Westport Historical Society

06/25/2026

This is Westport's Revolutionary story!

Patriotic spirit swept through the South Coast in the years leading up to independence, newly transcribed town records show.

06/24/2026

Thirteenth Continental Regiment is coming to the Handy House this Saturday June 27, join us for some Revolutionary War events and to see the new exhibition! The Handy House, 202 Hix Bridge Road, will be open 10 AM to 3 PM this Saturday June 27 FREE
Revolution250

06/24/2026

Our summer exhibition opening June 27 at the Handy House offers a look at Westport in 1976, the Bicentennial year. Although it's hard for us imagine today, during the 1970s, the Head of Westport became a troubled hang out for local youth.
Westport Massachusetts

06/23/2026

Paul Cuffe movie in the making!

06/23/2026

13 tolls for 13 colonies: A special ringing of the Bell School bell! 2.50 PM, Saturday July 4 at 25 Drift Road, Westport MA. Join us for a unique nationwide event celebrating America’s 250th birthday! Bells and bell towers across America will ring out together on Independence Day, creating a canopy of sound over our nation. Cathedrals and churches, community organizations and historical structures, national parks and memorials, and people from coast to coast are encouraged to gather and contribute to the sound. This symbolic gesture of ringing bells together celebrates our commitment to community, honors our nation's incredible past, and inspires the next generation of American patriots. Nationwide ringing will begin at 2:50pm EST.

06/21/2026

Mark your calendars! Saturday June 27 Thirteenth Continental Regiment will be at the Handy House 202 Hix Bridge Road, Westport MA 10 AM - 3 PM. Free, and family friendly! Revolution250

06/19/2026

We were so pleased to welcome the WES 3rd grade last week at Handy House as a stop on their annual Tour of Westport. Students toured the house and privy, learned what a well sweep is, and participated in some hands-on activities.
After a number of years being closed due to the pandemic and then the restoration of the Bell School, students were happily welcomed back for that tour as well this week! In addition to learning about the development of the Head of Westport and what school was like in 1842 Westport, students got a chance to ring the bell! Happy summer students!
We appreciate the time and dedication of our valued docents without whose help we could not run these programs; Alice Huff, Sarah Gifford, Nancy Mailhot, and Marilyn Packard Luther, along with our Manager of Education Kathleen McAreavey.

06/17/2026

Today is the 251st anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775). Westporter, Jonathan Brownell, at the age of 56, fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill while serving in a RI regiment. He was wounded during the battle, and died a year later at his home near Westport Harbor. He is buried in Brownell-Earle cemetery located on private land near River Road, Westport Harbor.

06/16/2026

Handy House Heritage Trail is looking good. Thanks to Westport Land Conservation Trust for their help clearing it for visitors!

Beautiful day for a walk!

The mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is in bloomand there are several trails where you can see it flourishing.

This one is at the Westport Historical Society Handy House trail.

06/14/2026

From our archives: look closely and you will this nest is built on an old wagon wheel. This was located somewhere along the Westport River.