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.
History Book Discussions
Events
Sunday, March 24th, 2019
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Triangle: The Fire That Changed America by David von Drehle is a poignantly detailed account of the 1911 disaster that horrified the country and changed the course of twentieth-century politics and labor relations. …Read More
Saugatuck Social – No Charge
Events
Thursday, March 28th, 2019
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Westport Historical Society began in Saugatuck in 1889. Members read interesting historical documents aloud or shared local stories. …Read More
Brewing Workshop Series
Events
Saturday, March 30th, 2019
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Interested in learning the historic craft of brewing beer? Join us for a three-part series where you will learn the basics of brewing with Full Moon Brewing, brewer TJ Elgin, …Read More
Tuesday Treasures
Events
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Ever see “Mysteries at the Museum” or “Night at the Museum”? Now’s your chance to see the highlights of your very own local museum! …Read More
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.