of the holiday season. With the new schedule putting the house tour on a Saturday\, the house tour committee will be able to accommodate more visitors during three two-hour time slots (9am\, 11am\, or 1pm) and will facilitate groups of friends being together to visit the homes. Early purchase helps assure a time slot and grouping. \n\nPreview Party – SOLD OUT \n\nBefore the tour\, there’s the Preview\, a chance to enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the beautifully restored Tuttle-Smith House\, and an opportunity to support both Tiger Hollow Inc. and the Ridgefield Historical Society in a very convivial setting. The Friday\, Dec. 1 event\, from 6-8pm\, is limited in attendance and because alcohol will be served\, no one under 21 can be admitted. \n\nTickets for both the Preview Party and the Historic House Tour will be on sale beginning Oct. 2 at the Ridgefield Historic House Tour website. \n\nThe Houses \n\nThe selection of homes for 2023 highlights many aspects of Ridgefield’s history\, from the first settlers to the late 19th Century “summer people.” \n\nThe Joshua King House\, a home that has anchored a prominent corner on Ridgefield’s Main Street for centuries\, was originally the home of Revolutionary War veteran Joshua King\, who built it in 1801. King was Ridgefield’s first postmaster and the founder of King & Dole\, a store whose building is now incorporated into the Aldrich Museum.  Although a fire in 1889 destroyed the original home\, the King family rebuilt a very similar structure\, set a bit further back from the street. In the early 20th Century\, the property was sold to Richard Arbuthnot Jackson\, whose family continued living there until the 1970s. \n\nThe Benedict House and Shop\, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places\, was the modest home of a cobbler\, who had his shop on the property. The house\, built around 1740\, backs up to a hillside where it’s believed a skirmish with British soldiers took place as the Battle of Ridgefield was winding down. The house and shop were extensively restored by architect Cass Gilbert\, who bought the property in 1920. It was later the home of Robert and Mildred Wohlfor. \n\nThe Benjamin Keeler House dates to the pre-Revolutionary era and the early layout of the town: it sits on Proprietor’s Lot #25. The house was part of a large farmstead and remained in the Keeler family until the early 19th Century when it went into the Benedict family. One of its later owners was the Pulitzer Prize-winning author\, Richard Kluger. \n\nThe Olmsted House is a handsome home built on land purchased in 1923 by Frances M.  Olmsted\, reportedly a distant relative of Frederick Law Olmsted\, from  Julia Finch Gilbert\, wife of the famed architect\, Cass Gilbert. The  Gilberts owned large areas of land surrounding their country home\, which  they called the Cannonball House and is now the Keeler Tavern Museum  and History Center.  \nThe David Hoyt House\, also known as The Fountain Inn\, sits on the east side of Main Street\, facing the Cass Gilbert Fountain\, donated by the famous architect. The original home on this site was built in 1740\, on the Proprietor’s Lot #1\, and featured in the story of the Battle of Ridgefield. Hoyt\, a prominent loyalist\, is said to have prevailed on the British to cease their attacks on his next-door neighbor\, Timothy Keeler\, whose tavern was a gathering place for the patriots. Hoyt’s motive was to protect his own home from stray fire\, but after the war\, he\, like other loyalists\, left the country for England. The Fountain Inn not only hosts overnight guests\, but is also a venue for small gatherings and celebrations. \n\nPost-Tour \n\nStop at The Benjamin\, 20 West Lane\, for post-tour conversation with friends and lunch or a cocktail; they’ll contribute a portion of the afternoon’s proceeds to the two tour sponsoring organizations.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/preview-party-for-the-ridgefield-holiday-historic-house-tour/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877
CATEGORIES:House Tour,Special Events,Tours & Open Houses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Tuttle-Smith-House-1.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231202T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231202T150000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090338
CREATED:20230927T212629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231129T152157Z
UID:19796-1701507600-1701529200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield Holiday Historic House Tour - SOLD OUT
DESCRIPTION:Back after a four-year hiatus\, Tiger Hollow’s always-anticipated house tour will offer a new experience in 2023: Tiger Hollow and the Ridgefield Historical Society are joining forces to present a Saturday tour of historic homes that will be preceded by a Friday evening gala preview party. \n\nAll the seasonal beauty of Ridgefield will be the backdrop for the Holiday Historic House Tour and Preview Party on Dec. 1 and 2. \n\nCoinciding with the Ridgefield Holiday Stroll\, the Preview Party and Historic House Tour will be a time for celebrating with friends and toasting the return of a traditional part of the holiday season. With the new schedule putting the house tour on a Saturday\, the house tour committee will be able to accommodate more visitors during three two-hour time slots (9am\, 11am\, or 1pm) and will facilitate groups of friends being together to visit the homes. Early purchase helps assure a time slot and grouping. \n\nThe Houses \n\nThe selection of homes for 2023 highlights many aspects of Ridgefield’s history\, from the first settlers to the late 19th Century “summer people.” \n\nThe Joshua King House\, a home that has anchored a prominent corner on Ridgefield’s Main Street for centuries\, was originally the home of Revolutionary War veteran Joshua King\, who built it in 1801. King was Ridgefield’s first postmaster and the founder of King & Dole\, a store whose building is now incorporated into the Aldrich Museum.  Although a fire in 1889 destroyed the original home\, the King family rebuilt a very similar structure\, set a bit further back from the street. In the early 20th Century\, the property was sold to Richard Arbuthnot Jackson\, whose family continued living there until the 1970s. \n\nThe Benedict House and Shop\, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places\, was the modest home of a cobbler\, who had his shop on the property. The house\, built around 1740\, backs up to a hillside where it’s believed a skirmish with British soldiers took place as the Battle of Ridgefield was winding down. The house and shop were extensively restored by architect Cass Gilbert\, who bought the property in 1920. It was later the home of Robert and Mildred Wohlfor. \n\nThe Benjamin Keeler House dates to the pre-Revolutionary era and the early layout of the town: it sits on Proprietor’s Lot #25. The house was part of a large farmstead and remained in the Keeler family until the early 19th Century when it went into the Benedict family. One of its later owners was the Pulitzer Prize-winning author\, Richard Kluger. \n\nThe Olmsted House is a handsome home built on land purchased in 1923 by Frances M.  Olmsted\, reportedly a distant relative of Frederick Law Olmsted\, from  Julia Finch Gilbert\, wife of the famed architect\, Cass Gilbert. The  Gilberts owned large areas of land surrounding their country home\, which  they called the Cannonball House and is now the Keeler Tavern Museum  and History Center.  \nThe David Hoyt House\, The Fountain Inn\, sits on the east side of Main Street\, facing the Cass Gilbert Fountain\, donated by the famous architect. The original home on this site was built in 1740\, on the Proprietor’s Lot #1\, and featured in the story of the Battle of Ridgefield. Hoyt\, a prominent loyalist\, is said to have prevailed on the British to cease their attacks on his next-door neighbor\, Timothy Keeler\, whose tavern was a gathering place for the patriots. Hoyt’s motive was to protect his own home from stray fire\, but after the war\, he\, like other loyalists\, left the country for England. The Fountain Inn not only hosts overnight guests\, but is also a venue for small gatherings and celebrations. \n\nPreview Party – SOLD OUT \n\nBefore the tour\, there’s the Preview\, a chance to enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the beautifully restored Tuttle-Smith House\, and an opportunity to support both Tiger Hollow Inc. and the Ridgefield Historical Society in a very convivial setting. The Friday\, Dec. 1\, event is limited in attendance and because alcohol will be served\, no one under 21 can be admitted. \n\nTickets for both the Preview Party and the Historic House Tour will be on sale beginning Oct. 2 at the Ridgefield Historic House Tour website. \n\nPost-Tour \n\nStop at The Benjamin\, 20 West Lane\, for post-tour conversation with friends and lunch or a cocktail; they’ll contribute a portion of the afternoon’s proceeds to the two tour sponsoring organizations.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-holiday-historic-house-tour-2/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:House Tour,Special Events,Tours & Open Houses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HouseTourBenjaminKeelerHouse.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231206T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231206T183000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090338
