Westport In Focus is a virtual oral history project that began to document the COVID-19 crisis in our town but has evolved into Westporters—and former Westporters—telling their own stories and sharing observations during the dramatic and historic age in which we find ourselves. Westport in Focus marries the skill of the experienced portraitist with the curatorial and oral history expertise of the museum. The goal is to create a first-hand, living history of the town’s experiences during this time for future generations. Westporters—and those who work in Westport—are encouraged to participate.
The project can be viewed on Instagram @WestportFocus and Facebook @WestportInFocus. Families can signup by emailing the museum at virtualmuseum@westporthistory.org
History happens every day and all around us. Sometimes that fact is more apparent than at others in our lives but this is one of those times when it is crystal clear. Our hope is that we can record history for posterity and for the knowledge of future generations.
RAMIN GANESHRAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WESTPORT MUSEUM
In an effort to remain connected as a community, our mission is to show our faces to our neighbors. We can’t forget who we are behind the closed doors during this pandemic. Partnering with Westport Museum to create a living history to be archived for future generations will demonstrate how we survived, thrived, and maintained our humanity as a town in this unprecedented time.
JERRI GRAHAM, WESTPORT IN FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHER
Partially funded by a grant from CT Humanities
Any views or opinions expressed in this oral history project are personal to the profile subject, belong solely to said person and do not necessarily represent opinions of Westport Historical Society D/B/A Westport Museum for History & Culture, its employees, board members, volunteers or contractors.