New Exhibition at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center Provides an Intimate Look Behind the Scenes of the 20th-Century Gilbert Household

A new exhibition at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center showcases previously untold layers of the site’s rich 20^th-century history – including the tensions that characterized the household during the Gilbert family’s period of ownership.

Running now through August 13, Summering with the Gilberts: Leisure & Labor in the Early 20^th Century provides fascinating perspective on the many people who lived and worked on the site during World War I, the Roaring 20s, and beyond. Site admission includes access to the exhibition, located in the Gilbert Wing of the historic tavern museum – reserve your tickets online now!

This exhibit explores life at the “Cannon Ball House” – so-called by the Gilbert family – in the early 20th century, with a focus on both the Gilbert family members and the staff, who were the driving force behind the home’s operations. “In line with our reinterpretation efforts,” said KTM&HC Chief Curator Catherine Prescott, who designed Summering with the Gilberts, “this exhibit seeks to include all of the Cannon Ball House’s residents, sharing the names of some of the previously anonymous domestic staff employed by the Gilberts and reimagining a new ‘back of house’ space.” This reimagined space, a highlight of the exhibition, features a reinterpretation of the butler’s pantry in the Gilbert Wing – long used as the museum’s gift shop, the space is transformed with a new layout and objects from KTM&HC’s collection that recreate the historic details of the pantry and help tell the stories of the home’s staff.

In addition to the pantry’s new content, visitors can discover details about Cass Gilbert’s reputation as an architect and Julia Gilbert’s role as a “society wife”; get glimpses into how the Gilberts relaxed and entertained; and learn more about the immigrant experience in Ridgefield, brought to life through compelling photography by Joseph Hartmann.

Prescott shared that she is excited about the inclusion of the Hartmann photographs – “they humanize the previously generic categories of ‘gardener’ or ‘servant’” – but she also thinks it’s important for visitors to think about those whose likenesses cannot be found in the exhibition. “Many of the non-Italian immigrants who worked on the estates did not stay in Ridgefield for long and did not get their photographs taken while they were here. I think their absence from the photograph collection and what it means about early 20^th-century Ridgefield will be something fascinating to explore going forward.”

Summering with the Gilberts: Leisure & Labor in the Early 20^th Century opened on Thursday, May 26 and runs through the summer. Site admission tickets include a tour of the historic tavern and access to our exhibits. Buy tickets on our website at www.keelertavernmuseum.org/visit.