CREATED:20231101T022219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231108T213329Z
UID:19871-1701887400-1701887400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:God Save Benedict Arnold - Talk\, Book Signing and Reception with Jack Kelly
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society is delighted to announce a talk\, book signing\, and reception at 6:30pm on Wednesday\, December 6\, 2023 with author Jack Kelly\, following the December publication of his new work\, God Save Benedict Arnold\, The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man. His presentation will take place at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall at 353 Main Street in Ridgefield\, CT. Tickets for the program are $15 for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society and $20 for non-members and can be purchased online here. Tickets are nonrefundable. To inquire about your membership status call 203-438-5821 or email info@ridgfieldhistroricalsociety.org. To become a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society join here. Books on the Common will have books for sale and signing at the event. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSay “Benedict Arnold” and the average person would say “traitor.” Students of Ridgefield history\, while acknowledging his later treachery\, would also call him a hero of the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield where he rallied the Continental troops and local militias against a huge British force. While General Arnold\, General David Wooster\, and General Gold Selleck Silliman and their men couldn’t defeat General Tryon’s troops\, they did demonstrate that invasions like the raid on Danbury were not without cost to the invaders. \n\n\n\nSo esteemed was General Arnold here — he fought bravely at the barricade\, had his horse shot out from under him\, and suffered a leg injury — that for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield the Town of Ridgefield commissioned a medal honoring him. (It was reissued in 2002 for the 225th.) \n\n\n\nGod Save Benedict Arnold\, published by St. Martin’s Press\, explores Arnold’s life and military career\, both his efforts for the Patriot cause in the early years of the Revolutionary War and how he came to turn traitor. Kevin J. Weddle\, Ph.D.\, Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Army\, Professor of Military Theory and Strategy\, U.S. Army War College\, calls the book “Wonderfully written\, Jack Kelly’s fresh and lively new study of one of America’s greatest combat commanders is an important contribution to our understanding of this complicated and influential leader.” \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society appearance will be followed by a book tour that includes a Dec. 7 talk at The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati\, Inc.\, in Washington\, D.C. \n\n\n\nJack Kelly is an award-winning author and historian; he lives in the Hudson Valley. His books include Band of Giants: The Amateur Soldiers Who Won America’s Independence\, which won the DAR History Medal; Valcour; The Edge of Anarchy; Heaven’s Ditch\, and Gunpowder. He has also published five novels.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/god-save-benedict-arnold-book-talk-signing-and-reception-with-jack-kelly/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Author Talks,Battle of Ridgefield,Lectures,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Copy-of-Jack-Kelly_credit-Jeff-Brouws.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231210T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231210T140000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090338
CREATED:20231103T063118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231129T221256Z
UID:19888-1702202400-1702216800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Silhouettes by Deborah O'Connor
DESCRIPTION:Silhouettes\, a beloved tradition and benefit for the Ridgefield Historical Society\, returns for the holiday season on Sun. Dec. 10\, 2023 from 10am-2pm. Calling all children\, families\, and yes even pets! Silhouettes make a unique holiday gift. Make an appointment here and join us at the historic Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane on Dec. 10 to have beautiful hand cut silhouette portraits created for you and your family\, including your dogs and cats. Each silhouette\, starting at $30 each\, is cut in exacting detail in just a few minutes by Rhode Island artist Deborah O’Connor. Ms. O’Connor has been practicing this lost art for over forty years. New this year\, silhouettes can also be made from digital profile pictures submitted online in advance. \n\n\n\nReservations and Pricing \n\n\n\nThere are just 28 appointments are available for this special event. Register here on Eventbrite and pay a $15 nonrefundable deposit which reserves your seat for one appointment which will be applied to the total cost of your silhouette(s)\, which start at $30 each and up. The Eventbrite credit card fee of $2.85 is a separate additional expense for you and will not be applied to your silhouette purchase. Ms. O’Connor can create silhouettes for 1-2 subjects during each appointment. If you plan to have silhouettes made for more than 2 subjects\, please book two consecutive appointments. \n\n\n\nYou can purchase just the unframed silhouette\, or you can have it matted and framed for an additional cost. \n\n\n\nOne original unframed silhouette: $30 \n\n\n\nExtra unframed copy of the silhouette: $15 \n\n\n\nAdditional Add-on Options: \n\n\n\nMat (8″x10″) for one subject: $10 \n\n\n\nMat (11″x14″) for groupings of 2-3 subjects: $20 \n\n\n\nFrame (5″x7″) for one subject: $40 \n\n\n\nFrame (8″x10″) for groupings of 2-3 subjects: $60 \n\n\n\nPlease arrive at the Ridgefield Historical Society 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to check in\, fill out your order form\, and process your payment. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated and deposits are nonrefundable for missed appointments. Parking at the Historical Society is limited and traffic is heavy. Please allocate extra travel time to get to this event. \n\n\n\nAdvance Orders \n\n\n\nSkip the line and submit your profile photos in digital format in advance on Ms. O’Connor’s website https://thesilhouettelady.com/ and then pick up your completed silhouettes at the Ridgefield Historical Society. \n\n\n\nDuring the checkout process on Ms. O’Connor’s website\, when asked for the name of the fundraiser’s sponsoring organization in the “Special Instructions Box”\, enter “Ridgefield Historical Society”. Select the option to pay by check. Do not pay by credit card. You will pay for your order when you pick it up at the Ridgefield Historical Society on Sun. Dec. 10 between 10am and 3pm. An appointment on Eventbrite is not needed for advance orders. \n\n\n\nAssistance with placing advance orders will also be provided at the Historical Society’s table at the Christmas Market at Lounsbury House during the Holiday House Tour on Sat. Dec. 2. \n\n\n\nSilhouettes History \n\n\n\nSilhouette cutting is done entirely freehand in a matter of minutes. Working with multiple layers of paper\, it is possible to create several silhouettes of the same subject at once. These extra “copies” are traditionally sold at half the cost of the “original”\, and make wonderful gifts. There is a magical quality to this art\, beyond the fascination of seeing how quickly an accurate portrait is produced\, using only scissors and a trained eye. That special quality is the unique ability of a silhouette to seemingly capture the very “essence” of a person. Once experienced you will become an enthusiastic fan of the