Explore diverse experiences as you stroll through the riverside neighborhood of Saugatuck. Situated at the mouth of the Saugatuck River at the Long Island Sound, the area has been historically significant from before European colonization, through the 20th century. Explore commerce, including the Atlantic trade, as well as 19th and early 20th century immigrant and ...
Traverse downtown Westport and learn the hidden African American history of Westport, based on the Museum’s award-winning exhibit Remembered: The History of African Americans in Westport. Trained guides reveal the untold stories of the region’s Black community from colonial times through today. From enslaved people to soldiers, sailors, activists, artists, and respected citizens, this rich ...
A tornado closed the doors of the Barnum Museum in 2010. Since then, extensive repair and reconstruction have taken place at the Nationally Registered landmark. Now, for the first time a select number of visitors will be able to participate in an exclusive hard-hat tour to see the ongoing reimagining of the Barnum. This one-time ...
As a famous reporter investigating the rising National Socialist German Workers' Party in Germany, you’re not surprised to receive an invitation at the home of a top German General for a dinner party. After a tip that this General owns top-secret documents that could reveal vital information about what the Germans are planning, you accept. ...
As a famous reporter investigating the rising National Socialist German Workers' Party in Germany, you’re not surprised to receive an invitation at the home of a top German General for a dinner party. After a tip that this General owns top-secret documents that could reveal vital information about what the Germans are planning, you accept. ...
First Saturdays are a great opportunity to experience what we have to offer at the Westport Museum free of charge on the first Saturday of each month. Young visitors can enjoy a scavenger hunt in the museum, the diorama of Westport featuring an audio tour by Joanne Woodward, coloring pages, colonial games and more. Adult ...
Ever wondered why you shouldn’t walk on a grave or why there are so many skulls on tombstones? Do you know the story of Connecticut’s witch trials? Join WM Assistant Director Nicole Carpenter at the Greens Farms Lower Cemetery to discuss the 18th and 19th century superstitions associated with cemeteries and the dearly departed. Hear ...
Darkness, Inside the Mind of Connecticut’s Witches is a unique Halloween experience. Enter 1647 and witness the witch trials that European colonists experienced through their own words, in the darkness that pervaded their everyday lives. Sit with us in the dark and hear about superstitions of witchcraft and the belief that danger—both physical and supernatural—was ...
The Barnum Museum holds a world of wonders. From Tom Thumb’s miniature boots and carriages to ethnographic materials from cultures the world over, the museum’s collection is a veritable cabinet of curiosities. Even the most mundane seeming items have interesting stories regarding their use, creation, display, or history…and some are fakes which also weave an ...
The ghostly apparition of Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, has been resurrected for a special reading of his frightful tale about the Headless Horseman. Audiences of all ages are encouraged to hear an abbreviated version of his famous story in our historic barn. Enjoy light refreshments while you listen. Tickets free ...
Though the buildings are long gone, the site of the Westport Sanitarium—one of two in Westport—stood in what is, today, Winslow Park. Follow our docent through the park and discover the tales of the administrators, doctors and patients that lived and worked in the sanitariums. See images from the time and ear tales of heartbreak, ...
Sneak along the paths of downtown as you hear curious tales from the darker side of Westport’s past. Care for a stroll along the waters that once contained the runoff of the Embalmers Supply Company? Peek into the windows of the former Coffin Tack factory, rest at a speakeasy, and hear about the Westport Museum’s ...
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Browse recent events hosted by the Westport Museum for History and Culture. For more information about these events, please contact our team.
