Keeler In The Community
#HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village Shoemaking Demonstration This Sunday
November 2, 2022
Ridgefield, Conn.— On Sunday, November 6 from 1 to 4 p.m., Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) will host its last #HandsOnHistory family demonstration of the season. The event is free to the public and perfect for families and groups with children of all ages: a fun way to learn about historic trades and tools from Ridgefield.
At the demonstration, shoemaker Andrew Rowand will demonstrate how shoes were made in the past, using period tools, materials, and methods. Shoemaking was a big trade in historic Ridgefield: in the 1790s, Rev. Goodrich estimated Ridgefield shoemakers were exporting over 5,000 pairs, and the 1820 town census lists 40 shoemakers! At the demonstration, Rowand will also provide hands-on activities for kids and adults. He has worked as a cordwainer, or shoemaker, for nine years, and his work focuses on recreating examples of historical artifacts from the 17th through 19th centuries. When he is not making shoes, Rowand serves as the curator and site administrator of the Eric Sloane Museum in Kent, CT.
The award-winning exhibition #HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village explores the interdependency of farms, families, and businesses across Ridgefield’s history. In the historic KTM&HC Carriage Barn, visitors will discover an extensive exhibit that tracks changes in Ridgefield over the centuries through residents’ work and skills. Activities make learning about the past an immersive experience, encouraging visitors to measure, calculate, mold, carve, assemble, lift, smell, and sit. Bringing along a young museum-lover? Don’t miss the hands-on shopping activity that encourages kids to “take a walk down Main Street” and barter for items on their shopping list.
Site admission will be FREE on Sunday, November 6 for all visitors: admission includes a guided tour of our historic tavern museum as well as entry to current exhibitions – Cheers to 250 Years! and #HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village – and related family demonstrations.
#HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village is generously supported by The Fountain Inn, Martha Campbell in memory of David Campbell, Nicholas Donofrio, Judi Pankenier, Joel Third, Brian Truskowski & Terry McManus, Annette & Dan O’Brien, and Cheryl Crowl. Thank you!
The exhibit is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays through November 6. Get tickets at www.keelertavernmuseum.org/visit. Onsite parking is available at 152 Main Street, Ridgefield.