Announcements - What's newest!
July 19, 2008
Winds of Change: Westport's Hurricanes Revisted
This image browser depicts uploaded images from the WHS' upcoming exhibition Winds of Change which examines on the experiences of Westporters during hurricanes and major storms that have effected this area over the centuries. Please send us your comments if you can help identify any of these images. Please email your comment to: westhist@gis.net. Exhibition opens Saturday July 12th 2008.
June 30, 2008
Hurricane program and exhibition
Westport Historical Society marks the 70th anniversary of the 1938 hurricane with exhibition and program.
“Westport’s Greatest Hurricanes” with Charles Orloff, Executive Director of the Blue Hill Observatory and Dr. William Minsinger, 1938 hurricane historian, Thursday July 10th 7:30pm at the Council on Aging, 75 Reed Road, Westport. All are welcome. Please call 508 636 6011 for reservations.
This program marks the opening of the historical society’s summer exhibition “Winds of Change: Westport’s Hurricanes Revisited.” This exhibition examines the impact of hurricanes on the lives of Westport residents and the coastline through photographs, film footage and firsthand accounts. Open July 12th – August 31st, Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays 10AM – 4PM at the Bell School, 25 Drift Road, Head of Westport. Free admission. Call 508 636 6011 for more information.
April 30, 2008
A History of Westport Calvary Bible Church
A History of Westport Calvary Bible Church
with Pastor Jared Heatherly and members of the congregation
Thursday, May 15th 2008
7:30 PM at the Calvary Bible Church
1100 State Road, Westport
Pastor Jared Heatherly, with contributions from members of the congregation, will trace the evolution of the Calvary Bible Church. Additionally, Tony Connors, president of Westport Historical Society, will present an overview of the development of Westport Factory village, the community originally served by this church.
Founded in 1899, this church was originally known as the Union Gospel Church and was located on Union Avenue at Westport Factory. In the 1950’s it was renamed the Calvary Bible Church and, as it had outgrown its original building, the present church was built in the 1970’s.
All are welcome. Admission is free. Refreshments will be provided. Please call 508-636-6011 for reservations so that we can plan accordingly.
April 7, 2008
Researching your Familys History:
Combining the Best of Internet and
Traditional ResearchSaturday May 3rd 2008
2:00 PM at Lees Market Community Room
796 Main Road, Westport
Rhonda McClure, staff genealogist at the New England Historic Genealogical Society, will present a program on methods of researching family history. She will look at going beyond the Internet by taking advantage of computerized research to further your search in traditional records and repositories. For all levels of experience.
Rhonda McClure is a nationally recognized genealogist and lecturer, specializing in New England research. She is the author of over ten books, including the award winning The Idiots Guide to Online Genealogy.
Admission is free. Space is limited. Please call 508 636 6011 to reserve a seat. Please use the Town Hall parking lot.
A History of Westport United Congregational Church
Thursday, April 17th 2008
7:30 PM at the United Congregational Church
500 American Legion Highway (Rte 177), Westport
Please join us for the first in a series of presentations on the history of Westports churches. Reverend Sue Moenius, pastor of the United Congregational Church since 1996, with contributions from members of the congregation, will trace the history of the church. Westport United Congregational Church was created from the merger of two churches, the First Christian Church of North Westport, founded in 1855 and the Fourth Christian Church, also known as Brownells Corner Church, on Sanford Road, which was founded in 1843. In 1966, following the merger, a new church was built at 500 American Legion Highway. Materials relating to the history of the UCC will also be on display.
March 10, 2008
Kate Cory: The Woman and the Whaleship with Robert Kugler
Thursday, March 20th 2008
7:30 PM at the Council on Aging
75 Reed Road, Westport
Robert Kugler who lives in the Philip L. and Kate Cory Grinnell house in Westport Point, will review Kates background as well as Philips heritage at Westport Harbor, and the patterns of their lives at the Point from marriage in 1884 until their deaths in the 1930s.
The whaleship Kate Cory, named by its principal owner, Kates father, Alexander H. Cory, was built at the Point in 1856, but was captured and destroyed off Brazil by the Confederate warship Alabama in 1863. Bob Kugler will draw on a lifelong interest in nautical history and naval architecture as well as contemporary accounts, to discuss the Corys design, methods, career and place in the history of New England whaling.
Admission is free, but donations will be gladly accepted. Refreshments will be provided. Please call 508-636-6011 for reservations.
February 21, 2008
Paintings and Poetry of Mercy Etta Baker 1876 - 1957
New exhibition presented by Westport Historical Society: Paintings and Poetry of Mercy Etta Baker (1876 - 1957)
For the month of March, Westport Historical Society is pleased to present an exhibition featuring the delicate watercolor paintings and reflective poetry of a little known Westport artist Mercy Etta Baker. Born in 1876, Mercy Baker grew up at Westport Point, exploring the vast holdings of her father Jehiel Baker at Horseneck. The seasonal and natural beauty of Westports landscape provided the inspiration for her painting and poetry. With the recent purchase of four additional watercolors by Mercy Etta Baker (funded in part by the Westport Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency), the Historical Society felt it was time to focus attention on both the paintings and poetry of this somewhat obscure artist. Her personal attachment to Westport, particularly to Horesneck, is powerfully articulated through her art which features dune and river landscapes and evocative portraits of her acquaintances. Today, her work provides a glimpse into the early 20th century Westport and environs. Also on display will be reproductions of her work held by the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Exhibition located at the Bell School, 25 Drift Road, Head of Westport
Open Mondays and Wednesdays 10AM 4 PM, Saturdays 1 PM - 4 PM, Saturday, March 1st through March 31st, 2008
Free to all.
