The restoration of the historic Branchville Schoolhouse has taken a significant step forward with the signing of a long-term lease agreement between the Ridgefield Historical Society and the Town of Ridgefield. At a recent Special Town Meeting held at Scotts Ridge Middle School on October 9, 2024, Ridgefield residents filled the auditorium to capacity and unanimously approved the lease, granting the Historical Society stewardship of the schoolhouse through 2049. This community support marks an important milestone for the “Save Our Schoolhouse” project, aimed at preserving one of the town’s last intact one-room schoolhouses, originally built in 1872.
The Branchville Schoolhouse holds both historical and cultural value, representing a time when education was delivered in a single room to students of all ages. The lease approval and subsequent signing, attended by Historical Society President Tracy Seem and Ridgefield’s First Selectman Rudy Marconi, reflect Ridgefield’s commitment to preserving this unique link to the past. The restoration project will include crucial repairs to the roof, cupola, windows, and doors, as well as interior updates to allow the space to be used for exhibitions, meetings, and community events.
The Ridgefield Historical Society anticipates a five-year timeline for the project, with continued support from the community and contributions from donors. Once restored, the Branchville Schoolhouse will serve not only as a preserved historic site but also as a vibrant space for educational programming. Those interested in supporting the project can find more information or make contributions at the link below. Together, with the help of residents, the Ridgefield Historical Society will ensure the preservation of this cherished landmark for future generations.
