Westport Museum for History and Culture

Playful Pastimes Opening Reception
2024-03-08 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Join us for the opening of our newest exhibit Playful Pastimes that explores the golden age of “accessible leisure” when everyday folks found themselves with leisure time and extra cash. See how Americans indulged in a variety of fun hobbies and activities from sand and surf to ports, board games, the circus or even bicycle races to name a few. You’ll glimpse unique artifacts from the Museum’s collection including images and artifacts from Staples High School’s earliest sports teams, a wooden bicycle, an homage to silent film and much more. Be the first to see this interactive big-top style exhibit throughout the Museum’s spaces.

Become a Museum member and enjoy a private tour from 4 to 5pm. Refreshments will be served throughout the opening.

Truffle-Making Class
2024-02-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Just in time for Valentines Day, learn how to make your very own chocolate in our truffle-making class taught by Alina Dancho, a professional pastry chef and owner of Alina’s Cakes & Cookies with locations in Fairfield and Westport! Enjoy your delicious final product yourself or give it as a gift. While you make your truffles, our Executive Director, Ramin Ganeshram, a trained chef, food historian and award-winning cookbook author, will share some exciting tidbits about chocolate history.

Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. Register online using the form below.

Workshops are limited to 12 participants. Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt.

Generously sponsored by

Why not bring a group? Our historic foodways workshops are a delicious team-building activity, party or family fun day and a wonderful opportunity try something new and take away a delicious souvenir. If you’re interested in a private event, please contact programs@westporthistory.org.

Vintage Valentine Cupid Kit
2024-01-30 11:00 - 2024-02-14 17:00 | CT
Drop in and make your own unique card for the sweethearts in your life with a Westport Museum Vintage Valentine Cupid Kit. Each kit includes vintage-themed supplies to create your very own antique-styled greeting cards, a goose feather to make a quill pen with a link on our YouTube tutorial on quill cutting and a sample of vintage calligraphy to copy.

Participants may drop in anytime between 11am and 5pm to make cards in the Museum’s program gallery. Can’t stay? Cupid kits will be available for purchase in the museum’s shop to make your heartfelt creations at home.

Tickets $5 to cover supplies. Reservations are recommended, sign up below.

Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt.

Free First Saturdays
2023-09-02 11:00 - 17:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
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 visitors will enjoy our wide array of exhibits. Our 2023 exhibitions include Legacy: The Adairs of Westport, Bittersweet: Chocolate in the American Colonies, I Thee Wed: Bridal Fashion from the Collections, Reluctant Liberators: Westport in the Civil War, Becoming Westport, and our local history gallery.

Cultural Fellowship
2023-12-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Embark on a global celebration at Westport Museum for History & Culture’s inaugural Cultural Fellowship on December 12th. Immerse yourself in the magic of Diwali, Chanukah, Persian Solstice, Chinese Solstice, Kwanzaa, Watch Night, and Three Kings Day.

Explore enchanting tables, savor delectable treats, and engage with passionate speakers. This isn’t just an event; it’s an immersive experience celebrating unity, diversity, and the pure magic of winter festivities worldwide. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey! Everyone is welcome.

This is a free event offered on the grounds of the museum. Like our programs? We’d appreciate your support! Suggested donation of $5, continues our unique programming. Visit our donation form.

Join us for more Holly Days programs, festive activities for the whole family! Click here to explore more.

Generously sponsored by Vein Institute, Speech and Feeding Kids, and Village Pediatrics

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
2023-12-09 11:30 - 15:30 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Grab your favorite person and decorate your very own gingerbread cookie for the holiday season!

Each pair receives their choice of two gingerbread cookies, assorted candy, and icing to decorate as well as staff to give recommendations. These cookies will be a delicious seasonal souvenir. A great activity for parents and children, couples, and friends to be together during the most festive time of the year.

Reservations may be made at 11:30 am, 1 pm or 2:30 pm; each workshop lasts for approximately 60 minutes. Workshops are limited to 6 pairs during each time slot, save your spot in the form below before we sell out!

Tickets for our workshop are $15 for non-members, and $10 for members and include all materials.

Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt.

Cookies provided by Alina’s Cakes & Cookies

Join us for more Holly Days programs, festive activities for the whole family! Click here to explore more.

Ornament Making
2023-12-04 17:30 - 18:30 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Journey across the street after enjoying the lighting of the town evergreen for ornament making in the museum’s newly renovated barn. Enjoy carols while sipping coco and crafting one-of-a-kind ornaments to decorate your home for the season.

Drop-in to create your unique decoration and peruse our shop for holiday gifts—your purchases support the museum too! Museum members receive a discount in our shop, including holiday merchandise and year-round programs.

$5 entry includes coco and all materials for your group of four. Parking is available behind Town hall and on Myrtle Avenue.

