Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center

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 emai

ling [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.

Throwback Thursday to May 1st and our 32nd Annual Cannonball Gala! It was another resounding success! We were delighted ...
05/28/2026

Throwback Thursday to May 1st and our 32nd Annual Cannonball Gala! It was another resounding success!

We were delighted to honor Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou with the Cannonball Award while enjoying a gourmet meal catered by À Table featuring Bernard's specialty short ribs. A special highlight was the beautiful solo cello performance by Madeleine Bouïssou which cast a spell on the room. It was followed by a lively auction and paddle raise conducted by auctioneer Colleen Cash. The After Party in the Garden House continued the fun far into the night.

Thank you to all who attended and supported this event; the gala is our biggest annual fundraiser in support of general operations, and we are grateful for everyone's generosity! Head over to our website to check out our Photo Highlights!

Photos: Mark Latham Photography

KTM&HC is proud to share that The Ridgefield Economic & Community Development Commission acknowledged KTM&HC Executive ...
05/27/2026

KTM&HC is proud to share that The Ridgefield Economic & Community Development Commission acknowledged KTM&HC Executive Director, Hildegard Grob, with their Lifetime Cultural Impact Achievement, a new award that the ECDC hands out when merited.

This special evening of recognition acknowledged many individuals representing the heart of arts & culture in Ridgefield, through Ridgefield Arts Council. Pictured here with KTM&HC’s Chief Curator Catherine Prescott, is this year’s awardee, Christopher Macris, who received the KTM&HC Behind The Scenes Award.

Congratulations to all the awardees, and many thanks for your ongoing support of our vibrant community!

We had a blast! Thanks to those who came out to cheer on the Ridgefield Memorial Day Parade! Pictured Left to right: Ca...
05/26/2026

We had a blast! Thanks to those who came out to cheer on the Ridgefield Memorial Day Parade!

Pictured Left to right: Catherine Prescott , John Somma, Margo McEachern, Barbara Ben-Horin, Cheryl Crowl

Join us June 4th at 7pm for our next Tavern Culture Series event: Plates, Pints, and Patriots! - featuring P. Scott Val...
05/22/2026

Join us June 4th at 7pm for our next Tavern Culture Series event: Plates, Pints, and Patriots! - featuring P. Scott Vallely, of Charter Oak Brewing Company LLC

In the years leading up to the American Revolution, the soon-to-be Founding Fathers and other Patriots found great value in the local tavern. Taverns fed and watered revolutionaries when they gathered to trade stories, debate politics, and plot protests. And of all the alcoholic offerings at the tavern, it was beer that came to symbolize resistance, independence and self-sufficiency.

In this next installment of KTM&HC's Tavern Culture: One Sip at a Time series, Chief Curator Catherine Prescott is joined by Charter Oak Brewing Co.’s Scott Vallely to discuss all things beer and brewing, from the drink's critical role in the colonial settlement of America to the craft beer movement of today.

Attendees will sample foods that were traditional in a Connecticut colonial tavern, like corn bread and sweet meats, as well as historically inspired and modern-day brews for a true taste of the Revolution!

Tickets are on sale now, with special discounts for KTM&HC members! Attendees must be at least 21 years old. Head over to www.KeelerTavernMuseum.org to grab your tickets now!

Tavern Culture: One Sip at a Time is supported by the Sarah Tod Fund and the Wadsworth R. Lewis Trust Fund.

This Sunday! Join us May 17 at 3pm in our Garden House for a Scholarly Talk: ""'Broteer' Venture Smith"" - a special pre...
05/11/2026

This Sunday!

Join us May 17 at 3pm in our Garden House for a Scholarly Talk: ""'Broteer' Venture Smith"" - a special presentation by Connecticut State Archeologist Emeritus Dr. Nicholas F. Bellantoni.

Venture Smith, also known as Broteer, was a Connecticut captive born in West Africa in 1729. When he arrived in America as a child, he was forced to work on farms in Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut. His story is especially compelling: he was able to purchase his freedom along with that of his family; he became a successful businessman; and he narrated his own story, telling of his childhood in Africa, the horrific Middle Passage, his captivity, and freedom. The Broteer Venture Smith Project combines history, genealogy, genetics, and archaeology with hopes of discovering more about his life. In this presentation, Dr. Bellantoni tells of Broteer, his life and times, and the DNA project initiated by his descendants.

Bellantoni serves as the emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History at the University of Connecticut. He serves as an adjunct associate research professor in the department of anthropology at UConn and resided as former president of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut and the National Association of State Archaeologists.

Tickets are on sale now, with special discounts for students and KTM&HC members.

On May 1st, Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center celebrated honorees Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou at the organization’s 3...
05/07/2026

On May 1st, Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center celebrated honorees Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou at the organization’s 32nd Annual Cannonball Gala. It was
wonderful evening, featuring an incredible performance by Madeleine Bouïssou, a record-setting auction and paddle raise, a fun After Party, and lots of heartfelt support for the
humanities. Thank you to all who attended and helped make the evening so successful.

Left to
right: KTM&HC Executive Director Hildegard Grob, Honorees Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou, and KTM&HC Board President David Yaun. Photo credit: Mark Latham.

Want more of the inside scoop? See all our upcoming events in one place, special notes from our Executive Director, and ...
05/06/2026

Want more of the inside scoop? See all our upcoming events in one place, special notes from our Executive Director, and more by joining our mailing list! DM us your email or sign up at www.KeelerTavernMuseum.org

Can't make the Gala, but want to join in on the auctions? We've got you covered! Both our live and silent auctions are a...
04/22/2026

Can't make the Gala, but want to join in on the auctions?
We've got you covered!

Both our live and silent auctions are available to bidders anywhere. Live auction items - like the one-of-a-kind quilt by Harvey Fierstein pictured here, and a weekend at Lime Rock Park's Historic Festival - will be auctioned during the event. Proxy bidding is now available at the link in our bio! Our silent auction opens for bidding online on Friday, April 24 and closes on Friday, May 1 at 8:15pm.

Get set up for Online Bidding today by visiting: https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/ktmgala

On the eve of the Battle of Ridgefield's 249th anniversary, learn about the history of the Battle - and its impact on Ri...
04/22/2026

On the eve of the Battle of Ridgefield's 249th anniversary, learn about the history of the Battle - and its impact on Ridgefield - with FREE site admission to KTM&HC and walking tours from the Ridgefield Historical Center.

On Saturday, April 25, KTM&HC museum interpreters will lead abbreviated, 30-minute “War at Home” tours at 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, and 3pm. Registration is not required. Tours begin at the front door of the museum, where visitors will view the cannonball fired by British soldiers as they attacked T. Keeler’s Inn during the Battle of Ridgefield – still lodged in the cornerpost of the building, almost 250 years later!

In KTM&HC’s “War at Home” tours, visitors go beyond the battlefield to learn about the experiences of the residents of our site during the Battle of Ridgefield. Discover how the members of the Keeler household navigated community division and the war's impact on families, and discuss how we remember the events today. Learn More and plan your visit today at www.KeelerTavernMuseum.org

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

Website

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