The Ridgefield Historical Society is finishing work on a Phase I grant from the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program. Two workshops were organized in the Spring by a consultant to gather community input on future celebrations of the American Revolution-era Battle of Ridgefield, as well as educational and tourism programming.
FHI Studio’s report determined that all participants were supportive of long-term stewardship and preservation of the battlefield.
Suggestions included coordinating with elementary, middle and high schools to include the Battle of Ridgefield, with emphasis on the choices Ridgefielders were making in 1776-77 as loyalist and patriot positions hardened. It was also suggested that the Ridgefield High Class of 2026 could have a special opportunity to commemorate American Independence, since they’ll be graduating just before the July 4, 2026 national celebrations.
One suggestion was to place the Battle of Ridgefield in a regional context. Another was to establish walking, cycling, and driving self-guided and facilitated battle tours. Long term, respondents support further archaeology research and to consider incentives for developers to grant deed restrictions in areas of most historic significance in the battlefield area.
Ridgefield could apply to the State Historic Preservation office for state historic designation and develop a committee to begin planning for the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
