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.
The Danbury Raid of 1777: Presented free of charge
Events
Wednesday, April 24th, 2019
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
As many Westport residents may know, during the four-day raid, which was led by Maj. Gen. William Tryon, royal governor of the New York province and started on April 25, 1777, …Read More
Destination Westport: In Gatsby’s Shoes
Events
Saturday, April 27th, 2019
9:15 am - 11:30 am
Imagine it’s the summer of 1920. Westport is a sleepy farm community that lures New York’s most glamorous couple-F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald—to its shores. …Read More
Escape the Crate: The Final Words of Agent 355
Events
Saturday, April 27th, 2019
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Can you solve the mystery of Agent 355 also known as “The Lady”—a female spy working for George Washington? Use materials from our collection and clues left on our grounds by the 18th century spy to solve our “Escape the Crate”. Discover the artifact left by Agent 355 and create a new chapter in Westport history*! …Read More
History Book Discussion: Paul Revere’s Ride
Events
Sunday, April 28th, 2019
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer. One of the foremost American historians offers the first serious look at the events of the night of April 18, 1775—what led up to it, what really happened, and what followed—uncovering a truth far more remarkable than the myths of tradition. …Read More
Dragon Lady: The Life of Sigrid Schultz
On New Year’s Day in 1935, Sigrid Schultz witnessed raucous celebrations in Germany’s Black Forest. Shooting rifles into the air, the members of the fast-rising National Socialist party celebrated their leader’s rising hegemony over the German political landscape. Their leader was Adolf Hitler and they were Nazis. Schultz recorded all she saw and sent it via telegram to her editor at The Chicago Tribune: “…year two of Hitler’s Fuehrer Germany finds Germany …Read More »
The Forgotten of Main Street
“We the undersigned residents of 22 ½ Main street, respectfully petition the town government to help us secure decent, low-rent housing for ourselves and our families.” As reported by the Westport Town Crier on December 22nd 1949, these words formed a petition from the residents of the building which housed 70 people including four WWII veterans which was presented to the Westport Board of Selectmen. In honor of Black History Month, we …Read More »