#HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village Woodworking Demo at KTM&HC This Sunday
- Published on Thursday, 20 October 2022 11:19
On Sunday, October 23 from 1 to 4 p.m., Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) will host a woodworking demonstration as part of its interactive exhibit, #HandsOnHistory (#HOH): It Takes a Village.
The event is free to the public and perfect for families and groups with children of all ages: a fun way to learn about historic trades and tools from Ridgefield.
At the demonstration, local craftsman John Somma and KTM&HC Chief Curator Catherine Prescott will lead an interactive discussion with visitors, talking about the different kinds of woodworkers, from sawyers to carpenters to joiners, as well as woodworking specialists like coopers, wheelwrights, and last makers. Visitors will be able to try out some of the antique tools on display – including planes, drills, files, and hammers – as well as practice woodworking skills by making their very own wooden figure with moveable joints!
The award-winning exhibition HandsOnHistory (#HOH): It Takes a Village runs through Sunday, November 6 and explores the interdependency of farms, families, and businesses across Ridgefield’s history. In the historic KTM&HC Carriage Barn, visitors will discover an extensive exhibit that tracks changes in Ridgefield over the centuries through residents’ work and skills. The town was founded as a collection of 24 family farms in 1708, and Ridgefield residents developed specialized trades and crafts over the years to accommodate the needs of the growing population. It Takes a Village immerses visitors in the tools and techniques of these various trades, with opportunities to learn by doing. Activities make learning about the past an immersive experience, encouraging visitors to measure, calculate, mold, carve, assemble, lift, smell, and sit. Bringing along a young museum-lover? Don’t miss the hands-on shopping activity that encourages kids to “take a walk down Main Street” and barter for items on their shopping list.
Check out our website for a complete listing of future demonstrations and activities, held each Sunday through November 6. Site admission will be FREE on these Sundays for all visitors: admission includes a guided tour of our historic tavern museum as well as entry to It Takes a Village and related family demonstrations.
#HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village is generously supported by The Fountain Inn, Martha Campbell in memory of David Campbell, Nicholas Donofrio, Judi Pankenier, Joel Third, Brian Truskowski & Terry McManus, Annette & Dan O’Brien, and Cheryl Crowl. Thank you!
The exhibit is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays from October 1 through November 6, with FREE admission every Sunday. Get tickets at www.keelertavernmuseum.org/visit. To book a FREE tour for a school or youth group, email education@keelertavernmuseum.org. Onsite parking is available at 152 Main Street, Ridgefield.
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