art. These loyal fans have sought out the dwindling number of practitioners with enough frequency to keep the art from extinction. \n\n\n\nBefore the invention of the camera\, the silhouette ranked as the most popular form of portraiture. Compared to other means of having a portrait done\, silhouettes were inexpensive. Previous to being dubbed “silhouettes” they were called “shades” or “shadows”. The term silhouette derived from a French minister of finance and amateur shade cutter named Etienne de Silhouette. His stringent financial policies caused the slogan “a la Silhouette” to be used in reference to anything that was considered “cheap” in France at that time. The name stuck unfortunately\, denigrating what is truly a fine art\, into something that sounds almost worthless. \n\n\n\nOn the bright side\, most people are no longer aware of that association. One other quality that is unique to silhouettes\, is how they tend to remain displayed on the walls of a home for decades. They slowly and unintentionally evolve into becoming a family’s most treasured heirlooms. Capturing the essence of a person\, which is timeless\, they do not become outdated\, as photographs do and tend to remain untouched and on display for decades. Historians have attributed the survival of so many intact antique silhouettes to this fact. Join us for the opportunity to have heirloom quality silhouettes created for your family. \n\n\n\nFor More Information \n\n\n\nContact the Ridgefield Historical Society at ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org\, info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety\, or 203-438-5821.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/silhouettes-2/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Silhouette_2400x1600.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231219T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231219T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090338
CREATED:20231125T034712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231125T034856Z
UID:19948-1702980000-1702983600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club - Christmas Memories in Ridgefield
DESCRIPTION:Christmas Memories in Ridgefield will be the topic for the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Ridgefield History Club on Tuesday\, December 19\, 2023 at 10am in the historic Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane. Jack Sanders\, who has written over 10 books on Ridgefield history\, will be on hand. Parking at the Scott House is limited and carpooling is recommended. Come to share memories or just to listen. Seating is limited at the Scott House\, so we ask that you register in advance here. \n\n\n\nThis gathering will delve into the rich tapestry of holiday traditions that have woven through the community over the years. What were your family\, neighborhood\, school and church celebrations? Where did your family shop for Christmas gifts and where did you get your Christmas trees? Did you visit with Santa Claus? This meeting will be a delightful exploration of Ridgefield’s history and the enduring spirit of the season. If you have any photos or perhaps a special Christmas gift you’ve saved over the years\, please bring them with you for show and tell! \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club\, a program of the Historical Society\, meets regularly throughout the year to discuss the history of Ridgefield and all its villages. All are invited: just bring your love of history and your curiosity. This is a great opportunity to connect with other history enthusiasts and learn something new about our wonderful town. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club is an informal community story telling program (it’s not a presentation or lecture) where everyone sits in a circle and shares memories related to a specific topic in Ridgefield’s history. The discussion will be recorded and cataloged in the Historical Society’s archive to preserve the memories of all of Ridgefield’s people\, places\, and events for future generations. \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-christmas-memories-in-ridgefield/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/girls-with-christmas-presents.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240118T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240118T183000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090338
CREATED:20231125T010206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231125T010639Z
UID:19945-1705597200-1705602600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Wine\, Cheese & Chamber Chat with Ridgefield Historical Society
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce’s “Wine\, Cheese\, and Chamber Chat”\, featuring the Ridgefield Historical Society\, on Wednesday\, January 18\, 2024 from 5 to 6:30 PM. \n\n\n\nImmerse yourself in the rich history of our town while savoring delicious wine and cheese selections. \n\n\n\nHosted in partnership with the Lounsbury House. This event is free and open to all. Don’t miss out – RSVP today!
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/wine-cheese-chamber-chat-with-ridgefield-historical-society/
LOCATION:Lounsbury House\, 316 Main Street\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Free Events,In-Person,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Chamber-Wine-and-Cheese-for-Historical-Society.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce":MAILTO:info@ridgefieldchamber.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240201T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240430T163000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240214T024554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240424T160153Z
UID:20357-1706776200-1714494600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:50 Years of Recycling in Ridgefield\, Then and Now
DESCRIPTION:Ridgefield is celebrating a golden environmental anniversary this year and a new exhibit highlights the decades-long effort to promote recycling. \n\n\n\nTwo days before Earth Day\, on April 20\, 1974\, Ridgefield celebrated the official opening of the Ridgefield Recycling Center\, one of the first such municipal facilities in the state. Townspeople were early and enthusiastic adopters of recycling: regular collections of recyclable materials had begun several years before the center opened. A 1972 event\, The Dump Ball\, brought townspeople together to support the creation of a permanent center for recycling. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society\, Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority and the Town of Ridgefield have created an exhibit in Town Hall opening in February that highlights recycling efforts here over the past 50 years. Visit the exhibit Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm through April 30\, 2024 in the entrance lobby at Ridgefield Town Hall. Throughout April there will be special promotions by the town on ways to Reduce\, Reuse and Recycle.  \n\n\n\nEarth Day 2024\, the 54th celebration\, is a global event that will have the theme\, Planet vs. Plastics. To read more: https://www.earthday.org/
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/50-years-of-recycling-in-ridgefield-then-and-now-2/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Town Hall\, 400 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exhibits
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Recycling-Exhibit-Image-e1735952589955.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240220T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240220T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20231231T040455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240116T135818Z
UID:20166-1708423200-1708426800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Ridgefield Place Name Stories
