Architectural Survey
Historic Resources Inventory Survey
In 1979, The Ridgefield Historic and Architectural Resources Survey recorded over 500 buildings and structures in Ridgefield to document their architectural and historical significance. The document serves as an extraordinary record of Ridgefield’s built environment and aids in preservation efforts.
In August 2022, the Historical Society received grants from the CT State Historic Preservation Office to update and expand this survey. Work began in fall of 2022 and the Architectural Survey of 300 Ridgefield properties is expected to begin in late April 2023.
PDF Downloads
The Survey was scanned at high resolution by the archivist at the UConn Library, Laura Smith, who has kindly provided the scans for our town’s reference. Note that these are large files.
High-Resolution, Searchable PDFs from 1979
1979 Ridgefield Historic Resources Inventory, Box 1
298 pages, 382 MB, including introductory material, street index, and maps. 36 Abbott Ave. through 10 Farrar Ln.
1979 Ridgefield Historic Resources Inventory, Box 2
248 pages, 385 MB, 2 Florida Rd. through 190 Lounsbury Rd.
1979 Ridgefield Historic Resources Inventory, Box 3
247 pages, 378 MB, 2 Main St. through 224 N. Salem Rd.
1979 Ridgefield Historic Resources Inventory, Box 4
306 pages, 445 MB, 236 N. Salem Rd. through 57 Rockwell Rd. (Note that Branchville Station and Ridgebury Congregational Church are included at the end.)
1979 Ridgefield Historic Resources Inventory, Box 5
318 pages, 463 MB, 31 St. John's Rd. through 27 Wooster St., and 18th C. Ridgebury map and index
Lower-Resolution, Non-Searchable PDFs from 1983
The three-part Xeroxed scans contain additional information, updates from 1983, and a few property forms that do not appear in the 5-part scan.
Ridgefield Historic Resources Inventory, Rev. 1983, Part 1
610 pages, 19 MB, including introductory material, street index, and maps. 36 Abbott Ave. through 267 Ivy Hill Rd.
Ridgefield Historic Resources Inventory, Rev. 1983, Part 2
542 pages, 16 MB, 21 King Lane through 482 North St.
Ridgefield Historic Resources Inventory, Rev. 1983, Part 3
546 pages, 18 MB, Old Branchville Rd. through 27 Wooster St.
Guideline for Local Surveys
Conducting a survey of historic properties requires planning and grant funding. This process is done in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The National Park Service has provided a good reference on conducting a local survey.
Listing of Properties on Historic Registers
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about listing your property on the National or State Register of Historic Places is that it imposes restrictions to alterations or demolition. Only properties that are within Ridgefield’s two Local Historic Districts and Village District (both created under State Statute) are subject to design review. Listing your property on the National or State Registers can provide financial benefits but are mostly honorary. Almost the entire commercial core of Ridgefield is listed on the National or State Registers, not to mention six others as well as individual properties.
