CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE EXHIBITION: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3d585ddf2def4df7b6f9b5539704686a

When Ridgefield was founded in 1708, the first families were, by necessity, relatively self-sufficient—each farmer was also a carpenter, each housewife was also a tailor. Soon, mills and taverns opened around the town, bringing the first commerce to Ridgefield. Other trades quickly followed, including blacksmiths, tailors, shoemakers, carpenters, tavernkeepers, and others.

After the American Revolution, manufacturing and industry in the new nation grew rapidly; Connecticut was a leader of industry, and Ridgefield grew along with it. In the early 1800s, craftsmen began establishing businesses along Main Street and throughout the village of Ridgefield. At first, these craftsmen accommodated the needs of the community, but soon began to sell their goods outside of Ridgefield, with markets in New York City and as far away as New Orleans, LA.

In this virtual exhibition, follow a 1856 map of Ridgefield's Main Street to "visit" the different shops and houses that lined the street to learn about the craftsmen who lived and worked here in the 19th Century. Your tour begins at the southern end of Main Street, here at the Keeler Tavern.

The maps in this exhibition are interactive—use your mouse to move around the map and explore, click on map markers for more information. Click on any image to view it in full-screen. You can also navigate to different trades by clicking on its name at the top of the screen.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE EXHIBITION: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3d585ddf2def4df7b6f9b5539704686a

From October 1 to November 6, 2022, tools of featured trades from this virtual exhibition will be on display in the Carriage Barn at KTM&HC.