Blog - Westport Historical Society

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Jenny ONeill

Westport Point images

A collection of images of Westport Point, late 1800s, showing dredging of the Harbor, Main Road, the old Point bridge and the bridge to Masquasatch.

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Jenny ONeill

A collection of materials relating to the history of Westport skiffs and boat builders such as Fred Hart, George Hart and Jim Vaughan as well as Scott Gifford’s Macomber 15 skiff. Donated by Howie Gifford 2024.023

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Jenny ONeill

Edith Camara Collection

A collection of photographs of Westport Point, Horseneck Beach, Remington’s Clambake donated by Edith Camara.

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Jenny ONeill

Help us transcribe the journal of Henry Smith!

Volunteer opportunity Are you looking for a challenging and educational volunteer opportunity? The Westport Historical Society seeks a team of volunteers to transcribe the contents of the Henry Smith journal. Volunteers will transcribe the handwritten pages of this journal and will explore the themes of local history that will be illuminated during this project. Much […]

Posted on May 29, 2024 by Jenny ONeill

Risky Business: Following the threads of Westport’s short-lived silkworm enterprise

By Jenny O’Neill A most exotic and little-known aspect of Westport’s agricultural history is the activity known as “sericulture” — the production of silk, the rearing of silkworms, and the cultivation of mulberry trees. The story remains incomplete and somewhat fragmented, with strands found within correspondence and journals chronicling the lives of the Macomber family of Central Village. […]

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Jenny ONeill

Handy House Artist-in-residence: Discover the lost art of cyanotypes!

Make your own cyanotype! Pre-register to attend a workshop at the Handy House, 202 Hix Bridge Road, Westport MA: 10 AM – 12 PM Wednesday July 10 Cyanotype workshop Pre-register HERE for July 10 10 AM -12 PM Wednesday August 14 Cyanotype workshop Pre-register HERE for August 14 Westport Historical Society’s Handy House will […]

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Jenny ONeill

Bob Pierce, Life on the Westport River

Life on the Westport River, Westport MA in the 1950s/1960s/1970s Bob Pierce with Richie Earle and Russell Walters May 2024 Topics discussed: Eel fishing off Donovans Lane Cold winters Ice skating on the river Best time to catch eels was in winter when the water was still cold Warmer weather made eels more oily […]

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Jenny ONeill

Hurricane! ’38 ’54 ’91

Hurricane! 1938, 1954, 1991 Handy House 202 Hix Bridge Road, Westport MA 10 AM – 1 PM Wednesdays/Saturdays June 26 – September 21, 2024 An exhibition of three historic Westport hurricanes Climate extremes have been a daily topic in recent years. This exhibition will look back at the impact of the Hurricane of 1938, Hurricane […]

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Jenny ONeill

Anne Higginson Spicer (died 1935)

WOMEN OF WESTPORT POINT Anne Higginson Spicer (died 1935) 8 Cape Bial Lane, Westport Point Poet, gardener, furniture maker, wood carver, artist Westport Point became the summer retreat for a number of Chicago-based educators and artists who were active in the late 19th century Arts and Crafts movement (centered at Hull House). Westport’s environment was […]

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Jenny ONeill

Mary Almy Wing Sowle (1898-1981)

WOMEN OF WESTPORT POINT Mary Almy Wing Sowle (July 23, 1898-September 12, 1981) A helper and carer 1881 Main Road, Westport Point A remembrance by Glenda Broadbent In order to distinguish Mary A.W. from other Mary Sowles she was affectionately referred to as “Mary Til” or” Mary up the road” referring to her […]