DESCRIPTION:“Ridgefield Place Name Stories” is the topic of the next Ridgefield History Club meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday\, February 20\, 2024 in the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane. Jack Sanders\, who has written over ten books on Ridgefield history\, will be on hand. 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. Note: this meeting was postponed from Jan. 16 due to inclement weather. \n\n\n\nHave you ever wondered about how Ridgefield roads and places came to be named? Who and what are these streets named for?: Mopus Bridge Rd.\, Ned’s Mountain Rd.\, Catoonah St.\, Mamanasco Rd.\, Whipstick Rd.\, Florida Hill Rd.\, Ligi’s Way\, Taporneck Court\, Tea House Lane\, Old Sib Rd\, Ramapoo Rd.\, Nod Hill Rd.\, etc. Bring your questions to the next Ridgefield History Club meeting. Join us as we explore the stories behind Ridgefield place names and the connection to local people\, industries and events. If you have any photos or objects related to the topic\, please bring them with you for show and tell! \n\n\n\nOne of the hundreds of locations researched by Jack Sanders and included in his book\, Ridgefield Names\, is Mopus (which incidentally was once the name of a Sanders family cat). Mopus Brook is the little stream that runs under – needless to say – Mopus Bridge and Mopus Bridge Road. It was mentioned as early as 1721 in the “Third Purchase” from the native Indians\, a deed that describes a boundary “crossing the end of a plain ridge of land over Mopoos Brook.” One of the last roads in Ridgefield to be paved\, Mopus Bridge Road was possibly part of General George Washington’s route through Connecticut in 1780 and Walter Hampden\, a renowned Shakespearean actor in his day\, once lived on Mopus Bridge Road. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield History Club\, an informal community story telling program (it’s not a presentation or lecture) of the Historical Society\, meets for an hour the third Tuesday of every month to discuss the history of Ridgefield and all its villages. Everyone sits in a circle and memories and stories related to a specific topic in Ridgefield’s history are shared. 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. Everyone 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. \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 see www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-ridgefield-place-name-stories/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ridgebury-Map.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Ridgefield Historical Society":MAILTO:info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240319T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240319T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240307T174029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240311T051657Z
UID:20413-1710842400-1710846000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Celebrating Ridgefield Women\, Then and Now
DESCRIPTION:“Celebrating Ridgefield Women\, Then and Now” is the topic for the next Ridgefield History Club meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday\, March 19\, 2024 in the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane. Jack Sanders\, who has written over 10 books on Ridgefield’ history\, will be on hand. 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\nIn celebration of Women’s History Month\, we’re asking people to share personal remembrances of Ridgefield women\, the stories of women who have influenced their lives and the community\, particularly those whose names may not be well known. Whether it’s a beloved family member\, an inspiring neighbor\, a dedicated teacher\, or an unsung hero in the community\, we invite participants to share anecdotes and reflections on the women who have shaped their experiences in Ridgefield. Through these personal narratives\, we will honor the often-overlooked contributions of women and deepen our understanding of their significance to the community. \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. 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 free program\, and to register\, visit www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeft to right: Mary Gelfman – Chairman of the Board of Education\, Dr. Jean Harder – Psychologist\, Lillian Moorhead – Board of Selectmen\, Beatrice Brown – Conductor\, Ridgefield Symphony. All were honored by the Ridgefield Woman’s Club in the late 1970s.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/history-club-ridgefield-women-then-and-now/
LOCATION:CT
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ridgefield-Women.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240323T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240323T123000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240206T215409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240321T175920Z
UID:20310-1711191600-1711197000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Fascinating Women of Ridgefield Bus Tour-SOLD OUT
DESCRIPTION:This bus tour is sold out. Please continue to register and add your name to the wait list. You will be contacted if a ticket becomes available now or for a future tour. \nCelebrate Women’s History Month by taking a bus tour of Ridgefield with Dr. Darla Shaw\, Ridgefield resident and “retired” women’s studies professor at Western Connecticut State University. Climb aboard for a 90-minute bus tour of the sites of 50+ of Ridgefield’s most fascinating and notable women. From Clare Boothe Luce and Alice Paul to Mabel Cleves and Elizabeth Ballard\, these exceptional women left their marks on our town and well beyond. Bring your curiosity and spirit\, we’ll provide the history and color. \nThe tour is generously sponsored by Karla Murtaugh Homes Team and begins at 11AM on Saturday\, March 23\, 2024 at East Ridge Middle School\, 10 East Ridge Road\, Ridgefield CT. Please arrive by 10:45AM for check-in as the bus will depart promptly at 11AM. This is a window tour\, attendees remain on the bus throughout the trip. The bus will return to the school at 12:30PM. \nTickets are limited and non-refundable\, $20 each for Ridgefield Historical Society Members and $25 for Non-Members. We welcome all to become members of the Historical Society; to join click here. For more information email us at info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or call at 203-438-5821.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/fabulous-women-of-ridgefield-bus-tour/
LOCATION:CT
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024.02.19-FINAL-Women-Bus-Tour-Logo-1-wo-Darla-Name.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Ridgefield Historical Society":MAILTO:info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240416T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240416T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240320T205035Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240330T043606Z
UID:20480-1713261600-1713265200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Ridgefield Restaurants\, Past and Present
DESCRIPTION:“Ridgefield Restaurants\, Past and Present” is the topic for the next gathering of the Ridgefield History Club at 10am on Tuesday\, April 16\, 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 and he tallied 17 Ridgefield restaurants in existence in 1955\, 35 in 1993\, and 46 in 2015. 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\nWe’re asking participants to bring their memories of favorite places to “eat out” in Ridgefield over the years\, whether it was the venue for a very special occasion or the familiar spot “where everybody knows your name.” Think diners\, drive-ins\, dives\, luncheonettes\, soda fountains\, delis\, pizza parlors\, hot dog carts\, etc! We want to hear about old-time restaurants as well as what are the favorites these days (in 50 years\, we’ll have a record of what was the hot thing in 2024). Did you\, a friend\, or family member own or work in one of Ridgefield’s restaurants? If so\, we want to hear from you. What were your favorite Italian\, French\, Irish\, German\, etc dishes in town? Bring your related objects (advertisements\, signs\, ashtrays\, matchbooks\, china\, glasses\, silverware\, etc)\, photographs\, and documents (menus and receipts) for show and tell! \n\n\n\nNina’s Restaurant\, owned by Gene Lavatori\, was a popular gathering place for breakfast and lunch.\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. 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 free program\, and to register\, visit www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-restaurants-past-and-present/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ninas-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240418T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240418T100000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240402T015851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240402T015928Z
