Keeler In The Community

#HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village is Open Through Early November

September 3, 2025

Ridgefield, Conn.— Try out historic tools, design a new town layout, and cast your vote for important trades – past, present, and future – at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s (KTM&HC) #HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village. The exhibition, located in KTM&HC’s Carriage Barn, is included in the cost of site admission and runs through Sunday, November 2.

#HandsOnHistory is one of KTM&HC’s signature programs: an annual series of rotating, interactive exhibits that showcase objects from the museum’s extensive tool collection and explore intersections of history, science, and technology.

Timed with the yearlong commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s #HandsOnHistory exhibition explores how Ridgefielders in the early 1800s pursued the ideals of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”—not through politics or protest, but through craft, trade, and community interdependence. Just like today, Ridgefielders contributed their own unique skills to help their town grow, meet everyday needs, and build better lives for their families and neighbors.

The exhibition explores this fascinating local history through an emphasis on play and discovery. #HandsOnHistory features fun opportunities to get hands-on with real historic objects – an immersive way to better understand how people in early Ridgefield worked together through their trades.

Access to #HandsOnHistory is included in the price of site admission – or visitors can purchase special Exhibits Only passes. The exhibition is open now through November 2, Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, on Sundays in October and early November, visitors receive free site admission and access to family demonstrations: interactive talks and demonstrations by educators, artisans, and skilled tradespeople.

School and youth groups can book an educator-led tour of the exhibit free of charge! Email education@keelertavernmuseum.org for more information.

Sponsors play an integral role in our ability to make #HandsOnHistory available to all audiences. Interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities? Contact KTM&HC Director of Development Jennifer Dineen at jdineen@keelertavernmuseum.org or 203-438-5485, ext. 16.

Thank you to the following individuals and organizations for so generously supporting this year’s exhibition:

  • Platinum Sponsor: The Donofrio Family
  • Gold Sponsor: Tom & Michele Quindlen
  • Silver Sponsors: John & Lori Berisford, Karen & Rich Calo, Elegant Ridgefield, The Fountain Inn, Rhonda Hill
  • Bronze Sponsors: Dimitri's Diner, Nancy O, Annette & Dan O'Brien
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