Exhibition - Hands-On History: Living Off the Land

Most museums put the tools behind glass. This one labels them TRY ME.

Hands-On History is one of Keeler Tavern's signature programs, a rotating series of interactive exhibits drawn from the museum's extensive tool collection that sit where history, science and technology overlap. This year's theme is Living Off the Land, exploring Ridgefield's agricultural heritage through the tools farmers used to feed their families and their community.

The exhibit follows the farming cycle from preparing soil through planting, harvesting and processing, and considers what dramatic swings in climate and weather meant for people working the land here. Farm tools were built to be used, so visitors of all ages are invited to do exactly that: corn shellers, oat cleaners and other machines with moving parts are there to be tested. Self-directed activities are stationed throughout for anyone who wants to dig further.

Good to know. In the Carriage Barn, Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Included in the price of site admission, which also covers a tour of the museum.