Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center

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Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center Regional History Center on a 4-acre dynamic campus, offering exhibits, school programs and more! In July 1966, the Keeler Tavern Museum opened to the public.

Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) offers museum tours, rotating exhibits, and access to the scenic grounds and gardens. Additional information, including updates about on-site and virtual programming and events, as well as rental availability of the Garden House, can be found at keelertavernmuseum.org, on Facebook and Instagram, on Twitter, or by emailing [email protected]. For inquiries about school programs and digital learning experiences, please email [email protected]. KTM&HC's History: In 1965, a group of Ridgefield residents came together out of a common interest to preserve the history of the Keeler Tavern, a local and important landmark located in the heart of town. Concerned about protecting its original structure, artifacts and historical importance to the community, they formed the Keeler Tavern Preservation Society, Inc. Since then, KTM&HC has provided educational and cultural programs designed to maintain and promote its significance as a living example of American life and identify over hundreds of years of history. Our archives tell the stories of many individuals, including the Keeler, Resseguie, and Gilbert families. KTM&HC designated as a historical landmark in 1982 and our mission remains committed to promoting regional history and heritage through programs, tours, and special events. KTM&HC is governed by a President and a Board of Directors and receives strong support from donors, members, volunteers, and the community. Please contact the business office at 203-438-5485, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email [email protected]. Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center, 152 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.

Mark your calendar now for our Annual Holiday Boutique in the Barn!Nov 19 – Dec 20   |   11a - 4pLocated in our beautifu...
11/01/2026

Mark your calendar now for our Annual Holiday Boutique in the Barn!

Nov 19 – Dec 20 | 11a - 4p

Located in our beautiful historic red carriage barn, the Boutique features thoughtfully curated gifts, décor, and one-of-a-kind offerings from talented artisans. Your go-to source for great gifts for everyone on your list, including a fantastic selection of locally made and sourced items.

KTM&HC members receive discounts on selected merchandise!

On Thursday, November 12th at 7p in our Garden House, author Nina Sankovitch will present "Universal Friend: Forgotten H...
10/30/2026

On Thursday, November 12th at 7p in our Garden House, author Nina Sankovitch will present "Universal Friend: Forgotten Hero of the American Revolution": The compelling true story of Universal Friend, a self-proclaimed genderless minister who, after awakening from a prolonged illness in 1776, announced they had been sent by God to save the world. Universal Friend ended up founding communities which, in the years following America’s independence from England, provided anyone – no matter their gender or race – with the opportunity to enjoy the “unalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” that had been promised to all Americans in the Declaration of Independence. Universal Friend, in other words, did what other early American leaders had promised: created a society that strove to uphold equality and opportunity – and succeeded beyond all expectations. But into every Eden comes a snake.

Tickets are ($15; $10/members & students), and on sale now, with discounts for KTM&HC members. Books on the Common will have copies of Not Your Founding Father available for purchase at the event.

Nina Sankovitch is the author of five nonfiction books, including American Rebels: How the Hancock. Adams, and Quincy Families Fanned the Flames of Revolution, and The Lowells of Massachusetts. Not Your Founding Father: How a Nonbinary Minster Became America’s Most Radical Revolutionary is her latest book and explores the forgotten history of America’s first home-grown minister and first non-binary minister, and the first leader in the United States to implement the ideals for which the American Revolution was fought, including equality and opportunity. Read more about Nina and the program at www.KeelerTavernMuseum.org

Keeler Tavern Museum in Ridgefield, CT provides educational and cultural programs on colonial life, exhibitions and public events in our carriage house, and a garden for hosting special events.

Join us this weekend for another FIRST SUNDAY! Sitewide, from 11a-4p. Stop by for a tour of our historic museum and acce...
10/30/2026

Join us this weekend for another FIRST SUNDAY! Sitewide, from 11a-4p.

Stop by for a tour of our historic museum and access to all current exhibits - as well as fun, free activities for visitors of all ages in the Garden House!

At KTM&HC, we take care to preserve thousands of objects that tell the stories of the people who lived and worked at our site . . . and this month, we can help you preserve your own family memories! Join us to design and decorate a memory box: a special place to collect your photos, notes, and other meaningful family odds and ends.

