WHS’ mission is to inspire the holistic discovery of our town’s history inclusive of our collective heritage and its place in the larger American story.
Ale To The Chief!
Events
Friday, February 22nd, 2019
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Toast President Washington on his 287th birthday with his favorite libation and nibbles! Join WHS as we serve ale made from Washington's own recipe as well as Madeira--his drink of choice. …Read More
“A Journey” Musical One-Woman Show
Events
Thursday, March 7th, 2019
6:00 pm - 8:15 pm
“A JOURNEY…” by Kimberly Wilson is an intimate look at the African American experience told through the eyes of African American women as performed by one-woman, professional actress and singer Kimberly Wilson. …Read More
Announcements
– Remembered exhibit free through Black History Month
– Memorialize Westport’s Enslaved Peoples
– Museum store closed for renovation
– Honor Your Loved One with a Brick!
Museum MusingsThe Forgotten of Main Street
In honor of Black History Month, we will look into the plight of the residents of 22 ½ Main Street. These residents made up the lion’s share of Westport’s African-American population, many of whom had been in the community since the 18th century when their ancestors were enslaved. The building at 22 ½ Main Street was the epicenter of a neighborhood that existed in alleyways between Elm Street and Main street with “1/2” numbers for their street addresses. The residents of 22 ½ Main Street represented citizens originally from the South who had come north to communities like Westport to seek work in what later became known as the Great Migration.