Ridgefield artists reflect on the nation’s identity in ‘America the Beautiful’ exhibit opening July 4

America the Beautiful exhibit
Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center • 152 Main St, Ridgefield, CT 06877
July 4 – 13, 2025
Free event

America the Beautiful

A group of talented Ridgefield artists have drawn what America means to them, and visitors can see their work first-hand at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s historic carriage barn beginning July 4.

To mark the kickoff of Ridgefield’s year-long commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – known nationally as America250 – the Ridgefield Guild of Artists asked its members to submit works depicting what America means to them — be it a feeling, an image, a landscape, or a portrait. The exhibition called America the Beautiful will open to the public at the July 4th Family Day at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) and will run through Sunday, July 13, when the museum is open.

The Ridgefield Guild of Artists’ mission is to support local artists by offering opportunities to show and sell their work, take classes, and network with other creatives. “We are happy to say we had over 50 images submitted for America the Beautiful,” says Guild executive director Pam Stoddart. “It’s a great opportunity for our artists to showcase what America means to them!”

Admission for America the Beautiful is free, and the exhibition will be open during KTM&HC’s regular museum hours, Thursday-Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm. All works featured are original and will be available for purchase. On the last day of the exhibition, Sunday, July 13, the Guild will host a closing reception from 2 pm to 4 pm, when the public can meet the participating artists. More information about the exhibition and the Guild can be found at rgoa.org.

In addition to the America the Beautiful exhibition, the July 4th Family Day on July 4 will feature a wide range of family-friendly activities, including kids’ games and a scavenger hunt, live music and dancing, museum tours, demonstrations of historic crafts such as spinning and shoemaking, and a dunk tank for “King George.” There will also be a vintage firetruck, free watermelon, and 250th-anniversary merchandise. Many local community organizations will host booths with information about upcoming events and initiatives. Grilled BBQ menu options and other refreshments will be for sale, with vegetarian options available.

The day will culminate with the reading of the Declaration of Independence by community members followed by a rendition of “America the Beautiful” and a reading of Frederick Douglass’ speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

This year’s festivities at KTM&HC launch Ridgefield Commemorates America at 250 (RCA250), a town-wide initiative observing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. RCA250 is a group of ten residents who were appointed by Ridgefield’s Board of Selectpersons. As an affiliate of the America 250 Connecticut Commission, RCA250 is thrilled to present a series of town-wide initiatives running from July 4, 2025, to July 4, 2026. This commemoration will feature historical exhibitions, community gatherings, and educational programs that highlight our shared history and inspire a collective future.

On the eve of the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, KTM&HC is committed to helping audiences more deeply understand our nation’s history and the Declaration itself – its words, its historical context, and its legacies – through a combination of programs and events that leverage our site-specific history, engage with complexity, and connect to larger national themes. America250 is an opportunity for us to think carefully about our country and our collective identity: to celebrate strengths, grapple with weaknesses, and imagine possibilities for our future. KTM&HC is taking the lead in engaging our audiences locally and nationally, through a robust schedule of programs and community collaborations.

Admission to the July 4^th Family Day and America250 Kickoff is free for all. No onsite parking. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to another venue, TBA (check KTM&HC’s website and social media for updates). Proceeds from donation jars will benefit KTM&HC’s ongoing site preservation and general operations. All proceeds from the BBQ will benefit the RCA250 town committee.

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Ridgefield artists reflect on the nation’s identity in ‘America the Beautiful’ exhibit opening July 4