The Ridgefield Historical Society is honored to announce that it has been awarded a generous Historic Preservation Grant from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to support the restoration of the historic Branchville Schoolhouse. The highly competitive national program received over 200 applications requesting a combined total of more than $1.3 million—of which only a select group advanced to final consideration for the $250,000 allocated. This grant was made possible through the endorsement of the Cannon Ridge Chapter of the DAR and represents a significant milestone in preserving one of Ridgefield’s architectural and educational landmarks.
“We are deeply grateful to the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Cannon Ridge Chapter for supporting our mission to preserve Ridgefield’s heritage,” said Stephen Bartkus, Executive Director of the Ridgefield Historical Society. “The Branchville Schoolhouse restoration will not only safeguard an important piece of our community’s past but also create an opportunity for future generations to connect with the stories that shaped it.” The Ridgefield Historical Society is leading this project, involving essential structural repairs and preservation, to prepare the building for new use as a community exhibition and gathering space.
CT DAR State Regent Lisa Melland and members of the Cannon Ridge Chapter recently visited both the Scott House and the Branchville Schoolhouse to personally congratulate the Historical Society. During her tour of the Society’s Scott House and the Branchville Schoolhouse, Ms. Melland praised the project’s educational and historic significance. “We’re thrilled that our local chapter could support this important work,” added Andrea Beebe, Regent of the Cannon Ridge Chapter. “This grant not only recognizes Ridgefield’s dedication to preservation, but also highlights the meaningful partnerships that can grow between communities and the DAR.”
To learn more about the Ridgefield Historical Society and the Branchville Schoolhouse Restoration Project—or to make a contribution—please visit https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/historic-preservation/branchville-schoolhouse-restoration-project/