UID:20562-1713434400-1713434400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Remembering Ridgefield’s Covid Victims: A Memorial Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:A ceremony\, Remembering Ridgefield’s Covid Victims\, will take place Thursday\, April 18\, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the pocket park opposite the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Scott House\, 4 Sunset Lane. \n\n\n\nThe Covid memorial tree\, donated and maintained by Steve Zemo for the town\, was dedicated last spring at the first ceremony. \n\n\n\nAll are welcome to attend the 2024 gathering and to place flowers at the bottom of the tree in honor of those who lost their lives in the pandemic. The brief program will include remarks by First Selectman Rudy Marconi\, prayer by a representative of the Ridgefield Clergy Association\, and closing comments by Ridgefield Historical Society executive director Stephen Bartkus. \n\n\n\nThe Historical Society will then host a reception in the Scott House and highlight some of the objects and oral histories collected during the pandemic to preserve the memories of this global event as it affected Ridgefield. Please join us.  \n\n\n\nThe event free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Ridgefield Commission on Aging\, the Ridgefield Historical Society and Steve Zemo.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/remembering-ridgefields-covid-victims-a-memorial-ceremony/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/covidtree-1682379842-from-HamletHub.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240424T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240424T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240307T171601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T045907Z
UID:20418-1713983400-1713987000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:How the Battle of Ridgefield Impacted the Revolutionary War
DESCRIPTION:How the Battle of Ridgefield Impacted the Revolutionary War\nCreator of the ‘Amazing Tales’ Podcast will Speak here April 24\nThis program is sold out. Thank you for your support! Please continue to register and you will be added to the waitlist. \nOn Wednesday\, April 24\, at 6:30 p.m.\, the Ridgefield Historical Society is pleased to present Mike Allen\, the creator of the podcast Amazing Tales from Off and On Connecticut’s Beaten Path (amazingtalesct.com)\, who will give the illustrated presentation\, “How the Battle of Ridgefield Impacted the Revolutionary War”\, at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall\, 353 Main Street. A reception will follow the lecture. Tickets\, which are limited and nonrefundable\, are $15 for Members of the Ridgefield Historical Society and $20 for Non-Members. \nMike Allen has built his podcasting career on his curiosity about the history of his home state. And since he lives now in Danbury\, the British invasion in 1777 has been of great interest\, from the landing of General William Tryon and his troops at Compo Beach\, to the sacking of Danbury\, to the Battle of Ridgefield. Allen explains\, “In 1777\, during the early years of the Revolutionary War\, the British made their first foray into inland Connecticut. Their mission was to eliminate the Patriot supply depot at Danbury. On their way back to their waiting ships off Compo Beach at Long Island Sound\, they encountered fierce and unexpected resistance during the Battle of Ridgefield. In this presentation\, you’ll hear how Ridgefield came to play its significant role that Sunday and why it had an impact on British strategy going forward.” \nNoted storyteller Mike Allen specializes in bringing local history to life\, through his background in journalism\, radio broadcasting\, podcasting and public speaking. His podcast on Connecticut history is a project he began in retirement and it’s become a full-time enterprise. For 10 years\, Mike was News Director at radio station i-95 FM in Brookfield before becoming Press Secretary to the Mayor of Danbury. He subsequently spent 25 years working\, living\, and traveling internationally in a corporate career in which he specialized in communications and marketing. \nThank you to Cross Private Client Insurance for providing the boxed water for this event! \n \nFor more information\, email info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or call 203-438-5821.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/how-the-battle-of-ridgefield-impacted-the-revolutionary-war/
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/2024/03/Mike-Allen-2-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240427T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240427T130000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240307T180244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T045122Z
UID:20421-1714213800-1714222800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Battle of Ridgefield Walking Tours - SOLD OUT
DESCRIPTION:All of the 2024 Battle of Ridgefield walking tours are sold out. Thank you for your support! Please continue to register and you will be added to the waitlist.  \n\n\n\nOn Saturday\, April 27\, 2024 the Ridgefield Historical Society will host one hour long walking tours at 10:30am\, 11:00am\, 11:30am\, and 12:00pm to commemorate the 247th 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\n\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. This event is generously sponsored by Fairfield Country Bank. 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\, 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 the sidewalk at the entrance of Casagmo\, 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. Tickets are limited and nonrefundable: $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\nPlease note: Keeler Tavern is offering complimentary ‘War at Home’ tours of their museum on Saturday\, April 27. 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/the-battle-of-ridgefield-walking-tours/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Battle of Ridgefield
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BOR_IMG_0297-1024x683-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240501T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240815T163000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240529T185906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240615T035555Z
UID:20832-1714552200-1723739400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:50 Years of service by Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society has created an exhibit at Ridgefield Town Hall at 400 Main Street to salute Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield\, which has a 50-year history of serving our community by providing home-delivered meals to anyone who needs them. According to Dean Miller\, Meals on Wheels board chair\, the organization began in 1974 when the Ridgefield Clergy Association “identified a need in the community to care for residents who were unable to prepare their own meals due to age\, illness\, injury and other disabilities”. Founders\, Barbara Deegan\, Marian Sloan and Annette Zelson\, started out cooking in the basement of Saint Mary School and initially delivered about 24 meals a week.  During the first year of operation\, we served approximately 5\,300 meals.” In 2024\, Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield now serves over 53\,000 meals.  \n\n\n\nAdmission to this exhibit is free and it’s open Mon-Fri\, 8:30-4:30 through August 15.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/50-years-of-service-by-meals-on-wheels-ridgefield/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Town Hall\, 400 Main Street\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exhibits
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MealsonWheels.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T150000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240501T173501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240501T203849Z
UID:20760-1714816800-1714834800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Downtown Ridgefield's Spring Stroll
DESCRIPTION:Join the Ridgefield Historical Society on Saturday May 4th from 10am-3pm on Main Street in Downtown Ridgefield to celebrate Spring! Try your hand at colonial games like a jacobs ladder\, spinning tops or ring toss.  Come visit us and learn more about how we are preserving and celebrating the history of Ridgefield.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/downtown-ridgefields-spring-stroll/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Spring-Stroll-2024.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240504T160000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240321T175057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240503T124757Z
UID:20488-1714827600-1714838400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Cemetery Tour: "1918-19\, Not The Best of Times!"
