Native Americans in 19th-century Westport

“Like the fleeting years and days, Like all things that soon decay, Pass the Indian tribes away.”  (Daniel Ricketson, History of New Bedford, 1858) This lamentation was written by Daniel Ricketson, local historian, in 1858. Was Ricketson unaware of the many Native Americans living at the time in Dartmouth, whose ancestors had survived war and […]

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A Westporter at the Panama Canal

From our intern Mark Allen The Panama Canal is one of the greatest achievements in American ingenuity, and serves as the perfect symbol of an entire era of our politics. Despite the moral quandaries one might have with how we procured the land (starting a revolution in a sovereign nation and all), the Panama Canal […]

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John S. Babcock Miniature Furniture Collection

I suspect that many Westporters have in their possession a piece of John Babcock’s miniature furniture. Such pieces may be considered dollhouse furniture, but the level of craftsmanship elevates his work to something more than just toys for child’s play. Fortunately, the Westport Historical Society has a representative sample of this miniature furniture. Made by […]

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