Ridgefield Historical Society

### Context Profile for Ridgefield Historical Society

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - The Ridgefield Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Ridgefield, Connecticut. Their mission focuses on educating the community about local history through various programs, events, and resources. They aim to foster an appreciation for Ridgefield's heritage and encourage community engagement with historical narratives.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - The organization conducts a variety of activities including:
     - **Educational Talks and Walks**: Such as the "Here Lyes Ye Body: A Talk and Walk" event, which combines storytelling and historical exploration of local cemeteries.
     - **Community Programs**: Regular events that engage the community in local history, often featuring local historians and authors.
     - **Fundraising Campaigns**: Events that not only serve educational purposes but also raise funds to support the society's initiatives.
     - **Membership Programs**: Offering benefits to members, including discounted event tickets.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone of the Ridgefield Historical Society is **friendly**, **informative**, and **engaging**. Their communications are designed to be accessible and inviting, encouraging participation from the community. The language used is often descriptive and evocative, aiming to inspire curiosity about local history.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - The organization does not appear to use emojis in their communications. Their content maintains a more traditional and professional appearance, focusing on clear and informative language.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Specific founding details were not found on the website, but the organization has been active in promoting local history for several years.
   - **Scale**: The organization has a total of 9 forms and has conducted 7 email campaigns, indicating an active engagement with their audience.
   - **Impact Metrics**: Specific impact metrics were not detailed on the website, but the success of events like "Here Lyes Ye Body" suggests a strong community interest and participation.
   - **Volunteer Info**: There is an indication of volunteer involvement, particularly in historical research and event organization, but specific details were not provided on the website.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use a friendly and engaging tone that invites community participation. Avoid overly formal language; instead, aim for a conversational style that is accessible to a broad audience.
   - **Content Structure**: Organize information clearly, using headings and bullet points where appropriate to enhance readability.
   - **Call to Action**: Encourage participation in events and membership sign-ups, emphasizing the benefits of community engagement with local history.
   - **Imagery**: Use evocative and relevant images when possible to complement the historical narratives being shared.

This context profile provides a comprehensive overview of the Ridgefield Historical Society, guiding future content creation to align with their mission, values, and communication style.

LXCL:Discounted admission for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society to Mike Allen's illustrated presentation, Benedict Arnold: Connecticut’s Most Misunderstood Traitor, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall, 353 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.

Ticket for Members

LXCL:Regular admission for those who are not yet members of the Ridgefield Historical Society to Mike Allen's illustrated presentation, Benedict Arnold: Connecticut’s Most Misunderstood Traitor, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall, 353 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.

Ticket for Nonmembers

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Ridgefield Historical Society will host Mike Allen, former journalist and producer of the podcast Amazing Tales About History, who will present an illustrated talk, &ldquo;Benedict Arnold: Connecticut&rsquo;s Most Misunderstood Traitor,&rdquo; at St. Stephen&rsquo;s Church North Hall, 353 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. While Benedict Arnold is known locally as a hero of the Battle of Ridgefield, Allen will explore Arnold&rsquo;s life, battlefield achievements, and ultimate betrayal, including a detailed look at his attempt to hand over West Point to the British. Tickets are limited and non-refundable: $15 for Ridgefield Historical Society members and $20 for those who are not yet members. Tickets are available online here. To become a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society to enjoy discounted admission and other benefits, go to: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/" id="isPasted" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/</a> Benedict Arnold&rsquo;s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots&rsquo; most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. Following the rapid, consecutive deaths of three children, and a sharp downturn in his business, Benedict Arnold&rsquo;s father turned to alcohol. His dependence led to the collapse of his business and the ruination of the family&rsquo;s finances. The family thus had to abandon plans to send Benedict to Yale. Their social status collapsed. The teenager endured public ridicule when he had to routinely retrieve his inebriated father at taverns and from the local jail after his arrests for public drunkenness. All of this left young Arnold bitter and feeling somewhat cheated as well as under-appreciated in life, despite his considerable talents. Before he switched allegiances and joined the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side &ndash; a reputation that was well earned on several battlefields, including in Ridgefield. He was highly admired and trusted by George Washington. His brave exploits, though, left him virtually unable to walk, having been badly wounded twice in the same leg. Despite his success and sacrifices, promotions and honor eluded him. The impatient Arnold never seemed to see his own shortcomings in the art of diplomacy as playing a role in his situation. Criticism of his administrative leadership in Philadelphia led to a reprimand from Washington, an action that ultimately drove him to seek prestige, a higher rank, and more money fighting for the British. Mike Allen&nbsp;uses his background in journalism, radio broadcasting, podcasting and public speaking to bring history to life. He has hosted and produced the weekly podcast Amazing Tales About History since 2021, where he interviews experts on a variety of historical topics. Mike&rsquo;s journalism career includes documentary production at NPR&rsquo;s Boston affiliate WBUR as well as being news director at Connecticut radio station &nbsp;i-95 FM (WRKI-FM). He&rsquo;s also been published in The New York Times. Mike served as Press Secretary to the Mayor of Danbury, and, during a subsequent, 25-year corporate career, he worked, lived, and traveled internationally, specializing in marketing, communications, and public speaking. Mike has lived in Connecticut for more than 50 years and currently resides in Danbury. For more information contact the Ridgefield Historical Society at <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org</a> or 203-438-5821, or view <a fr-original-style="" href="http://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org</a>. Painting: Benedict Arnold by Thomas Hart - From the Anne S. K. Brown Collection at Brown University

