Jenny ONeill, Author at Westport Historical Society

Posted on November 17, 2021 by Jenny ONeill

SOME WESTPORT AND DARTMOUTH ROADS DESCRIBED IN “OLD DARTMOUTH HIGHWAY RECORDS 1705-1786″ by Richard Gifford

The following are some extracts from Old Dartmouth Highway Records 1705-1786, which can be accessed online at dartmouthhas.org. Without a knowledge of the location of the early homesteads, the modern reader would find it impossible to know, in most cases, which modern road is being referred to. Thus as the first line in each entry […]

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Jenny ONeill

George Sisson Civil War letters

We share a recent discovery of letters written by George F. Sisson during his service as a private in the 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. For towns in Northern states such as Westport, the impact of the Civil War was felt most keenly through the personal experiences of soldiers and the human cost of lives […]

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Jenny ONeill

Crossing the River

I often think about the following account of an encounter with three runaway slaves near Hix Bridge when I drive across the bridge. It is easy to picture them making their way down Hix Bridge Road towards the safety of New Bedford, probably passing by the Handy House on their way to cross the bridge. […]

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Jenny ONeill

On the Road: Tracing the history, local lore and controversies of Westport’s highways, ancient ways, streets and corners

What are the origins of the names of our roads? How did Sodom Road get its name? How have roads developed and changed over time? The 1831 map of Westport reveals a familiar network of roads, one that we recognize today, shaped by waterways, maritime and agricultural activities yet constrained by the two […]

Posted on May 27, 2021 by Jenny ONeill

Jim Pierce

Jim Pierce interviewed by Mary Giles

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Jenny ONeill

James Vaughan

An interview with James Vaughan

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Jenny ONeill

Westport’s Poetic History: In Celebration of National Poetry Month

Local history research can lead to some unexpected discoveries. What began as an effort to highlight some poetry found in the Westport Historical Society’s collection, has led to a deeper exploration into the history of Westport’s cultural past. Westport’s seclusion and natural beauty has served to attract, inspire and rejuvenate artists and writers for […]

Posted on April 9, 2021 by Jenny ONeill

John Stevens of Annibon Island and Westport, Massachusetts

Written by Betty Slade, 2021 This is the story about John Stevens, an African man who came to America in the mid-19th century not as a slave but as a free man, married a Native woman and raised a family in Westport Point. He arrived just before the Civil War in Westport Point, Massachusetts. He […]

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Jenny ONeill

Westport Women Taking Care of History

Written by Jenny O’Neill and Betty Slade It is striking how many women have been leaders in the effort to preserve Westport’s history. This series of profiles celebrates the contribution made by Westport women towards historic preservation, whether through documentation, education, building restoration, artistic expression, writings, and activism. A common thread that links many of […]

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Jenny ONeill

A Celebratory Bell Ringing

We are so pleased to be able to share a celebratory bell ringing with our community. (Thank you to Merri Cyr for creating this wonderful video.) The Westport Historical Society gratefully recognizes the generous support provided by a Community Preservation Act grant for the restoration of the tower and roof, and the restoration of […]