On Sunday, October 16 from 1 to 4 p.m., Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) will host a metalsmithing and jewelry-making 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 artist Betsy Palmieri will show visitors various forms of metalsmithing, working with a hammer and anvil to shape soft metals like silver and pewter. In the 18th and 19th centuries, whitesmiths – so called because they worked with “white” metals like silver, tin, and pewter, as opposed to “black” iron – made decorative and utilitarian items. Sarah Keeler, a former KTM&HC site resident and the daughter of colonial tavernkeeper Timothy Keeler, married Isaac Lewis, a whitesmith who was known for his silver spoons.
The award-winning exhibition HandsOnHistory (#HOH): It Takes a Village will run through Sunday, November 6 and explores the interdependency of farms, families, and businesses across Ridgefield’s history, showcasing individual trades and their tools. 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, and Annette & Dan O’Brien. 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.