Participate in a National History Day project

National History Day is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation and creative expression for 6th- to 12th-grade students. Each local history topic shared can be expanded or narrowed, and comes with suggested primary sources and artifacts from our collection. 

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Potential project features

The Great Swamp Battle of the Pequot War

Settling the “uninhabited” wilderness of Connecticut was the goal of European colonists in the 17th century. However, the triumphs of the colonists ultimately lead to the decimation of Native Americans populations that had lived in the area for thousands of years.

The War for Independence and Enslavement

During the Revolutionary War colonists fought the tyranny of the British Empire, but shades of gray creep into their history when their ownership and trade in human beings is taken into account.

The Cost of the Industrial Revolution

Companies such as the Saugatuck Manufacturing Company, Embalming Supply Company and Baynham Coffin Tack Factory brought wealth and industry to Westport’s Saugatuck area. But at what cost? Children and immigrants were put to work in harsh conditions and the environment suffered from run off, negating many benefits of each company.

22 ½ Main Street 

Westports forgotten African American community lived behind Main Street in what was described in the 1950s as a “slum.” The building was destroyed by fire, and rumored fire bombing, in the 1950s never to be rebuilt. 

Winslow Park: Wealthy Estate to Sanitarium to Dog Haven

Sanitariums such as the Westport Sanitarium, located at the site of the Winslow dog park today, were created to treat the ill. Nonconformists and “hysterical women” might find their way into such an institution should they be deemed an ill of the community. 

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“Overall, wonderful experience. Very hands on which allowed students to better access the content!”

— Amy, Third Grade Teacher