Discovery Center Takes It to the Streets

Looking for something fun, free and outdoors to do this summer that is as educational as it is enjoyable?

Try the Museum in the Streets program by The Discovery Center at Ridgefield.

The program revisits the historical plaques that are sprinkled throughout town—mostly in the Main Street area with a few scattered in Ridgebury and Branchville—that were erected two years ago to celebrate Ridgefield's 300th anniversary. They tell bits and pieces of Ridgefield's history and interesting factoids.

The Discovery Center has created a quiz with questions pertaining to each plaque. As you visit, you answer each question. When you have finished, you submit the answers for a chance to win prizes, from a one-year subscription to The Aldrich Museum or the Discovery Center to passes to the Maritime Aquarium or Keeler Tavern Museum.

Though attendance at a recent informational meeting for the program at the library was relatively low, Executive Director Noelle Carr noted that many people downloaded the quiz and instructions from the Discovery Center website.

The center is hoping to redirect people's attention to the informative plaques—both those who visited during the 300th anniversary festivities and those who never had a chance to visit.

"Visiting all of them gives a great account of the town's history," Carr said.

Another nice thing about the program is that it can be done anytime that is convenient and in any time frame. Do the plaques as one full day's activity or do a few each week and make the activity last all summer.

"It's something that's fun that adults or families can do outdoors. It's learning about and fostering a love of history and Ridgefield town pride. It's interesting to learn about the last 300 years and all the things that happened here," Carr said.

Though the plaques are permanent, the Museum in the Streets quiz program runs through September 7. Find out more at www.ridgefielddiscovery.org.