Registration open for Keeler Kids, Early Bird Price Through April 30

Registration is now open for Keeler Kids, Ridgefield’s popular local history summer camp at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC). Three week-long sessions in July exploring Ridgefield history through a range of fun, hands-on and multi-disciplinary activities, such as crafts, games, songs, stories and foods from centuries past, are offered for different age groups.

This is the perfect opportunity for children to step back in time and discover first-hand what life was like in historic Ridgefield as exemplified at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center. Slots fill up quickly, and registration is on a first-come basis. Camp registration is available online at keelertavernmuseum.org/education/keelerkids, or by calling 203-438-5485.

During Session I, July 15-19, children entering grades 1 through 3 will learn about life in early Ridgefield through fun, hands-on, and educational activities. Ridgefield’s first post office opened in the Keeler Tavern in 1792. Before telegraph and telephone, before text message and email, the postal service carried news throughout the 13 colonies and early United States. Campers will join Timothy Keeler as deputy postmasters along the post road, establishing their post offices and ensuring the news reaches its final destination!

In Session II, July 22-26, children entering grades 4 through 6 will explore 19th Century history, art, and science as they create cabinets of curiosities. A predecessor to museums, cabinets of curiosities reached the height of their popularity in the 19th Century when everyone from princes to armchair scientists proudly showed off their collections. From natural specimens to man-made objects, from ancient artifacts to the newest technological wonders, everything was collected. Over the week, campers will create, collect and curate objects for their own cabinet of curiosities.

Kids entering grades 7 and up can join Session III, July 29-August 2, will cut and construct a historic costume inspired by the 19th century fashion found in the Museum’s collection. Brooklyn-based costume designer Corrine Huhnke will teach campers how to apply design elements from 19th century women’s and men’s fashion to construct a creation of their own using vintage clothing and accessories found in local second-hand shops. Campers will model their final creations at a fashion show for family and friends.

Registrations before April 30, 2019 receive an early bird discount of $200 per child. After April 30, the cost for each session is $250 per child with a discount for museum members and siblings. The price includes a Keeler Kids T-shirt and all materials and supplies. Children are asked to bring a bag lunch each day. An extended day option ($50 per child) is also available for early drop-off and/or late pick-up. For more information and online registration please visit www.keelertavernmuseum.org or call the office at 203-438-5485.


Photo Caption: Brooklyn-based costume designer Corrine Huhnke will teach campers at KTM&HC's Keeler Kids Session III about 19th century men's and women's fashion and help them construct their own creations. Three sessions of Keeler Kids, KTM&HC's history camp will be held July 15 though August 2. Information on Keeler Kids and session themes can be found at www.keelertavernmuseum.org

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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