Hi <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you for purchasing tickets to Mike Allen&#39;s illustrated presentation, Benedict Arnold: Connecticut&rsquo;s Most Misunderstood Traitor, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at St. Stephen&rsquo;s Church North Hall, 353 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. Printed tickets aren&#39;t required, check in with your name at the door. The Ridgefield Historical Society is thrilled to present this exciting America 250 program. To learn more, get involved, and support our work to preserve and share Ridgefield&#39;s remarkable history go to:<a fr-original-style="" href="https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/</a> Warm regards,Stephen BartkusExecutive DirectorRidgefield Historical Society

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Ridgefield Historical Society will host Mike Allen, former journalist and producer of the podcast Amazing Tales About History, who will present an illustrated talk, “Benedict Arnold: Connecticut’s Most Misunderstood Traitor,” at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall, 353 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. While Benedict Arnold is known locally as a hero of the Battle of Ridgefield, Allen will explore Arnold’s life, battlefield achievements, and ultimate betrayal, including a detailed look at his attempt to hand over West Point to the British. Tickets are limited and non-refundable: $15 for Ridgefield Historical Society members and $20 for those who are not yet members. Tickets are available online here. To become a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society to enjoy discounted admission and other benefits, go to: <a href="https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/" target="_blank">https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/</a> Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. Following the rapid, consecutive deaths of three children, and a sharp downturn in his business, Benedict Arnold’s father turned to alcohol. His dependence led to the collapse of his business and the ruination of the family’s finances. The family thus had to abandon plans to send Benedict to Yale. Their social status collapsed. The teenager endured public ridicule when he had to routinely retrieve his inebriated father at taverns and from the local jail after his arrests for public drunkenness. All of this left young Arnold bitter and feeling somewhat cheated as well as under-appreciated in life, despite his considerable talents. Before he switched allegiances and joined the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side – a reputation that was well earned on several battlefields, including in Ridgefield. He was highly admired and trusted by George Washington. His brave exploits, though, left him virtually unable to walk, having been badly wounded twice in the same leg. Despite his success and sacrifices, promotions and honor eluded him. The impatient Arnold never seemed to see his own shortcomings in the art of diplomacy as playing a role in his situation. Criticism of his administrative leadership in Philadelphia led to a reprimand from Washington, an action that ultimately drove him to seek prestige, a higher rank, and more money fighting for the British. Mike Allen uses his background in journalism, radio broadcasting, podcasting and public speaking to bring history to life. He has hosted and produced the weekly podcast Amazing Tales About History since 2021, where he interviews experts on a variety of historical topics. Mike’s journalism career includes documentary production at NPR’s Boston affiliate WBUR as well as being news director at Connecticut radio station  i-95 FM (WRKI-FM). He’s also been published in The New York Times. Mike served as Press Secretary to the Mayor of Danbury, and, during a subsequent, 25-year corporate career, he worked, lived, and traveled internationally, specializing in marketing, communications, and public speaking. Mike has lived in Connecticut for more than 50 years and currently resides in Danbury. For more information contact the Ridgefield Historical Society at <a href="mailto:info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org" target="_blank">info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org</a> or 203-438-5821, or view <a href="http://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org" target="_blank">ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org</a>. Painting: Benedict Arnold by Thomas Hart - From the Anne S. K. Brown Collection at Brown University

Ridgefield Historical Society

Benedict Arnold: Connecticut’s Most Misunderstood Traitor

353 Main St

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