Keeler Tavern Museum

The Keeler Tavern bears a scar of the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield: there’s a cannonball that’s still embedded in a beam on the building’s north wall. It’s a great way to bring home the events of April 27, 1777, when the Battle of Ridgefield was fought down Main Street, with the king’s troops aiming for the tavern. The tavern was later the home of architect Cass Gilbert, who gave the town its famous fountain. The building, which dates to about 1713, became a museum in the late 1960s, thanks to the fund-raising efforts of a group of dedicated volunteers. Its collections include art, costumes and textiles, decorative objects, furniture, tools, and toys. Among the works on display is an original engraving of The Battle of Ridgefield.

Hours are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 1-4, with the last 45-minute tour at 3:30; closed on major holidays and during January. The museum gift shop, whichincludes many Ridgefield-themed objects, is open on the same schedule. The museum hosts a chamber music concert series and and an annual week of Christmas luncheons. There are special programs for adults and children. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and for those under 12 years.

Details

The Keeler Tavern Museum is south of Ridgefield’s commercial center at 132 Main Street (Route 35). For more information call 203-438-5485 or visit www.keelertavernmuseum.org.