This summer, we welcome two new interns to the Ridgefield Historical Society ranks, following in the footsteps of their Ridgefield High School counterparts.
Franceso Carro is our 2022 Georgianne Kasuli Intern, a program created in 2020 in honor of the Ridgefield Historical Society’s long-time treasurer Georgianne Kasuli. Elizabeth Jasminski is our inaugural 2022 Goldstone Family Foundation intern. Both internships are supported by Liz and Steven Goldstone and the Goldstone Family Foundation.
In their respective roles, Elizabeth and Francesco are becoming familiar with the daily workings of the Ridgefield Historical Society; diving deep into Ridgefield history, and driving initiatives related to the sharing of Ridgefield history and heritage with new and expanded audiences.
How long have you lived in Ridgefield?
I’ve lived in Ridgefield for 6 years now.
What is your favorite thing about Ridgefield?
After having gone to college and lived outside of Ridgefield, I have come to appreciate it more. I love the sense of community and the quaintness. I love how you can walk down Main Street and have people say hi to you, even if you don’t know them.
Do you think of Ridgefield as an historic town?
I think Ridgefield is an historic town. The town of Ridgefield has been involved in many historical events, not just the Battle of Ridgefield.
What are some historical things that happened while you’ve lived here?
I think one of the most important historical events in my life was the Covid-19 pandemic. It was the most impactful event that completely changed how we live. We still have yet to return to how life was before, and I don’t think we ever will.
What aspect of the Ridgefield Historical society work/mission interests you most? Collections? Programming? Exhibits?
The exhibits excite me the most. I always thought of Ridgefield as too small of a town to have any significant history, but I learned in the first week of the internship that I was wrong.
What else are you doing this summer?
Apart from helping out whenever I can at Posa, I’m preparing for my first semester at UCONN as a transfer student.
What are you studying in school?
I am currently an economics major at UCONN, but plan to apply to their business school when I’m able to.
Why should the young people of Ridgefield care about our history? Or should they?
They should care about it. Learning how people in our town lived in the past can help us get a better understanding of how to improve things now.
What else do you do in your spare time?
Some of my hobbies are photography, film, and videogames.
How long have you lived in Ridgefield?
20 years, so my whole life.
What is your favorite thing about Ridgefield?
The sense of community. There always feels like there is some event or activity happening in town which makes Ridgefield seem super vibrant and welcoming.
Do you think of Ridgefield as an historic town?
I do! I think growing up with all the old colonial houses around lends an air of history to the town. Most notably though, the History in the Street plaques are a constant reminder of the history of the town and definitely shaped how I view the town.
What are some historical things that happened while you’ve lived here?
The year, I think my junior year of high school, where there were so many snow days and other cancellations that school got out June 30th , but there were still makeup days left, so they added a day to the following school year.
What aspect of the Ridgefield Historical society work/mission interests you most? Collections? Programming? Exhibits?
I’m most interested in both the programming aspects as well as the collections and exhibits.
What else are you doing this summer?
I’m also working at BuildOn, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to education and promoting literacy.
What are you studying in school?
I’m double majoring in Political Science and Anthropology with a minor in Religious Studies at the University of Chicago.
Why should the young people of Ridgefield care about our history? Or should they?
I think it is important to know where you come from. Your environment has a huge impact on you as a person, so I think it is important that you understand the history of the town that has shaped it, which then has shaped you.
What else do you do in your spare time?
I love to read. I also like to run, hike, climb, and do other outdoorsy activities.
