Spearheaded by Ridgefield community leaders, supported by the Historic Preservation Fund of the State of Connecticut’s Commission on Culture & Tourism and prominent local foundations, the Campaign for
Old Hundred will assure the future of a Main Street treasure. Our goal is to make The Aldrich Museum’s
administration building worthy of its place amongst Ridgefield’s first family of buildings along Main
Street. The restored Old Hundred will complement The Aldrich’s new Museum facility, designed to be a
perfect fit in the historic district and completed in 2004.
Old Hundred has graced Ridgefield’s historic thoroughfare since 1783. On a street where once Yankee
patriots marched to meet British Redcoats, its once elegant façade is now in need of restoration and
preservation.
In addition to funding the conservation of this Ridgefield landmark, the Campaign for Old Hundred will
restore the building to its former glory by reconstructing Old Hundred’s circa-1900 front porch.
Constructed by Joshua King and James Dole, two lieutenants in the Revolutionary War, the building
earned its nickname after being used for one hundred years (1783-1883) as the local general store, meeting
hall, and Ridgefield’s first post office. In 1883 Grace King Ingersoll, a descendant of Lt. King, remodeled
the building and made it her home. From 1929 until 1964, when founder Larry Aldrich bought
the premises for his new museum, it housed the First Church of Christ, Scientist.
Old Hundred seen from Ridgefield’s historic Main Street