Ratta-tat-tat, ratta-tat-tat… Kicking off Ridgefield’s kickoff of its year-long commemoration of the Declaration of Independence turning 250 is an authentic fife-and-drum duo who will march up Ridgefield’s historic Main Street as crowds gather at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC).
To mark the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, KTM&HC (and Ridgefield Commemorates America at 250) will host a July 4th Family Day on Friday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event will begin with the iconic tunes of a fife-and-drum duo marching through downtown to KTM&HC at 152 Main Street. The two members of the fife-and-drum crew will be in colonial dress and tooting and drumming out the mellifluous tunes from colonial times. The duo consists of one of the premier fifers in the nation, Donald Heminitz, a professional rigger and sailor aboard the Mayflower II in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Lee Caron, a professional percussionist based in Connecticut who primarily plays orchestral and music theater around New England.
The sound of a colonial fife-and-drum duo is characterized by a familiar high-pitched fife melody accompanied by the resounding, rhythmic beats of a drum. Together, they create a stirring and vibrant sound. The fife carries the melody, playing tunes like "Yankee Doodle" and other popular tunes of the era, while the drum provides a steady, marching beat.
This combination of melody and rhythm was crucial in the colonial era, serving as a primary form of communication on and off the battlefield. The distinctive sound could be heard from nearly a mile away, allowing soldiers to hear commands, signal advancements or retreats, and even regulate their daily routines.
The fife-and-drum duo is sponsored by Community Stroll. “We are grateful to our sponsor support, which makes all our programming possible,” says Stephanie Heering, the committee member organizing the sponsorship program.
During this rain-or-shine event, organizers offer a wide range of family-friendly activities, including kids’ games and a scavenger hunt, live music and dancing, museum tours, demonstrations of historic crafts such as spinning and shoemaking, and a dunk tank for “King George.” There will also be a vintage firetruck, an art exhibit by the Ridgefield Guild of Artists, free watermelon for everyone, and 250th-anniversary merchandise. Grilled BBQ menu options and other refreshments will be for sale, with vegetarian options available.
This year’s festivities at KTM&HC launch Ridgefield Commemorates America at 250 (RCA250), a town-wide, year-long initiative observing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. At the July 4 event, members of the RCA250 committee will host a booth to share details about the many upcoming programs and events.
America250 is an opportunity for us to think carefully about our country and our collective identity: to celebrate strengths, grapple with weaknesses, and imagine possibilities for our future. Both KTM&HC and Ridgefield250 are taking the lead in engaging our audiences locally and nationally, through a robust schedule of programs and community collaborations.
The Ridgefield Commemorates America at 250 Committee (RCA250) is a group of 10 residents
who were appointed by Ridgefield’s Board of Selectpersons. As an affiliate of the America 250
Connecticut Commission, RCA250 is thrilled to present a series of town-wide initiatives running
from July 4, 2025, to July 4, 2026. This year-long commemoration will feature historical exhibitions, community gatherings, and educational programs that highlight our shared history and inspire a collective future – culminating in July 2026 with fireworks, a parade, and a town-wide celebration in Ridgefield’s Ballard Park.
Admission to the July 4th Family Day and America250 Kickoff is free for all. No onsite parking. The event will happen rain or shine (check website for updates). Donation jars will benefit ongoing site preservation and general operations at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center. All proceeds from the BBQ will benefit the RCA250 town committee.
For more information and a schedule of upcoming events, visit keelertavernmuseum.org and ridgefieldct250.org.