The Fairfield Museum and History Center, located at 370 Beach Road, offers multiple guided walking tours by local historians. Both self-guided and guided tours with Museum Guides and Educators invite visitors to explore the museums captivating exhibits and regional history while enjoying the beautiful setting of Fairfield’s historic sites. These guided tours are said to ‘both deepen understanding and encourage learning.' Local clubs, organizations and tour bus groups are welcomed. Each tour lasts approximately one hour and can be tailored to meet your group’s interests. Visitors are encouraged to explore the historic sites, the historic town green and the gardens behind the Burr Mansion. Indoor lunchroom facilities are available, as is ample parking.
The Town Hall Green Walking Tour
Learn the fascinating colonial history of Fairfield, including the establishment of the towns original ‘four squares’ in 1639 and the historic British invasion that took place in 1779. Learn about the ‘witch dunking experiment’ at Edwards Pond, the legacy of the Sun Tavern and more.
The 1750 Ogden House Tour
Enjoy docent-led tours of the 1750 Ogden House and see how people lived in the 18th century. The house is furnished with period objects including textiles and fine pieces of furniture with Fairfield provenance. Enjoy a stroll through the kitchen garden generously maintained by the Fairfield Garden Club, while viewing plantings used in colonial times. The Ogden House is registered in the National Register of Historic places and is an exceptional survivor of a classic mid-18th century farmhouse. It is located at 1520 Bronson Road.
Burning of Fairfield Walking Tour
This walking tour specifically explores the history and events surrounding the attack on Fairfield by the British on July 7, 1779. View significant sites on the historic town green while listening to first person accounts read by costumed interpreters.
This program is part of the CT Forest & Park Association, the oldest conservation organization in the state. It was established to connect people with the outdoors, build awareness of CT’s valuable resources, develop routes for non-motorized transportation and to promote healthy living in CT.
Bird Watching
Guided bird watching tours are a wonderful way to relax and enjoy nature’s bounty. The CT Audubon Society offers tours. For more information please visit www.ctbirding.org.
Self-guided tours are perfect for intrepid explorers who want to take the spirit of adventure one step further. On this website visitors can browse information of CT pathways and trails. You can also find family friendly outings and connect with like-minded people.
Guided outings are also offered on WalkCT’s website, some of which include Family Rambles, Blue-Blazed hiking trails and Family Guides. These free CFPA sponsored outings are led by trained volunteers throughout the year and are designed to introduce families to the joys and benefits of spending time together outdoors.
Another recommended source: www.ctvisit.com.
“All walking is discovery, on foot we take time to see things whole”, Hal Borland.
