Posted on November 10, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
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 […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 20, 2021 by Jenny ONeill
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 […]
Continue ReadingPosted on August 17, 2020 by Jenny ONeill
This study of the early history of the Westport Harbor / Acoaxet region of Westport, bordering Little Compton was written in 1907 by local historian Henry B. Worth. It includes information about: “Isaac Alderman” a Native American preacher Daniel Wilcox Native Americans: Jonotus and Sue Codimonk, Sam Pacachus Sylvester Richmond Asa Howland Places: Stephen’s Neck […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 24, 2020 by Jenny ONeill
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 […]
Continue ReadingPosted on February 7, 2020 by Jenny ONeill
One of the most cited reason for studying history is to learn from the past. While that is true, there is another key purpose that is mentioned far less often: reflection. Through this newspaper before us, the Boston Gazette, we can see a world not dissimilar from our own. In fact, you could even say […]
Continue ReadingPosted on February 6, 2020 by Jenny ONeill
This collection of vintage Valentine’s Day cards was donated by Betsy Acheson 2011.027.Which one is your favorite?
Continue ReadingPosted on December 19, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
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 […]
Continue ReadingPosted on December 5, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
Pond Meadow, the Gatsby-esque mansion in Acoaxet next to the Nubble, is truly one of the most magnificent pieces of architecture Westport has to offer. Surviving hurricanes for the past 101 years, the estate has become a town landmark due to not only its extravagance but the incredible view of the Atlantic from its grounds. […]
Continue ReadingPosted on May 14, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
Westport Historical Society Collection 2000.205.001 The Macomber Family of Central Village Hand Written By Marianna Macomber Typed By Margaret (Macomber) Douglas in 1970 (Miss. Marianna Macomber Passed Away in the 1960’s) FACTS, HEARSAY AND MEMORIES It is quite possible that nobody will care to read what I am writing, but yet it may be of […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 30, 2019 by Jenny ONeill
Penny and Alton Hadfield Collection WHS 2019.024 We recently received a collection of 178 photographs of Westport scenes taken in 1962. The collection was created by Penny Hadfield as part of a graduate course on urban/suburban growth and development in the Geography Department of Boston University. “I had to take the bus down from Boston […]
Continue Reading