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Graveyard Restoration Committee\, which is an official town committee\, invites townspeople to a self-guided tour at the town’s main cemetery complex\, at the intersection of North Salem Road\, North Street\, and Mapleshade Road\, on Saturday\, May 4\, from 1 to 4 p.m. (rain date: Sunday\, May 5\, 1 to 4). There is no admission charge; freewill donations can be made to the Ridgefield Historical Society. Drive into the cemetery and check in at the registration table. \n\n\n\nThe theme will be “Not the best of times!” The committee is highlighting some of the graves of Ridgefielders who are believed to have died in the great Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-19. The vital records from those days didn’t often specify “influenza” so the deaths of a substantial group of 20-to-30-year-olds all within the time when influenza overran Connecticut are used as an indicator. \n\n\n\nWhile Ridgefielders were coming to the end of the Great War (World War I) and a global pandemic as 1920 approached\, there was a portion of the population that was prospering. Their monuments can also be found in the cemetery complex: people like George Pratt Ingersoll\, Harvey Platt Bissell\, and George A. Doubleday. (Mr. Doubleday actually lost his wife to influenza; wealth was not a protection.) \n\n\n\nThe cemeteries in the triangle bounded by North Salem Road\, Mapleshade Road\, and North Street include Titicus\, Mapleshade\, Scott’s\, Hurlbutt\, Fairlawn\, and Lounsbury. Access is from the gate at the intersection of Mapleshade Road and North Street; volunteers will guide tour-goers to parking and there will be maps guiding visitors to the highlighted graves. \n\n\n\nRepresentatives from the Ridgefield Historical Society\, which stores the records of the Graveyard Restoration Committee and hosts its meetings\, will be on hand at the tour with information about other Historical Society events. They will have copies of Jack Sanders’ book\, Here Lyes the Body\, about all of Ridgefield’s cemeteries\, for those who want to learn more about the many fascinating people who chose to make Ridgefield their final resting place.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/a-cemetery-tour-highlights-1918-19-not-the-best-of-times/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ridgefield-Cemetery-map-copy-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240521T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240521T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240417T203744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240513T040005Z
UID:20602-1716285600-1716289200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Remembering Our Veterans
DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlease join the Ridgefield History Club on Tuesday\, May 21\, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield\, CT for a conversation about Ridgefielders who contributed to war efforts\, both on the battlefield and at home. If you have mementos of wartime service that you’d be willing to show to the group\, please bring them. \n\n\n\nJack Sanders\, who has written over 10 books on Ridgefield’s history will be in attendance. 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\nWe’re asking participants to bring stories of military service to share. Did you\, a family member\, a neighbor\, or friend participate in the defense of our freedom? We want to hear about your experiences and acknowledge your service. We’ll also be discussing the history of the Memorial Day Parade\, Veterans’ Memorial Community Association\, the American Legion\, Veterans of Foreign Wars\, and Marine Corps League in Ridgefield. \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. 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\nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/ridgefield-history-club-remembering-our-veterans-tickets-884940439677 \n\n\n\nFor 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\nPhoto Caption:                                                                                                                                                 Patriotic parade in Ridgefield\, CT in 1942 with prominent local citizens and veterans. On the extreme left is Harry Hull\, WWI vet and later first selectmen; center is Anne Richardson in her AWVS uniform\, B. O. Chisolm to Ms. Richardson’s left\, then Rudolph Marconi and Julius Tulipani.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-remebering-our-veterans/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ann-Richardson-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240526T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240526T160000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240413T030254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240503T135250Z
UID:20591-1716728400-1716739200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Peter Parley/West Lane District School Season Opening
DESCRIPTION:The Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse\, now a small museum operated by the Ridgefield Historical Society\, will begin its seasonal open houses on Sunday\, May 26\, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to the schoolhouse is free\, donations are accepted. \n\n\n\nCome to learn about early Ridgefield education and how the town’s one-room schools operated. For the opening\, an exhibit is planned based on a teacher’s notebook kept in 1820-21 by the young teacher David Whitney Olmsted\, who lived nearby on Olmstead Lane\, and whose son\, David Olmsted\, later attended the school. The record book is part of the Ridgefield Historical Society’s collection. \n\n\n\nThere will be refreshments to celebrate the start of a new season of open houses at the school; Jack and Sally Sanders\, volunteers with the Historical Society\, will be on hand to answer questions. \n\n\n\nOther Sunday open houses will take place June 30\, July 28\, Aug. 25\, Sept. 29 and Oct. 27\, from 1 to 4 p.m. Among the prominent graduates of the West Lane District School\, in addition to Samuel G. Goodrich (famous under the pen name was Peter Parley)\, whose birthday will be celebrated in August\, are his brother\, the Rev. Charles A. Goodrich\, also a prominent 19th Century author\, and their sister\, Abigail Goodrich Whittelsey\, one of the first woman editors and publishers of magazines. \n\n\n\nIn September\, the focus will be on Cyrus Northrop Jr.\, a Ridgefield farm boy who went on to graduate from Yale University\, taught there\, and later became the president of the University of Minnesota. October at the schoolhouse will be the time for Halloween costumes and treats. \n\n\n\nDuring each open house\, guests are invited to tour the one-room school (last used by students in 1915) and learn about how Ridgefield’s district schools were organized and what has become of the structures where 18th\, 19th and some 20th Century Ridgefielders received all of their education. \n\n\n\nFor more information\, contact info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/peter-parley-west-lane-district-school-season-opening/
LOCATION:Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, West Lane at South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Peter-Parley-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240527T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240527T130000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240423T185922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240503T080441Z
UID:20618-1716809400-1716814800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Memorial Day Parade
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield Historical Society will add its float to Ridgefield’s Memorial Day parade\, commemorating the history and sacrifice of countless residents\, on Monday\, May 27. Volunteers will be walking alongside the float. The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. with a rifle salute at the veterans monument in front of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church\, 207 Main Street\, and concludes with ceremonies at Ballard Park. If you’d like to join us in the parade contact: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/see-you-on-main-street-memorial-day-parade/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Memorial-Day-.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240601T150000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240423T193819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T172623Z
UID:20621-1717243200-1717254000@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Pride in the Park
DESCRIPTION:Ridgefield Historical Society will have a table at Pride in the Park at Ballard Park on Saturday\, June 1\, from noon to 3 and will be sharing Ridgefield LGBTQIA+ history as well as talking about an oral history project begun this year. Admission is free and all are welcome. \n\n\n\nA generous grant awarded by CT Humanities to the Ridgefield Historical Society\, will support this project. This two-year $50\,000 initiative is a collaboration of the Ridgefield Historical Society\, Ridgefield CT Pride\, and student volunteers from Ridgefield High School to diversify the Ridgefield Historical Society’s oral history collection.  \n\n\n\n“We’re thrilled that CT Humanities awarded us this grant to support our innovative oral history project and celebrate our community’s diverse history\,” said Stephen Bartkus\, Executive Director of the Ridgefield Historical Society. “This project will document the untold stories of LGBTQIA+ residents in Ridgefield\, a significant step towards filling a gap in our historical record while encouraging intergenerational connections within our community.”