No advance registration is needed. Check in at the red brick Visitor Center!

Two more days to catch Ghosts of Ridgefield! Head over to our website to grab your tickets now! Thank You to Our Generou...
10/24/2026

Two more days to catch Ghosts of Ridgefield! Head over to our website to grab your tickets now!

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors!

Gold
Michele & Tom Quindlen

Silver
Montanari Fuel Service, Inc.

Bronze
Bellagamba Electric
Miriam & Steven Blevins
Donnelly, McNamara, Gustafson, Jewell & Schneider
Lisa & Peter Fitzsimmons
Haley Ward, Inc.
Hilary & Frank Micalizzi

Community Partners
Books on the Common
Rieve Firestop
Preservation Partners
Apap Painting & Renovations
East Haven & Ridgefield Supply

Ghosts of Ridgefield "Looks" created by Claudia Noel Nerreau
Lighting by Events Party Lighting

Our Friday Ghosts of Ridgefield programming is SOLD OUT! Grab your tickets for Saturday or Sunday before they are gone! ...
10/19/2026

Our Friday Ghosts of Ridgefield programming is SOLD OUT! Grab your tickets for Saturday or Sunday before they are gone! www.KeelerTavernMuseum.org !

Pictured here are all our wonderful "ghosts" at rehearsal this weekend, with our Executive Director Tina Malhotra and lead volunteers Hilary Micalizzi and Terry Bearden-Rettger!

Join us November 8th at 2pm in the Garden House for the next in our Tavern Culture Series: Western Expansion in the Earl...
10/15/2026

Join us November 8th at 2pm in the Garden House for the next in our Tavern Culture Series: Western Expansion in the Early Republic

Like History on Tap? You'll love our 2026 series, Tavern Culture: One Sip at a Time, where programs recreate historic tavern culture through a combination of lively programming and food and drink tastings.

Join us for the final program of the year, when KTM&HC Chief Curator Catherine Prescott will be joined by Dr. Kirsten Wood, author and professor at Florida International University. Dr. Wood will discuss her latest book, which explores the role of taverns in the new republic: places to promote businesses, practice genteel sociability, rally support for favored causes, and flesh out the evolving meaning of citizenship - often while drinking staggering amounts of alcohol.

Registrants will enjoy historically inspired food and beverage samples. Grab your tickets now at www.KeelerTavernMuseum.org

Catch it before it's gone! Through Nov 1st - One of KTM&HC's signature experiences! Hands-On History is our annual inter...
10/13/2026

Catch it before it's gone!

Through Nov 1st - One of KTM&HC's signature experiences! Hands-On History is our annual interactive exhibition that encourages visitors to “please touch.” This year's theme, "Living Off the Land," explores the agricultural heritage of Ridgefield through the tools farmers used in the 18th and 19th centuries to produce food for their families and community. Plan your visit today by visiting www.KeelerTavernMuseum.org!

"Living Off the Land" is included in the price of regular site admission. School and youth groups can book educator-led tours of the exhibit free of charge. Email [email protected].

Looking for the perfect spot for that Product Launch, Board Retreat or Corporate Team Meeting? Look no further! Our beau...
10/08/2026

Looking for the perfect spot for that Product Launch, Board Retreat or Corporate Team Meeting? Look no further! Our beautiful Garden House is a great option for business and corporate meetings and events, and even has weekday availability! Looking out on our historic walled garden will beat the board room everytime! To learn more about all our amenities, the rental process, and more, visit www.keelertavernmuseum.org/rentals/ .

Join us Sunday, October 4th for FIRST SUNDAY! Stop by between 11a - 4p for free site admission: a tour of our historic m...
10/03/2026

Join us Sunday, October 4th for FIRST SUNDAY! Stop by between 11a - 4p for free site admission: a tour of our historic museum, access to all current exhibits, and fun, free activities for visitors of all ages in the Garden House!

Inspired by the current Hands-On History exhibit, "Living off the Land," October’s First Sunday celebrates National Apple Month! Come learn about apples and make apple-inspired crafts.

No advance registration needed; check in at the Visitor Center.

Address

152 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT
06877

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4am
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+12034385485

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