Larry Aldrich purchased the historic building to contain his growing collection of art in 1964. The building was nicknamed "Old Hundred" because it served as a grocery and hardware store from 1783 to 1883 and as Ridgefield's first post office.
Beardsley is the only zoo in the state of Connecticut. It's exhibits include a South American rain forest with a free-flight aviary, a walk through prairie dog exhibit, and a petting zoo called "The New England Farmyard."