Keeler In The Community
Join Us This Friday for the July 4th Family Day and Townwide America250 Kickoff
July 3, 2025
Ridgefield, Conn.— After months of planning, the July 4th Family Day & Townwide America250 Kickoff is only a few days away! Come to Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) this Friday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a free, fun community event, with tons of great activities for all ages. The weather reports are promising beautiful sunny skies as we mark the beginning of a year-long commemoration and celebration. Don’t miss out!
The July 4th Family Day, hosted by KTM&HC, launches Ridgefield Commemorates America250 (RCA250), a town-wide initiative observing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. RCA250 is a group of ten residents appointed by Ridgefield’s Board of Selectpersons. As an affiliate of the America 250 Connecticut Commission, RCA250 is thrilled to present a series of town-wide initiatives running from July 4, 2025, to July 4, 2026. This commemoration will feature historical exhibitions, community gatherings, and educational programs that highlight our shared history and inspire a collective future.
On Friday, July 4, visitors to KTM&HC will discover four busy acres of performances, activities, demonstrations, and great food. Artisans will demonstrate historic crafts (spinning, shoemaking, flax processing, and more), the museum will be open for free tours – including a special “America at 150” exhibition in the Gilbert Wing – the Ridgefield Guild of Artists will hold a juried art show in KTM&HC’s red carriage barn, and community organizations will host booths with activities and upcoming events. Kids can play historic games, participate in a scavenger hunt, climb aboard a vintage firetruck, and try their hand at dunking “King George.” Performances throughout the day include: an 11:30 a.m. feature from the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance; music by a fife and drum duo, Noleen Mora Jazz Quartet, Bourbon & Britches, and Tony & the Westsiders; and a series of historic July 4th-themed readings and song: the Declaration of Independence, “America the Beautiful,” and excerpts from Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Grab lunch or a snack onsite – our BBQ station, staffed by volunteers from RCA250, will feature Samburgers, Yankee Doodle Dogs, and a selection of drinks and treats. Vegetarian options available.
Admission to the event is free for all. No onsite parking. Off-site parking at the First Congregational Church and Jesse Lee Church. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to another venue, TBA (check KTM&HC’s website and social media for updates). Proceeds from donation jars will benefit KTM&HC’s ongoing site preservation and general operations. All proceeds from the BBQ will benefit the RCA250 town committee.
Thank you to our Founder Sponsor, Fairfield County Bank, and to our additional sponsors: Addessi Jewelers, Bach to Rock, Georgia Carrington, Chefs Warehouse, Community Stroll, Dimitri’s Diner, Elizabeth Ellis, the Wadsworth R. Lewis Fund, Local-Insta.com, Montanari Fuel Service, Palazzo Landscaping, PepsiCo, Ridgefield Prime, Ridgefield Theater Barn, Ridgefield Thrift Shop, and the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut.
For more information and a schedule of upcoming events, visit keelertavernmuseum.org and ridgefieldct250.org.