Posted on November 28, 2025 by Jenny ONeill

Beginning in 1780, the Militia Act (St. 1780, Ch. 21) allowed Quakers to be exempt from military service in the Revolutionary War on the grounds of their religious pacifism. However, because of their exemption, they were required to pay the expenses for raising men in their place for military service along with an additional 10% […]

Posted on November 25, 2025 by Jenny ONeill

Have you been watching Ken Burn’s documentary on the American Revolution? Has this sparked curiosity about how Westport responded to these tumultuous events? This winter, our community’s own revolutionary story will be explored through an effort to transcribe the town meeting records dating from 1760 – 1790. “In Our Own Words: The Path to Independence” […]

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Jenny ONeill

A 19th-century farmer, whaling agent, and quaker Westport, Massachusetts Transcribed by a team of volunteers in 2025 Read the full journal here or download a PDF: https://wpthistory.org/henry-smith-journal-1853-1861/ Summary of Henry Smith’s Journal (1853-1861) The journal of Henry Smith, spanning from 1853 to 1861, details his daily life, business dealings, and family activities in Westport, Massachusetts. […]

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Jenny ONeill

We need your help! Please sign up to volunteer at the Handy House Artisan Fair on Saturday September 20, 2025!

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Jenny ONeill

By Jenny O’Neill The following article summarizes a presentation given to Cadmans Neck Improvement Association in July 2025. Many years ago, I dipped my toe into Cadman’s Neck history, and presented a program about the camp meetings. It was my first introduction to the story of this community. I simply couldn’t believe what I found. […]

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Jenny ONeill

One June afternoon at the age of seven in 1955, my mother and I were picking daffodils at the end of our east laneway. Our house was located at 47 Howland Road across from the Acoaxet Chapel. In the distance we heard a tractor coming up the Cross road and turning onto Howland Road. As […]

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Jenny ONeill

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Jenny ONeill

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Jenny ONeill

By Lois Bradley Small  Rev 5/10/2025                                                                                                   […]