House Tour, Luncheon & Lecture Will Celebrate 35 Years For Keeler Tavern Museum

RIDGEFIELD — A special house tour and luncheon are being planned by Keeler Tavern Museum to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Co-chairmen Kathryn Rosa, Phyllis Robertson and Melissa Buckwalter are orchestrating what they hope will be a memorable event to commemorate the museum’s success.

Five private homes of architectural and historic significance will be opening their doors on Saturday, May 19, from 10 am to 5 pm only. The first floor of Keeler Tavern Museum will also be featured, and the Cass Gilbert Garden House will present the illusion of “A Summer Fantasy.” Four vignettes, each designed by local merchants, will be presented, and the brick-walled garden itself will be in full bloom by the time of the house tour.

Parking will be available at First Congregational Church of Ridgefield, Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church and First Church of Christ Scientist. Shuttle busses will then run between three of the homes on the tour.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 at the museum, 132 Main Street, as well as at Ridgefield News & Office Supply, also on Main Street. If purchased on the day of the tour, tickets will be $30 each.

Homewood, one of the five homes on the tour, will be the location of a luncheon and lecture planned for Friday, May 18. Homewood is an impressive 42-room estate that was built during the late 1800s as a summer home for George G. Haven, president of Connecticut Exchange National Bank.

Guests will enjoy wine and cheese by the pool house, luncheon in the ballroom, and an informative lecture and slide presentation on interior decoration for homes by Alexander Julian.

Mr Julian is an award-winning designer of fashion and home furnishings. The couture menswear of Alexander Julian, the ready-to-wear men’s clothing line Alexander Colours, the program Alexander Julian At Home, and area rugs, bedding ensembles and outdoor furniture of Alexander Julian Collection are all the products of Alexander Julian, Inc. Mr Julian, a Ridgefield resident, has donated his time to benefit Keeler Tavern Museum.

Tickets for the lecture and luncheon are $95, which includes Friday’s events along with admission to the house tour on May 19. Children under 12 cannot be accommodated.

In addition to Homewood, the four other homes on the tour will be the Brunen residence, The Whipple House, the William O. Seymour House and Wiggins Way.

Ticket sales and information can be obtained by calling Keeler Tavern Museum’s office, 203-438-5485, Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. All proceeds from the lunch, lecture and house tour will go toward the preservation and ongoing maintenance of the buildings and educational programs of the museum, which is a non-profit organization.