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/history-is-being-preserved-learn-more-at-pride-in-the-park/
LOCATION:Ballard Park Ridgefield CT\, 485 Main St\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:LGBTQIA+,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pride-in-the-Park-2024.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240603T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240830T163000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240605T154737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240805T194707Z
UID:20849-1717403400-1725035400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Branchville Schoolhouse Exhibit at Town Hall
DESCRIPTION:The Ridgefield High School senior interns at the Ridgefield Historical Society have created a new exhibit highlighting the old Branchville Schoolhouse\, a town property that has deteriorated in recent years and which the Historical Society hopes to restore. Using materials and photographs from the Ridgefield Historical Society collection\, Marko Katra\, Jane Prusko\, Maddie Winslow and Elena Avaliani designed and installed the display\, which is in the case on the lower level of Town Hall and will remain on view through August 30. Admission to this exhibit is free and it’s open Mon-Fri\, 8:30-4:30. \n\n\n\nExperienced contractors and architects with an understanding of historical preservation and adaptive reuse will carry out the restoration work\, closely guided by the Ridgefield Historical Society to preserve the building’s historical integrity. The restoration project will encompass both the exterior and interior\, focusing on repairing and restoring the roof\, cupola\, siding\, windows\, and doors. The interior will be renovated to serve as a museum documenting Ridgefield’s history and the generations of Ridgefield families who attended school there\, as well as a community meeting space.   \n\n\n\nOn June 5\, 2024 resulting from nominations by the Ridgefield Historical Society\, the Historic Preservation Council of the State of Connecticut voted to add the Branchville Schoolhouse along with the West Lane/Peter Parley Schoolhouse to the State Register of Historic Places. Being on the Register of Historic Places is generally a requirement for grants to rehabilitate and preserve antique structures. \n\n\n\nFor more information about the Branchville Schoolhouse Restoration Project and to make a contribution please click here.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/town-hall-branchville-schoolhouse-exhibit/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Town Hall\, 400 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Exhibits
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_8664.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240618T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240618T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240529T175020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T175551Z
UID:20824-1718704800-1718708400@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Lost Ridgefield
DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\n“Lost Ridgefield” is the topic for the next gathering of the Ridgefield History Club at 10am on Tuesday\, June 18\, 2024 in the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield\, CT. Jack Sanders\, who haswritten over 10 books on Ridgefield’s history will be on hand. 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\nWe encourage attendees to bring their personal recollections of places in Ridgefield that have vanished over the years. Which buildings\, neighborhoods\, businesses\, and organizations do you remember that are no longer part of our landscape and what happened to them? Join us to learn about and reminisce on significant sites such as the original Jesse Lee Church\, the Casagmo estate\, and the neighborhoods of Prospect Street and Bailey Avenue\, among others. Bring your related memories\, stories\, photographs\, and objects to share in show and tell! \n\n\n\n\nWe encourage attendees to bring their personal recollections of places in Ridgefield that have vanished over the years. Which buildings\, neighborhoods\, businesses\, and organizations do you remember that are no longer part of our landscape and what happened to them? Join us to learn about and reminisce on significant sites such as the original Jesse Lee Church\, the Casagmo estate\, and the neighborhoods of Prospect Street and Bailey Avenue\, among others. Bring your related memories\, stories\, photographs\, and objects to share in show and tell! \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. 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.For more information about this free program visit www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or contact the HistoricalSociety at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-lost-ridgefield/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jesse-Lee-Methodist-Church.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240627T081500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240627T180000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240425T184423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240615T040349Z
UID:20630-1719476100-1719511200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Exclusive Bus Trip Featuring Works by Helena Hernmarck - SOLD OUT
DESCRIPTION:Purchase Tickets Here\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n5/10/24 Update: This trip is sold out. Please continue to register and you will be added to the waitlist. \n\n\n\nThe Ridgefield Historical Society will offer a remarkable opportunity to interact with one of the leading tapestry designers of the 20th and 21st centuries\, Ridgefielder Helena Hernmarck\, as well as to delve into the history of design in a new exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York on Thursday\, June 27\, 2024. \n\n\n\nMs. Hernmarck will meet the group\, traveling by coach bus from Ridgefield\, at the Cooper Hewitt Museum and as part of the day’s activities will introduce them to several of her large-scale works that were created for Manhattan locations. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFirst up will be the Cooper Hewitt\, where participants will take a guided tour of Acquired! Shaping the National Design Collection\, an exhibit that features more than 150 works representing what design meant to collectors from the 19th Century to the present day. Both Ms. Hernmarck and her late husband\, the renowned industrial designer Niels Diffrient\, are represented in these selections. The Cooper Hewitt\, Smithsonian Design Museum is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design. It was founded in 1897 and became a part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1967. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere will be time to explore further at the Cooper Hewitt before lunch at Island\, a short walk from the museum\, where a prix fixe menu has been arranged (and is included in the ticket price). The group will re-board the bus for visits to locations where they will have exclusive access to Ms. Hernmarck’s tapestries: 60 Columbus Circle\, 450 Lexington Avenue and 35 Hudson Yards.  \n\n\n\nHelena Hernmarck\, celebrated for her monumental tapestries designed for architectural settings\, takes center stage as the tour showcases her masterpieces\, featuring images ranging from the vibrant hues of Central Park’s changing seasons to a majestic beech tree that once graced her own Ridgefield garden. Each tapestry narrates a unique story\, bridging the realms of nature and human creativity. \n\n\n\n“This bus trip offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich mosaic of New York City’s design landscape\,” says Stephen Bartkus\, Executive Director of the Ridgefield Historical Society. “Through Ms. Hernmarck’s evocative works\, we will explore the symbiotic relationship between art\, architecture\, and cultural heritage.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTickets for this unique opportunity are $149 and are non-refundable. More information on how to purchase your tickets to come.  For additional information contact: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\nThe bus will leave the Municipal Parking Lot on Governor Street in Ridgefield\, CT (between RVNA Health at 27 Governor St. and the Boys and Girls Club at 41 Governor St.) on Thursday\, June 27\, at 8:30 a.m.; check in no later than 8:15 a.m. The Cooper Hewitt guided tour is scheduled from 10:15 to 11 a.m. with free time to explore the rest of the museum until 11:45 a.m. (www.cooperhewitt.org/) Following lunch at noon\, the afternoon touring will continue until 4:30 p.m.\, with return to Ridgefield planned for 6 p.m. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nPurchase Tickets Here\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout Ridgefield Historical Society: The Ridgefield Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and cultural heritage of Ridgefield\, Connecticut. Through engaging programs\, exhibitions\, and community events\, the Society strives to connect residents and visitors alike with the stories that shape our collective identity. www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org \n\n\n\nAbout Helena Hernmarck: Helena Hernmarck (b. Stockholm\, 1941) is a tapestry artist and weaver best known for her monumental\, commissioned tapestries designed for architectural settings. Active since the 1960s\, Hernmarck has worked with architects including Philip Johnson\, I.M. Pei\, George Nelson\, Chuck Bassett\, and Kevin Roche. Her tapestries are in numerous museum collections including the Museum of Modern Art\, the Metropolitan Museum of Art\, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art\, the Art Institute of Chicago\, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. www.hernmarck.com \n\n\n\nAbout Cooper Hewitt Museum: Cooper Hewitt\, Smithsonian Design Museum\, is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design. Housed in the former residence of industrial magnate Andrew Carnegie\, the museum showcases a diverse collection spanning over 30 centuries\, offering insights into the evolution of design and its impact on society. www.cooperhewitt.org/
