Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) kicks off the holiday season this weekend with an Open House on Friday, December 1 as part of Ridgefield's Holiday Stroll. Then don't miss free admission for First Sundays on December 3 where families can enjoy a tour as well as hands-on activities and crafts. Finally, be sure to visit the Holiday Boutique in the Barn Thursdays through Sundays through December 17th. The Boutique will also be open late on Friday after the Holiday Stroll. Details on each of these events are below.
HOLIDAY STROLL OPEN HOUSE, FRIDAY DECEMBER 1
Explore the first floor of the centuries-old museum at your own pace. Costumed museum interpreters will be stationed throughout to answer questions and share stories about the site’s former residents. Fun activities, including a partridge scavenger hunt and take-home craft, will engage younger visitors as they make their way through period rooms that reflect historic traditions and ways of living from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The Open House at KTM&HC is free, and no registration or tickets are required. All visitors should check in at the red brick Visitor Center upon arrival. Parking is available onsite at 152 Main Street.
The Holiday Boutique in the Barn, an annual Ridgefield shopping tradition, is extending its hours for one day only, so that Holiday Strollers can make the most of their visit to the museum. On December 1, visit the carriage barn any time between 11 a.m. and 7p.m. to shop a wide array of thoughtfully curated gifts and décor.
FREE ADMISSION ON "FIRST SUNDAY", DECEMBER 3
Thanks to a generous grant from M&T Bank, on the first Sunday of each month visitors of will receive free site admission which includes a tour of the historic tavern museum, access to current exhibits and beautiful grounds as well as special hands-on activities and crafts in the historic Garden House from 1 to 4 p.m.
This month, join KTM&HC’s education staff for a creative take on printmaking. Learn about 18th - century printing presses – with examples of historic printed materials from the archives – and then try your hand at printing! Use LEGO® building blocks to make cards and gift tags, just in time for the winter holidays. Activities in the Garden House will also include watercolor painting overlooking the gardens and plenty of children’s books – a perfect afternoon to cozy up next to the fireplace. Drop in any time between 1 and 4 p.m. to participate.
Registration is not required. Start your visit at the Visitor Center, where you can get tickets for free site admission, sign up for a tour, and plan when to participate in activities at the Garden House. Enjoy festive holiday decorations throughout the historic tavern museum, as well as the newest exhibit in the Gilbert Wing: A Family Christmas at the Cannon Ball House features kids’ activities, including a partridge-themed scavenger hunt. The Holiday Boutique will also be open in the red carriage barn from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with thoughtfully curated gifts, décor, and one-of-a-kind offerings from local artisans.
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE IN THE BARN, THURSDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS THROUGH DECEMBER 17
Holiday Boutique in the Barn features a wide array of carefully crafted wares by local artisans – a great opportunity for shoppers to support talented individuals and small businesses in our region. The Boutique, located in KTM&HC’s historic red carriage barn, is open daily, Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., through December 17.
In addition to sourcing popular items from specialty vendors, the Boutique showcases the talents of more local artisans than ever before! New to this year’s boutique: sophisticated silver jewelry by Lori Meehan; thrummed mittens by Liz Doty; natural bath products by Lexie Kemmer; handmade journals and marbled desk accessories by Mount Cornwall Bindery; hand-painted silk scarves by Ronda Lanzi; and pottery by Peggy Thomas. And back by popular demand: Tracy Hoerdemann's hand painted Ridgefield ornaments; Alex Hansen's whimsical, hand-drawn earrings; Sofia Ganal's jewelry; Marie Crai's knitted products; and Tina Phillips’s watercolors. Another great gift idea sourced locally: our famous cranberry chutney, a decades-long tradition with an award-winning recipe. It’s the perfect pairing for a holiday dinner – purchase a container or two to share with your loved ones.
For more information about upcoming events, head to www.keelertavernmuseum.org/events.
About Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center
Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC), located on Main Street in Ridgefield, CT, tells the town’s—and nation’s—history through the stories of its past residents. The four-acre historic site features museum and outdoor tour options, rotating exhibits, and access to the scenic grounds and gardens. Additional information, including updates about on-site and virtual programming and events, as well as rental availability of the Garden House, can be found at keelertavernmuseum.org, @KeelerTavernMuseum on Facebook and Instagram, or by emailing info@keelertavernmuseum.org. For inquiries about school programs and virtual learning experiences, please email education@keelertavernmuseum.org. For group tours, email groups@keelertavernmuseum.org.
