Keeler Kids at the Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center is an educational summer experience! Each week-long program offers children a unique chance to explore local history through the lens of museum stories. Learn about life in historic Ridgefield and see how KTM&HC preserves and shares our history through a variety of creative, interactive, and hands-on activities, including crafts, games, songs, stories, and foods. This place-based programming makes local history accessible and engaging – a great opportunity for kids of all ages. See below for a breakdown of offerings by week:
WEEKS 1 & 2: July 11-15 and July 18-22
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Children entering Grades 1 to 3 “Life in Early Ridgefield”
Get creative as you explore life in early Ridgefield! Ridgefield’s first post office opened in the Keeler Tavern in 1792. Before telegraph and telephone, before text message and email, the postal service carried news throughout the 13 colonies and early United States. Par- ticipants will join Timothy Keeler as deputy postmasters along the post road, establishing their post offices and ensuring the news reaches its final destination!
WEEKS 3 & 4: July 25-29 and August 1-5
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Children entering Grades 4 to 6 “Cabinet of Curiosities”
Love collecting? So do we! Participants in these programs will learn about and make their own cabinets of curiosi- ties. These displays, which reached the height of their popularity in the 19th century, were how many people – from royalty to amateur scientists – proudly showed off their collections. People collected all sorts of things: from natural specimens to human-made objects, from ancient artifacts to the newest technological wonders. Over the week, campers will participate in a variety of activities to collect and curate objects, building their own cabinet.
WEEK 5: August 8-13
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Children entering Grades 7 and 8 “Museum Takeover”
We want YOU to help tell our stories! Get insider access to KTM&HC in this unique week-long project that empowers kids to learn about and contribute to the exciting interpretive work happening in our museum. In collaboration with museum staff, participants will research collections and then design and build their own exhibit, to be displayed publicly. At the end of the week, kids will provide “tours” of their exhibits for family and friends.
Extended Day options available.
