About the Westport Museum for History & Culture

Westport Museum for History & Culture (WM), has been a cultural and educational organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and celebrating the history of Westport since its founding in 1889.

Our mission is to continually engage in scholarly research and examination of Westport’s history as part of the larger American story in order to encourage interest in recognizing and preserving the records, relics and historic sites of the Town of Westport and vicinity, thereby encouraging a holistic view of local and national history that is inclusive of the histories of all people and groups represented in American heritage

In fulfillment of this mission, WM maintains the Bradley-Wheeler House, an interactive museum including a gift shop and a half-acre property with free wi-fi. WM also hosts programs and events for children and adults including history happy hours, walking tours, author talks, film showings – all supporting our exhibits. In addition, WM stewards Adams Academy, a historic gem in town – an authentic one-room schoolhouse that was in operation from 1837-1867. WM manages extensive collections including archives, textiles, objects, historic structures and art which are used by curators, scholars, and educational institutions to foster historical exploration through the use of primary resources.

Bradley-Wheeler House, the museum’s headquarters, at 25 Avery Place, Westport, Connecticut, was purchased in 1981. The house, built in 1795, was remodeled in the Italianate style in the 19th Century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Connecticut Register of Historic Places as well as a Historic Landmark.
Built in 1865 the Cobblestone Barn is unique in the state of Connecticut with its eight-sided roof. The historic structure–used as a dairy–includes an underground ice house both popular on field trips and group tours.
Adams Academy, a 19th Century, one-room schoolhouse on its original site in Green’s Farms located at 15 Morningside Drive North, has been restored by the museum. Adams Academy is used for field trips by request.

Westport Museum wishes to recognize and honor the Paugussett people who are the indigenous communities native to this region, and recognize that Westport Museum and the Town of Westport was built on unceded indigenous homelands and resources.