Keeler In The Community

#HandsOnHistory: Living Off the Land Heirloom Apple Demonstration this Sunday

October 19, 2023

Ridgefield, Conn.— On Sunday, October 22, Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) will hold a demonstration about heirloom apples from 1 to 4 p.m. as part of the current exhibition #HandsOnHistory: Living Off the Land. Featuring Peter Montgomery, owner of Montgomery Gardens Heirloom Apples & Orchards in Warren, CT, the demonstration is free to the public – an interactive way to learn about the connections between historic and modern-day agricultural practices.

The demonstration will include a presentation accompanied by apple tastings and activities. According to Montgomery – who claims he is on a mission to save Connecticut apples – hundreds of original ancient apple trees still exist in the state: “While many might be in rough shape, with a bit of pruning and TLC, they can be restored.”

#HandsOnHistory: Living Off the Land will run through Sunday, November 5, providing an interactive exploration of Ridgefield’s agricultural heritage through the tools farmers used in the 18th and 19th centuries. Each Sunday in October, family demonstrations showcase skilled experts and artisans as they practice various traditions of farming or food production. Check out our website for a complete listing of future demonstrations and activities: www.keelertavernmuseum.org/events.

#HandsOnHistory: Living Off the Land is generously sponsored by Jean & Mike Jaykus, Joel Third, Nick & Anita Donofrio, Sara Champion, Dan and Annette O’Brien, Rhonda Hill, Richard Keeler & Cynthia Salter, Jenn Hansen, Paula Curry, and Leslie Lindenauer. Thank you!

The exhibition is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, now to November 5, with FREE site admission for all visitors every Sunday. Site admission includes a guided tour of the historic tavern museum, as well as entry to #HandsOnHistory: Living Off the Land and, on Sundays, related family demonstrations. Tickets also include access to Summering with the Gilberts, an exhibition in the Gilbert Wing of the museum that explores early 20th-century leisure and labor on our site. Get tickets at www.keelertavernmuseum.org/visit.  School and youth groups can also book educator-led tours of the #HandsOnHistory exhibit free of charge! Email education@keelertavernmuseum.org for more information.