Get to Know the Declaration of Independence at Ridgefield Library on September 11

Join community members and staff from Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center and Ridgefield Library as we read and discuss one of our nation’s most important founding documents! “Get to Know the Declaration of Independence,” a free public program, will be held at the Ridgefield Library on Thursday, September 11 at 7 p.m.

Ridgefield, Conn.— We’ve all learned about the Declaration of Independence – but what does the 1776 document actually say? Go beyond the famous phrase “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” during a facilitated discussion on Thursday, September 11 at 7 p.m., led by staff from Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) and Ridgefield Library.

“Get to Know the Declaration of Independence: A Founding Document Close Reading” is the first of three America250 Community Conversations, part of an ongoing collaboration between KTM&HC and the Library. Using excerpts from the complete Declaration, participants will read and discuss one of our nation's most important political documents. Audience participation is encouraged – and no prior knowledge is needed.

Want to read a bit in preparation for the conversation? Copies of the Declaration of Independence are available to check out from the Library – or access a full-text copy online at https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.

KTM&HC and Ridgefield Library are proud to partner for America 250 in Ridgefield: A Deep Dive into the Declaration of Independence, a dual-track program series running through July 2026 that helps audiences learn about and explore what it has meant to be an American in the past and today. The series includes “America250 Community Conversations” as well as “Declaration Deep Dive,” a speaker series where scholars share insights about the document’s historical context, language, and impact.

Support for this series is provided by CT Humanities as part of its America 250 CT program. Additional promotional support provided by Ridgefield Commemorates America at 250.

“Get to Know the Declaration of Independence” will be held on Thursday, September 11 at 7 p.m. in the Ridgefield Library Dayton Program Room. The program is free for all; registration is required. To register, and to see upcoming programs in the America 250 in Ridgefield series, go to keelertavernmuseum.org.

About Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center

Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC), located at 152 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT, tells the town’s—and nation’s—history through the stories of its past residents. The four-acre historic site features museum and outdoor walking tours, rotating exhibits, and access to the scenic grounds and gardens. Additional information, including updates about on-site and virtual programming and events, as well as rental availability of the Garden House, can be found at keelertavernmuseum.org, @KeelerTavernMuseum on Facebook and Instagram, or by emailing info@keelertavernmuseum.org. For inquiries about school programs and digital learning experiences, please email education@keelertavernmuseum.org. For group tours, email groups@keelertavernmuseum.org.