Join us for more Holly Days programs, festive activities for the whole family! Click here to explore more.

Winter Market
2023-12-02 09:00 - 16:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Winter Market exclusive members’ only hour begins at 9 am! Be the first to peruse the offerings of our local vendors, including wreaths by the Westport Garden Club, and unique seasonal and Westport-themed items from the Museum’s shop. Buy your Family level membership today to beat the crowds during the early member hour.

This family-friendly winter market will bring the holiday spirit to downtown Westport. View our gingerbread village of local buildings, explore our local vendor booths, enjoy the warming fire and hot chocolate, and much more. Our vendors include:

The Westport Garden Club, The Silhouette Lady, Golden Hill Paugussett Clan Mother Shoran Waupatukuay Piper, Anna’s Hummingbird, The Whimsical Redhead, And Romeo, Bamu Bamu Fire Club, Libby’s Sewing Garage, Made By Mama, Wild Women Coffee, Alina’s Cakes & Cookies, Blossom + Stem Floral Design, Jennie Lupinacci, and Westport is the Bestport

While you shop, visit Santa and get a photograph! Santa is double checking his list and will have a candy cane or sticker for each visitor.

While you’re here have a one-of-a-kind hand cut silhouette crafted right before your eyes. Reservations for silhouette appointments may be made in the form below.

This is a free event offered on the grounds of the museum. Like our programs? We’d appreciate your support! Suggested donation of $5, continues our unique programming. Visit our donation form.

Join us for more Holly Days programs, festive activities for the whole family! Click here to explore more.

Book Signing “Red Road: Traditional Voice of Afro-Indigenous American”
2023-11-28 18:30 - 20:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Paugussett Clan Mother Shoran Waupatukuay Piper will speak about her book Red Road, about navigating and understanding the traditional ways of Afro-Indigenous American and Indigenous Americans. A book signing will immediately follow the discussion.

This is a free event but registration is required, please use the from below. Like our programs? We’d appreciate your support! Suggested donation of $5, continues our unique programming. Visit our donation form.

Join us for more Holly Days programs, festive activities for the whole family! Click here to explore more.

Holiday Wreath Workshop
2023-11-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Make your very own festive décor at our holiday wreath workshop. Celebrate the yuletide season by creating your own one-of-a-kind evergreen wreath. Led by the Westport Garden Club, your personal creation will add a touch of jovial cheer to your home.

Included in your registration is one 20”-26″ evergreen wreath, a decorative bow, natural trim, and embellishments. We encourage you to bring your own gloves and any favorite decor, ornaments or trimmings you might like to use.

Tickets for our workshop are $55 per person for non-members, $45 for members. Our holiday wreath workshop is limited to 12 attendees, save your spot with the reservation form below before we sell out!

A waiting list is available if all spaces are sold, email programs@westprthistory.org to be placed on the list. Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt.

Not feeling crafty? Visit the Museum’s Winter Market on December 2nd to purchase a decorated wreath created by the Westport Garden Club.

Join us for more Holly Days programs, festive activities for the whole family! Click here to explore more.

Modern Chocolate Tasting
2023-11-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Join Westport Museum and Chocolatieree, Westport’s local chocolatier, to see a demonstration of how modern chocolate is made and try some delicious samples. Laureen Haynes, master chocolatier, will talk about the modern process and flavors, while our Executive Director, a trained chef and food historian, will discuss the history before trying some delicious samplings.

Tickets $35 for members, $45 for non-members. Reservations are required, register below. Workshops limited to 15 participants.

Included in your ticket are five gourmet chocolates and additional chocolate ingredients. Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt.

Why not bring a group? Workshops are a wonderful opportunity for your company get-together or a family outing. If you’re interested in a private event please contact programs@westporthistory.org.

Visit our Bittersweet exhibition to see how Westport is connected to the chocolate trade.

Sponsored by American Heritage Chocolate.

Master of Stone: A Bus Tour of Frazier Peters Homes in Westport
2023-11-05 13:00 - 17:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Join us on a bus tour with HisTOURy to see and learn about a collection of this Connecticut icon’s works! Architect Frazier Forman Peters, had a signature stone style. Between 1924 and 1936 he designed and built over 40 such stone homes in Westport alone, and many more in surrounding towns. We will see a great collection of some 20 of these homes, discussing their beautiful designs and special histories along the way. Several one-of-a-kind interior tours will also be included!

The bus will depart from the Westport Museum.

Tickets $75 for adults, $49 for students. A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Museum. Reservations are required, register online at histoury.org/historical-tour-calendar-and-tickets

A discount is available for Museum members from September 22nd through September 29th. Join today at westporthistory.org/support/membership and receive the discount code.

