Eight Fairfield County historical organizations have banded together to create the “Great Letterboxing History Hunt.” The event begins May 3 and ends May 18 with a festive family get-together at the Wilton Historical Society May 18 from 4-5 p.m.. Letterboxing, which originated on the moors of Dartmoor, England, in the 1850s, is an outdoor walking or hiking activity that combines elements of orienteering, stamp art and puzzle-solving in a treasure hunt-style quest. This is a wonderful family activity, offering a chance to learn about reading maps, following clues and local history.
This is how Letterboxing works: Each participant carries with them a ”˜signature”™ stamp and the official Letterboxing History Hunt Map. Starting at any of the historical societies, the object is to follow clues to find a letterbox hidden on the property. All you need to get started is a nifty signature stamp and an ink pad. Just go to one of the historical societies listed, pick up the official Letterboxing History Hunt Map and clues there, or print one out at wiltonhistorical.org.
The event is collaboration between the Fairfield Museum and History Center, the Historical Society of Easton, the New Canaan Historical Society, the Norwalk Historical Society, Ridgefield”™s Keeler Tavern Museum, the Weston Historical Society, the Westport Historical Society and the Wilton Historical Society. Complete information about the Great Letterboxing History Hunt can be found at the event”™s “host” ”“ the Wilton Historical Society ”“ at wiltonhistorical.org.
