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 inspire the holistic discovery of our town’s history inclusive of our collective heritage and its place in the larger American story

In fulfillment of this mission, WM maintains the Bradley-Wheeler House, an interactive museum including a gift shop and a half-acre property with wi-fi, games and art recreation that is open, free of charge, for public enjoyment. 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 cellar 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 our annual first grade tours and other field trips.

Westport Museum wishes to acknowledge and honor the Paugusset 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.