Cocktails & Collections
2023-10-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Come sip a cocktail and view special pieces from the museum’s collection! This event is for members to enjoy private access to our newly renovated historic barn space and never-seen-before collections.

Registration is recommended for members.

Cocktails and Collections is an exclusive, 21+ members-only event. Interested in joining? Become a member now!

Into the Sanitarium Escape Room
2023-10-14 11:30 - 2024-06-29 20:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Can you go into the Sanitarium escape room and make it out? Can you uncover the truth of the Westport Sanitarium? Rumors have spread of strange goings on inside the patient wing. Like the famed Nelly Bly, you are a reporter who has gone inside the sanitarium to investigate but find yourself locked inside the doctor’s private office. Your group of up to ten people have one hour before the sanitarium staff return and begin your treatment.

This is a great group activity! Wonderful for birthdays, company activities or a club outing. Fun for the whole family, this escape room is recommended for children over eight. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Groups of 2-10 people. Reservations are required, select your date and time online. Reservations close 48 hours prior to their posted start date. You may make your reservation private for an additional $10 per group.

Purchase your tickets online here. To book a private session or use your member discount, please call the museum at (203)-222-1424.

Time slots are available Tuesdays-Thursdays from 11:30 am to 5 pm; on Fridays and Saturdays slots run from 11:30 am through 8 pm. All reservations last for 60 minutes, with the recommendation of arriving 15 minutes prior to your start time.

Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt. Groups arriving 15 minutes after their reservation start time will have their reservation cancelled without a refund.

Online waiver acknowledgment is required prior to entry into the escape room. Those 17 and under must have the waiver signed by a parent or guardian. The room is not suitable for individuals with pacemakers.

Made possible, in part, by generous sponsorship by Cohen & Wolfe

Thursday Treasure: Dolls
2023-10-05 18:00 - 18:30 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Whether you find them creepy or cute, dolls remain popular toys and collectibles amongst children and adults. From the sweet to the sinister, take a look at dolls housed in the museum’s collection. Just as the famous Annabelle doll calls Connecticut home, you may find some… hauntingly beautiful dolls right here in Westport. Make sure to let us know if one starts moving on its own – these dolls aren’t mechanical!

Thursday Treasures is a Westport Museum programming series showcasing objects from the collection not normally on public view. See and hear the stories behind some of the most unique, mysterious, and impactful artifacts in our community.

To watch live and ask questions, join our YouTube broadcast here.

Like our programs? We’d appreciate your support! Suggested donation of $5 continues our unique programming. Visit our donation form.

Join us for more Spooktober programs, exploring the darker side of history. Click here to explore more.

“Who Was Accused in the Salem Witch Trials?: Tituba” with Illustrator Rowan MacColl
2023-09-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Join us for an in-person discussion with the illustrator of Who Was Accused in the Salem Witch Trials?: Tituba, a graphic novel exploring the Salem witch trials through the eyes of Tituba, one of the first women to be accused of witchcraft.

Follow the terrifying events of the 1692 Salem witch trials from the perspective of Tituba, an enslaved woman who was accused of bewitching two girls, Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams, during this harrowing, historic period. A story of speculation, mass hysteria, and survival, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves into this haunting moment in American history—brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page.

Light refreshments will be served. Registration highly recommended, register here.

Join us for more Spooktober programs, exploring the darker side of history. Click here to explore more.

Felt Pumpkin Kits
2023-09-27 11:00 - 2023-10-31 17:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Our felt pumpkin kits are the perfect craft to celebrate the spooky season. Celebrate a spooktacular Halloween with your own miniature pumpkin creation! Miniature pumpkin kits will include one felt pumpkin, stuffing, felt face pieces, coloring book and a lollipop.

Participants may drop in anytime between 11am and 5pm to decorate a miniature pumpkin. Can’t stay? Pumpkin decorating kits are available for purchase in the museum’s shop to make your unique creations at home.

Kits $5 to cover supplies. Purchase your kits here. Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt.

Join us for more Spooktober programs, exploring the darker side of history. Click here to explore more.

Destination Westport Walking Tour: Evergreen Burial Ground
2023-09-16 09:30 - 10:30 | Evergreen Cemetery, Evergreen Avenue, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
Survey the resting place of past Westporters and learn their stories as you meander through Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Evergreen Cemetery. Discover gravestones belonging to everyday citizens as well as prominent individuals and families.

Meet at the southernmost entrance of the cemetery along Evergreen Avenue. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring bottled water — the ground is uneven and the weather may be warm.

Tickets $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Reservations are required, register here. Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt.

Space is limited to 25 persons per tour. Additional tours may be added if demand requires. If you wish to join but the tour has been sold out or are interested in a private tour, please email your interest to programs@westporthistory.org

Destination Westport: In Gatsby’s Shoes
2023-09-02 09:30 - 11:00 | Longshore Marina, 260 Compo Rd S, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
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.

