Battle of Ridgefield Reenactment - Specialty Tours

As part of a series of community events commemorating the 245th anniversary of the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield, KTM&HC will be offering free specialty themed tours and activities on both Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1.

Tours of our historic tavern museum will explore the complex history of what it means to live through war at home. By sharing the experiences of our former site residents during the Battle of Ridgefield, our tours complicate some of the Revolutionary War archetypes we’ve been taught: the “ardent patriot,” the “courageous housewife,” the “loyal Black servant.” We ask visitors to think about the many factors that may have influenced the decisions and daily experiences leading up to and during the Battle of Ridgefield for people like Timothy Keeler, Esther Keeler, Betty Isaac, and others. From political ideologies to family loyalties, from business interests to physical safety, our former site residents were impacted in so many ways.

After taking a tour, visitors can head over to our historic carriage barn for exhibits and activities, including special games for kids.

Examine local newspapers printed in the days after the Battle to see how 18th-century writers used specific words and perspectives to influence what people thought about the Battle. Was it a skirmish, like the British claimed, or a battle, as described by the Americans? Who won the battle and who won the war? Did the event have a major impact on the Revolutionary War? Just like today, answers varied depending on which newspaper people read!
Try out 18th-century mode of communication by using a quill pen and ink at our letter-writing station – we’ll mail it for you.
Develop an eye for details at our kid-friendly activity, where participants can use magnifying glasses to search for specific images in an oversized copy of The Skirmish at Ridgefield, an 18th-century British etching of the fighting that happened on April 27, 1777. It includes a depiction of a famous general’s horse as it gets shot out from under him, in addition to many other dramatic details of the day’s action.
Take time to think, make connections between the past and present, and share ideas with other museum visitors in our reflection space, where you can write or draw responses to questions we pose to our audiences.
Families welcome! Tours are free for all and advance registration is recommended. Walk-ins for tours will be limited to a first come, first served basis. All visitors must check in at the Visitor Center first. Tours go out every twenty minutes and are 45 minutes in length.

There will be NO onsite parking on Saturday, April 30 or Sunday, May 1. Parking is available at First Congregational Church, 103 Main Street, Ridgefield.

Additional events, including the official reenactment and ongoing walking tours, will happen concurrently throughout the town of Ridgefield.

REGISTER HERE