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. Seeking respite from their whirlwind Jazz era lives, the Fitzgeralds set up in an 18th century farmhouse that has seen Revolution and the building of a nation over many decades. ...
First Saturdays are a great opportunity to experience what we have to offer at the Westport Museum free of charge on the first Saturday of each month. Young visitors can enjoy a scavenger hunt in the museum, the diorama of Westport featuring an audio tour by Joanne Woodward, coloring pages, colonial games and more. Adult ...
Survey the resting place of past Westporters and learn their stories as you meander through Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Evergreen Cemetery. Discover gravestones belonging to everyday citizens as well as prominent individuals and families. Meet at the southernmost entrance of the cemetery along Evergreen Avenue. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring bottled water ...
Join us for an in-person discussion with the illustrator of Who Was Accused in the Salem Witch Trials?: Tituba, a graphic novel exploring the Salem witch trials through the eyes of Tituba, one of the first women to be accused of witchcraft. Follow the terrifying events of the 1692 Salem witch trials from the perspective ...
Whether you find them creepy or cute, dolls remain popular toys and collectibles amongst children and adults. From the sweet to the sinister, take a look at dolls housed in the museum’s collection. Just as the famous Annabelle doll calls Connecticut home, you may find some... hauntingly beautiful dolls right here in Westport. Make sure ...
Ever wondered why you shouldn’t walk on a grave or why there are so many skulls on tombstones? Do you know the story of Connecticut’s witch trials? Join Westport Museums Programs & Collections Director Nicole Carpenter at the Greens Farms Lower Cemetery to discuss the 18th and 19th century superstitions associated with cemeteries and the ...
First Saturdays are a great opportunity to experience what we have to offer at the Westport Museum free of charge on the first Saturday of each month. Young visitors can enjoy a scavenger hunt in the museum, the diorama of Westport featuring an audio tour by Joanne Woodward, coloring pages, colonial games and more. Adult ...
Darkness, Inside the Mind of Connecticut’s Witches is a unique Halloween experience. Enter 1647 and witness the witch trials that European colonists experienced through their own words, in the darkness that pervaded their everyday lives. Sit with us in the dark and hear about superstitions of witchcraft and the belief that danger—both physical and supernatural—was ...
Though the buildings are long gone, the site of the Westport Sanitarium—one of two in Westport—stood in what is, today, Winslow Park. Follow our docent through the park and discover the tales of the administrators, doctors and patients that lived and worked in the sanitariums. See images from the time and ear tales of heartbreak, ...
The ghostly apparition of Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, has been resurrected for a special reading of his frightful tale about the Headless Horseman. Audiences of all ages are encouraged to hear an abbreviated version of his famous story in our historic barn. Enjoy light refreshments while you listen. Tickets free ...
Sneak along the paths of downtown as you hear curious tales from the darker side of Westport’s past. Care for a stroll along the waters that once contained the runoff of the Embalmers Supply Company? Peek into the windows of the former Coffin Tack factory, rest at a speakeasy, and hear about the Westport Museum’s ...
Come sip a cocktail and view special pieces from the museum’s collection! This event is for members to enjoy private access to our newly renovated historic barn space and never-seen-before collections. Registration is recommended for members. Cocktails and Collections is an exclusive, 21+ members-only event. Interested in joining? Become a member now!
Like our programs? We’d appreciate your support! Suggested donation of $5 continues our unique programming. Visit our donation form.
Browse recent events hosted by the Westport Museum for History and Culture. For more information about these events, please contact our team.