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-historical-society-presents-exclusive-bus-trip-featuring-works-by-helena-hernmarck/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Exhibits,Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Helena-Hernmarck_1850_Med_-by-Ross-Mantle-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240630T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240630T160000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240529T165543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T171712Z
UID:20814-1719752400-1719763200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:School’s out: Last Sunday at Schoolhouse is June 30
DESCRIPTION:The Peter Parley/West Lane District Schoolhouse will be open to visitors on Sunday\, June 30\, from 1 to 4 p.m. Summer was the season for the younger students in the district to start learning their ABC’s and numbers\, while their farming families were spending long days tending the crops and livestock that were their livelihood for the coming year.  \n\n\n\n\nChildren as young as four would start their education in the summer\, and were thus kept busy while their parents tended the farm. Older students\, particularly boys\, would not be at the school until after the harvest. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe schoolhouse\, operated by the Ridgefield Historical Society\, is a small museum of early education in Ridgefield. Many of its furnishings were installed by the Ridgefield Garden Club\, which first restored the school. This district school closed in 1915 when the new East Ridge school\, a modern brick building opened in the center of town.  \n\n\n\n\nAdmission to the open house is free and caretakers Jack and Sally Sanders will be on hand to answer questions. Jack Sanders is the author of School Days\, Schools and Schooling in Old Ridgefield\, a book about all of Ridgefield’s schools. \n\n\n\nFor more information about the Peter Parley Schoolhouse\, please visit https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/.  \n\n\n\nAunt Delight Benedict\, as illustrated in Samuel G. Goodrich’s Recollections of A Lifetime\, who taught young pupils at the West Lane District School.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/schools-out-last-sunday-at-schoolhouse-is-june-30/
LOCATION:West Lane and South Salem rd\, 2-100 South Salem Rd\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Peter Parley Schoolhouse
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Aunt-Delight.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240701T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240731T170000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240618T212113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250701T075758Z
UID:20947-1719838800-1722445200@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Where's Waldo? Learning some history!
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\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 lurking. 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 28 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\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-learning-some-history-2/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Historical Society\, 4 Sunset Lane\, Ridgefield\, Connecticut\, 06877
CATEGORIES:Free Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WALDO.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240710T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240710T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240409T211506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240715T040742Z
UID:20578-1720636200-1720639800@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Hiking Archaeological Ruins in Southern New England
DESCRIPTION:On Wednesday\, July 10\, 2024 at 6:30pm Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni\, Emeritus Connecticut State Archaeologist\, will give an illustrated presentation about his new book\, Hiking Ruins of Southern New England\, followed by a book signing\, at the Ridgefield Library at 472 Main Street in Ridgefield\, CT. This free presentation is co-sponsored by the Ridgefield Historical Society\, Books on the Common\, and the Ridgefield Library. A reception hosted by the Ridgefield Historical Society will take place after Dr. Bellantoni’s talk. \n\n\n\nAll archaeological ruins in Connecticut\, Massachusetts\, and Rhode Island have a cultural/historical tale to tell\, though most sites are on private lands and not available to the public. However\, the ruins in this presentation are associated with well-known hiking trails – and their origin or purpose is explained in the new book Hiking Ruins of Southern New England (Falcon Guides\, 2024) written by Nick Bellantoni and Barbara Ann Kipfer. The former state archaeologist will present an insider’s look at places archaeologists have identified as part of the region’s cultural development and are available for trail hikers to visit. \n\n\n\nNick Bellantoni’s name is familiar to Ridgefielders who’ve been following the saga of the four skeletons discovered on the site of the Battle of Ridgefield in late 2019. Then just about to retire as State Archaeologist\, he spent days in a cold dirt basement painstakingly uncovering the remains of four young men\, believed to have been soldiers. Dr. Bellantoni now serves as Emeritus Connecticut State Archaeologist at the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut. He received his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Connecticut in 1987 and was shortly thereafter appointed the second Connecticut State Archaeologist. He is a former president of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut and the National Association of State Archaeologists. \n\n\n\nFor more information about this presentation contact: info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or 203-438-5821. \n\n\n\nTo learn more about the Ridgefield Historical Society: www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org\, Books on the Common: www.booksonthecommon.com\, and the Ridgefield Library: www.ridgefieldlibrary.org \n\n\n\nPhoto credit: The ruins of the Amasa Lyons Sawmill (early 19th century) in Natchaug State Forest\, Eastford\, CT\, along the Natchaug (Blue) Trail. Amasa was the father of General Nathaniel Lyon\, first Union general killed during the Civil War. Photo by Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni.
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/hiking-archaeological-ruins-in-southern-new-england/
LOCATION:Ridgefield Library\, 472 Main St\, Ridgefield\, CT\, 06877\, United States
CATEGORIES:Author Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Nick-Bellantoni-Hiking-Ruins-Book-Cover.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240716T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240716T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T090339
CREATED:20240619T165726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240626T170243Z
UID:20956-1721124000-1721127600@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
SUMMARY:Ridgefield History Club: Summertime in Ridgefield
DESCRIPTION:Register Here\n\n\n\n\n“Summertime in Ridgefield” is the topic for the next gathering of the Ridgefield History Club at 10am on Tuesday\, July 16\, 2024 in the Historical Society’s Scott House at 4 Sunset Lane in Ridgefield\, CT. Jack Sanders\, who haswritten over 10 books on Ridgefield’s history will be on hand. 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\nWe encourage attendees to bring their personal recollections of spending summers in Ridgefield through the years. What were your summer jobs\, where did you go swimming\, did you go to summer camp\, do you remember the firemen’s parades and carnivals and the circuses that came to town? How about fireworks displays\, public and private? Bring your related memories\, stories\, photographs\, and objects to share in show and tell! \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. 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.For more information about this free program visit www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org or contact the HistoricalSociety at 203-438-5821 or info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. \n\n\n\nKids jumping off the float at Great Pond (Martin Park). The photo appeared in the Ridgefield Press in August 1998. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here
URL:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/event/ridgefield-history-club-summertime-in-ridgefield/
LOCATION:CT
CATEGORIES:Ridgefield History Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Swimming-1-scaled.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR