Posted on August 7, 2026 by Jenny ONeill
August 3, 2026 Listen Transcribed using AI Summary created by AI This interview transcript features a conversation between Susan Montgomery (interviewer) and Russell Walters on August 3, 2026, in Westport, Massachusetts. Key Summary Points Early Memories & Hurricane Carol: Russell first came to Westport as a young child with his mother to visit family friends. […]
Continue ReadingPosted on March 2, 2026 by Jenny ONeill
1976 was a busy year for Westporters. Local headlines record youthful unrest at the Head of Westport, and worries about a night soil lagoon, the sand and gravel pit, and hog cholera. However, the Bicentennial celebrations proved to be a more positive outlet, inspiring many community projects such as an exhibition, tree planting at the […]
Continue ReadingPosted on February 27, 2026 by Jenny ONeill
Jeremiah Greenman (1758–1828): A career soldier who served for eight years, Greenman is notable for keeping a detailed personal record titled “Diary of a Common Soldier in the American Revolution.” During the war, his father moved from Newport to Westport (Acoaxet) and Jeremiah visited his family frequently. He was constantly on the move throughout the […]
Continue ReadingPosted on December 24, 2025 by Jenny ONeill
By Jenny O’Neill, Westport Historical Society A recent donation to the collection of the Westport Historical Society prompted a re-examination of the street railway system (electric powered trolleys) that once connected Southcoast communities. The early 1900s was an era of trolley lines and ambitious but doomed plans to connect Horseneck Beach to Fall River […]
Continue ReadingPosted 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% […]
Continue ReadingPosted 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” […]
Continue ReadingPosted 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. […]
Continue ReadingPosted 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!
Continue ReadingPosted 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. […]
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