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.
Arrowheads, 1200 BC-950 AD 
A First Hand Account of the Pequot War, 1637 (published 1736) 
Powderhorn, 19th Century
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. Discover more on our online version of our award-winning exhibition “Remembered: The History of African Americans in Westport”.
Bill of Sale, 1757 
Six Pounder Cannon Ball, c. 18th Century
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.
Saugatuck Button Factory Buttons, C. 1860 
Saugatuck Waterfront Factories
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. Read more in our Museum Musing blog post.
Jack Johnson, a resident at 22 ½ Main Street holds the hose while he, a firefighter and town prosecutor Alan H. Senie assist to douse the flames in the room of Robert Hall who discovered the fire. 
Westport Newspaper Cartoon Critique of 22 1/2 Main Street
Winslow Park: Wealthy Estate to Sanitarium to Dogs
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. Learn more on our online exhibition portal.
Westport Sanitarium, 1960s 
Compo House Postcard, went onto become the Westport Sanitarium in 1891