Programs

The History and Future of the New York Subways

Community Partnership

Monday, October 26, 2020

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Most of us have ridden the New York subways and some may even be missing those rides now. Learn about the fascinating history of New York City’s subway system

Tuesday Treasure: Collaborative Halloween Episode!

Virtual Event

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Celebrate the spirit of the season with a special episode of the Westport Museum’s Tuesday Treasures programming series online, held in collaboration with Fairfield Museum & History Center, Weston Historical Society and Wilton Historical Society. Each history organization will showcase an eerie object from their collection not normally on public view. 

11th Annual Illuminating the Past Lantern Tour

Virtual Event

Saturday, October 31, 2020

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

WM proudly presents the virtual return of its annual lantern tour illuminating Westport’s past. Creep through the cemetery virtually with your lantern and discover Westport’s most notable dearly departed residents. Meet us at the museum on Halloween between 2 and 4 pm to pick-up your goodie bag with tricks and treats, as well as your virtual tour code to start your ghostly journey. 

Tuesday Treasure: Campaign Buttons

Virtual Event

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Take a break from the election coverage to see some of the promotional buttons used by local and national candidates from the past. Guess who used a red elephant, and what did the 81st governor of Connecticut use for his campaign? Find out online! 

Destination Westport: Art from the Beyond

Walking Tour

Thursday, November 5, 2020

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Ever wondered why you shouldn’t walk on a grave? Or why there are so many skulls on tombstones? 

Join WM Director of Programs and Education Nicole Carpenter at the Greens Farms Lower Cemetery to discuss the 18th and 19th century superstitions associated with cemeteries and the dearly departed. Learn what urns, willow trees and other artistic symbols on gravestones mean as you meander through the cemetery. 

Destination Westport: In Gatsby’s Shoes

Walking Tour

Saturday, November 7, 2020

9:15 am - 11:30 am

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. 

Destination Westport, Veterans Day Tour: The Path of Patriots

Walking Tour

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join our special Veteran’s Day edition of our popular Revolutionary war walking tour.  Learn about Westport’s role in the American Revolution and other conflicts, by visiting the gravestones of those who served—including stories of the fateful day Greens Farms burned. Even as you hear the story of colonists fighting for their freedom you will also hear the stories of enslaved Africans who chose sides and fought for their voices to be heard. 

Destination Westport, Veterans Day Tour: The Path of Patriots

Walking Tour

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Join our special Veteran’s Day edition of our popular Revolutionary war walking tour.  Learn about Westport’s role in the American Revolution and other conflicts, by visiting the gravestones of those who served—including stories of the fateful day Greens Farms burned. Even as you hear the story of colonists fighting for their freedom you will also hear the stories of enslaved Africans who chose sides and fought for their voices to be heard. 

Stay-Put and Cook: Virtual Chef Holiday Workshops

Take & Make History

Thursday, November 12 - December 12, 2020

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Nothing heralds the holidays season like the delightful smell of baking treats in the oven. Ring in the festivities with a unique cooking experience that recalls the charming holidays of yore—in the comfort of your own home! 

Chats on the Past: Peter Houlahan

Virtual Event

Friday, November 13, 2020

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Fridays are for fascinating forums! Join us for a Live discussion on Zoom with author Peter Houlahan. Houlahan will discuss his book, Norco ’80: The True Story of the Most Spectacular Bank Robbery in American History, 

Tuesday Treasure: Bradley-Wheeler House

Virtual Event

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Discover the 225 years of history covered by the historic structure that hosts the Westport Museum’s headquarters. Join WM’s Programs Director, Nicole Carpenter, as she goes through the various individuals who shaped the home as well as the various commercial enterprises they explored. 

Tuesday Treasure: Heritage Tree Ornaments

Virtual Event

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Bringing trees into the home during the winter months is an ancient tradition, dating before the advent of Christianity. Westport’s own tradition of artist ornaments decorating a heritage tree began in the mid-20th century. Tour this heritage tree and get a closer look at some of the most unusual and interesting pieces, including an ornament by world-renown artist Stevan Dohanos. 

Chats on the Past: Jane Ziegelman

Virtual Event

Friday, December 18, 2020

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Fridays are for fascinating forums! Join us for a Live discussion on Zoom with author Jane Ziegelman, the award-winning author of 97 Orchard. Ziegelman will discuss her book, A Square Meal: A Culinary History of the Great Depression, delving into the hardship’s families faced with putting food on the table during the worst economic collapse the U.S. has ever seen. 

Tuesday Treasure: Winter Solstice

Virtual Event

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

‘Tis the season to enjoy more objects from the museum’s collection! Hear more about items rarely seen themed around wintery fun, including; ice skates, a child’s sled from the Victorian period and furry accessories to keep you warm.