Battle of Ridgefield Reenactment
We suggest that you get to the event well in advance to avoid congestion.
Take note below of various Parking Options within Google Maps:
Battle of Ridgefield Reenactment
On April 29th, 2017, the Masons of Jerusalem Lodge #49 will be organizing a massive 240th celebration of General David Wooster’s leadership during the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield. This reenactment will showcase professional actors from all over the country. The day long, rain or shine, event will take place on Main Street, to include Ballard Park, Keeler Tavern and other locations throughout the Town of Ridgefield.
A Lounsbury House Black Tie dinner will occur on the evening of April 29th, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM as a fundraiser for this event. Highlights will include a VIP keynote speaker from Washington DC, concluding with an evening of dancing under the stars to the music of Glen Hansen’s 18 piece orchestra.
For donations and / or sponsorship opportunities, contact: [email protected] or call 203-403-7065.
We suggest that you get to the event well in advance to avoid congestion.
Take note below of various Parking Options within Google Maps:
Battle of Ridgefield Reenactment Parking:
| Bailey Street |
| Market St / Veteran’s Park |
| CVS |
| Catoona St. Parking |
| Governor St. RVNA Parking |
| Prospect St. Parking |
| Governor St. - Donnelly |
| Aldrich / Christ Scientist |
Activities as per The Ridgefield Library:
The battle reenactment commences at 11:00 AM and proceeds along Main Street from the intersection of Routes 116 and 35 southward to the intersection of Main Street and West Lane.
Authentically clad and outfitted British and Colonial troops will face off in several skirmishes.
Also on tap are opening remarks by Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, a salute to wounded veterans and a parade featuring Boy Scouts and the Germantown Ancients Fife & Drum Corps.
PLEASE NOTE: Main Street (Route 35) along the parade and battle route will be closed to traffic from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Directional signs and police personnel will provide directions to alternate routes.
Free bus transportation to the center of town will be provided between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM from Ridgefield High School and Barlow Mountain Elementary School, where ample free parking will be available.
Troop Encampments 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The American Encampment - Keeler Tavern Museum, 132 Main Street
Mingle through the camp of the 5th CT Regiment. Each soldier will be in full character and will be able to answer any historical questions you may have! Tour the property and view the original cannonball lodged in a beam of the Tavern during the battle. Meet Timothy and Esther Keeler, Sybil Ludington, Benedict Arnold and other notable characters who will share their perspective on the Battle of Ridgefield and life during this tumultuous period in our history. Enjoy period music from the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra and others throughout the day and meet artisans who will demonstrate their crafts with hands-on activities for all ages.
The British Encampment - Ballard Park, 499 Main Street
Take a step back in time as you wonder through the camp of His Majesty's 54th Regiment of foot. Witness live musket ball smelting, proper British soldier drills, and gain firsthand experience of the encampment lifestyle. Each soldier will be in full character, accents and all. Suitable for all ages.
Walking Tours
9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM led by the Ridgefield Historical Society; assemble at 557 Main Street
Local historians will give free hourly walking tours to help participants learn about the famous battle of Ridgefield.
Tours will begin at the Battle of Ridgefield monument in front of Casagmo condominiums on norther Main Street and end at Keeler Tavern Museum. Along the way, participants will learn about the actual battle and see historic homes, churches and other landmarks.
Contact the Ridgefield Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or [email protected] for reservations.
Scott Field Hospital and Encampment
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ridgefield Historical Society, Scott House, 4 Sunset Lane
The 4th Connecticut Regiment, Captain Abner Bacon's Company, will bring men-at-arms supporting the Continental Army led by their Commander Robert Stiles.
The 6th Connecticut Regiment is also on the way. Tenting and campfires in the encampment will be exactly as they were during the American Revolution.
Dr. Amos baker, a skilled physician with many 18th century medial tools, will organize the field hospital for the battle.Wounded soldiers will be transported to the hospital for treatment.
Camp followers will prepare 18th century meals.
For more information on upcoming events in Ridgefield CT; see our Featured Event Listings at The Ridgefield Economic & Community Development Commission.