Ridgefield’s Great Estates Bus Tour

More than **20 grand estates that covered much of Ridgefield a century ago** will be the focus of a **bus tour** presented by the Ridgefield Historical Society, from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026.

Town Historian Jack Sanders, author of the book, ***Ridgefield’s Great Estates***, will bring the group to and sometimes through these grand properties during a **25-mile excursion of the town**, describing the grounds and mansions – some of which are still standing and have been repurposed. **Beginning and ending at Jesse Lee Church at 207 Main Street in Ridgefield**, the tour is entirely by mini school bus and will not include walking around or inside buildings. **Seating is limited to 16 people and is expected to sell out quickly**. Tickets for this unique opportunity are nonrefundable and priced at $75 or discounted at $65 for Ridgefield Historical Society members.

For a complete experience, tour-goers should bring their copies of ***Ridgefield’s Great Estates***, for illustrations to which Mr. Sanders will be referring throughout the trip. Copies may be ordered as an add-on at checkout and will be distributed at the bus tour. This book can also be purchased from our friends at Books on the Common. A couple of copies will be available on loan for the tour.

A Fairfield County native and graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, **Jack Sanders** retired in 2014 after 45 years as an editor of **The Ridgefield Press**. He’s written 20 books on Ridgefield history, and also created and administers the **“Old Ridgefield” group on Facebook,** which has more than 13,000 followers. He and his wife, Sally, a retired newspaper editor who is vice president of the Ridgefield Historical Society, live in a 250-year old farmhouse in Ridgefield.