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 ...
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 ...
Join the Westport Museum as we welcome Clan Mother Shoran Waupatukuay Piper of the Golden Hill Paugussett tribe for a one-of-a-kind workshop about traditional Native healing techniques. Learn how to create a soothing salve ointment through this rare hands-on experience. Clan Mother Piper, in addition to being well-versed in indigenous healing methods, is the tribal ...
Participate in the spirit of giving this winter by donating a toy to a child in need! Westport Museum is once again collecting unwrapped toy donations to support Toys for Tot’s mission of delivering hope and joy to children this festive season. This year, Toys for Tots has a few areas of need that they ...
On a lazy Sunday you might pull on your sweatpants and throw on your favorite t-shirt, but what were Westporters wearing during their down time in the late 19th and early 20th century? While things have certainly changed, humans have always been looking for ways to unwind. From sports uniforms to bathing suits, what people ...
Would you like to have your vintage books evaluated? Ever wondered what stories they might tell other than what's written on the page? Make an appointment at the museum to meet with Michele Wan, proprietor of Head to Tail Books, to learn more about your old books. Examples of materials to bring for evaluation: 30-minute ...
Ever wanted to know how a dress from your favorite period drama was made? Have questions about fashion from the past? Join our Assistant Director, Nicole Carpenter, as she creates a reproduction gown based on 18th century examples and techniques. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions about the process of creating a gown, the history ...
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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.
