Litchfield Historical Society Hosts Sixth Annual Scarecrows in the Meadow

There are many ways to get into the spirit of the season—and Litchfield Historical Society offered a display of 60, hosting its sixth annual Scarecrows in the Meadow from Oct. 18 to Nov. 2. 

“This was a banner year,” Litchfield Historical Society Head of Education Kate Zullo said, noting they had the “most ever” scarecrows since the tradition began in 2020. Typically, Zullo said, they have had numbers in the mid 50s, averaging between 53 and 56.

Taking place in Tapping Reeve Meadow, Zullo estimated the two-week event drew more than 6,000 attendees. This year kicked off with an opening celebration the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 18, that included fall crafts, games, and refreshments, attended by about 300.

“The opening day event is really just an opportunity for us to let people know the scarecrows are up and ready, and to give us a chance to say thank you,” Zullo said. During opening day, Zullo said the scarecrow creators, sponsors, donors, and visitors are all thanked for their participation.

Scarecrows are created by area families, friend groups, businesses, schools, and nonprofits.

“It’s a real representation of everyone across our community,” Zullo said. 
Zullo explained that people are encouraged to have their scarecrow represent themself or their organization. For example, a preschool crafted a scarecrow based on the popular children’s book character “Pete the Cat.”

The 2025 sponsors included O&G Industries, Burlington Construction Co., Inc., The Clothes Tree, Lost Fox Inn, and Litchfield Prevention Council. There was no charge to visit the scarecrows.

Scarecrows in the Meadow dates back to 2020, when Litchfield Historical Society, which typically hosted a fall-time event, wanted to mark the fall season without encouraging people to gather during the pandemic at a one-day event. Zullo described calling friends and asking them to create a scarecrow for the inaugural event, which featured a display of 12 scarecrows.

“It was such a hit,” Zullo said of the first year. “People loved it.”
Since the event runs for two weeks, people could visit after school or on the weekend, Zullo explained. 

“It really resonated with the community,” Zullo added. “We decided to just go for it and keep it going.”

Looking forward to 2026, Zullo said Scarecrows in the Meadow will “absolutely” be back. Next year, with America celebrating its 250th birthday, Zullo said the historical society is considering adding a voting category for the “most historical” scarecrow.

The Litchfield Historical Society, which dates back to 1856, is dedicated to preserving the history of Litchfield through “dynamic exhibits, diverse programs, growing collections, and innovative research.” In addition to Tapping Reeve Meadow, it is comprised of Litchfield History Museum, Helga J. Ingraham Memorial Library, and Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School.

“We make the past usable, connecting our community and audiences with their history and culture to chart a way forward,” read the historical society’s mission. 
Zullo, who grew up in Litchfield and graduated from Litchfield High School, has been head of education for the historical society for nine years.

Tapping Reeve Meadow — the land surrounding Tapping Reeve House — is a “community resource with landscape elements” that would have been present on the site and in Litchfield in the 18th to 20th centuries, according to the historical society. It has been reimagined to introduce audiences of all ages to the “natural world” as a “lens for better understanding our past.”

Site features include a children’s garden, education pavilion, small orchard, chestnut grove, wet meadow, stone walls, and traditional fencing. It is open from dawn to dusk throughout the year.