Seeking respite from their whirlwind Jazz era lives, the Fitzgeralds set up in an 18th century farmhouse that has seen Revolution and the building of a nation over many decades. Zelda swims daily in the peaceful waters of the Long Island Sound while Scott takes advantage of the bucolic quiet to work on what he hopes will be his next great novel — The Great Gatsby. Join the Museum, as we recreate the summer of 1920 and the sites and characters that influenced Fitzgerald’s Great American novel.

Come prepared for a gorgeous, vigorous 90-minute walk in one of the East Coast’s most beautiful settings. Please bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Parking Information: Guests should park at Longshore Marina, along the asphalt and dirt areas, in Lot F.

Tickets $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Reservations are required, register here. Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt.

Space is limited to 25 persons per tour. Additional tours may be added if demand requires. If you wish to join but the tour has been sold out or are interested in a private tour, please email your interest to programs@westporthistory.org.

Dress Construction Viewing and Activities
2023-07-12 12:30 - 17:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Ever wanted to know how a dress from your favorite period drama was made? Have questions about fashion from the past?
Join our Director of Programs and Collections, 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 of mantua-makers or dress makers, and the Museum’s textile collection. Visitors can also try textile art objects like a spinning wheel, loom, and embroidery hoops for themselves.
This gown will be worn by the bride during our fall Mock Colonial Wedding, on September 16th. Interested in attending? Registration is required and can be made with the form below.

Westport-wide Scavenger Hunt
2023-08-19 00:00 - 2023-09-09 23:59 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Riddle me this! Can you find all 12 of the Museum’s town history “quilt” squares? Hidden around town at partner locations are 12”x12” beautifully designed artworks inspired by town monuments, buildings and industries mimicking the quilt style. Solve a riddle (pay close attention to the highlighted words) for the location and write down your answer about which animal is on each board when you find them. If you get stuck, you can always ask the Museum for a hint.
Once you’ve found at least 8, return your sheet to the Museum before 5 pm on September 9th to be entered for a chance to win one of two great family friendly prizes—two tickets to our Sanitarium Escape Room or Haunted House.
Many notable sites in Westport have taken a panel and cleverly placed them somewhere on their property. It’s your job to find them!
Winners will be randomly selected from completed packets that are returned to the Museum by September 9th at 5 pm. Winners will be notified through email.
Scavenger hunt kits are free for Family Members and above, $5 for nonmembers. Register here to access and receive a scavenger hunt download. Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you cannot participate, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt. This program is active until September 9, 2023.

Legacy: the Adairs of Westport
2023-08-17 00:00 - 2023-12-30 23:59 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
For nearly one hundred years Benjamin Adair and his descendants called Westport home. Likely born into slavery in North Carolina, Adair built a prosperous life through a series of smart investments and his association with financier Morris Ketchum. Married to Ursula Mingo of Long Island’s Shinnecock nation, for decades Adair’s daughters became prominent educators and creatives, yet their story and Westport Legacy was interrupted when the family lost their homestead through unfair real estate taxation. Rediscovered in 2020, their legacy is re-explored in this exhibit built using artifacts from descendants.
This exhibit is included in the ticket price for visitors. It is on display until November 11, 2023.

I Thee Wed: Bridal Fashion from the Collections
2023-08-17 00:00 - 2023-12-30 23:59 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Visitors can explore several examples of wedding gowns—both white and the less traditional—in the Museum’s collection in I Thee Wed: Western Bridal Fashion from the Collection. Discover how these iconic dresses and their place in the world of fashion relate to wealth, class, gender, and women’s rights. Or try creating your own wedding dress with fashions from around the world at our interactive magnet wall.
This exhibit is included in the ticket price for visitors. It is on display until November 11, 2023.

Bittersweet: Chocolate in the American Colonies
2023-08-17 00:00 - 2023-12-30 23:59 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Experience the growing, harvesting, and historical process of making cocoa in Westport Museum’s hands-on exhibition that explores the connection between chocolate and Westport’s mercantile past in the 18th and 19th century. Learn more about the history of the cocoa industry in the American colonies and how the Saugatuck River and other regional waterways supported this trade.
This exhibit is included in the ticket price for visitors. It is on display until November 11, 2023.

Exhibition Curator Tour: “Legacy: The Adairs of Westport”
2023-08-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Westport Museum for History & Culture, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
Join our curators to immerse yourself in the story of the Adair family in this special tour of our exhibit “Legacy: The Adairs of Westport.” Hear the fascinating story of how the Westport Museum brought to light a family that Westport had forgotten. See the artifacts up close, and learn how the exhibit came to life through years of research and an intense writing and design process.
Pre-registration required. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase below. Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt.
