Announcements - What's newest!
May 9, 2013
We need special auction items!
We would appreciate donations for our silent auction especially items that complement our theme of Westport's working waterfront such as paintings, prints, artifacts, scrimshaw, and antiques. In addition you might consider special personal adventures you would like to offer such as fishing trips, boat rides, dinners, weekend getaways and moonlight cruises. Please contact June Roche at 508-636-6853.
May 8, 2013
Splice the Main Brace!
Join the Westport Historical Society's celebration of the town's centuries-old whaling, fishing and shipbuilding history, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 at Westport Point. Only 300 tickets will be available, so don't miss out!
The evening's festivities will launch at 6 p.m. with a VIP/sponsors' reception on historic Lees Wharf complete with an open bar, raw bar, hors d'oeuvres and sea shanties sung by the Spindle Rock River Rats.
During the wharf party, a skiff parade of decorated, locally built boats will cruise by the Point, and wharfinger Gary Sherman will lead tours of the Shellfish Shack. At 7 p.m., the maritime event expands to the grounds of the Paquachuck Inn and Haines property where all guests will enjoy drinks, canapés, delicious desserts and a dance floor where guests can boogie to Blues Train!
During the evening, there will be a live auction of waterfront paintings by celebrated artists Dora Atwater Millikin and Arthur Moniz as well as a silent auction of goods and services donated by local artisans, businesses, and individuals.
Displays that showcase Westport's rich nautical history will be exhibited throughout the event. And, of course, what party is complete without some surprises???
Business and individual sponsors will enjoy party perks such as the VIP reception, first chance at seating under the tent and their names listed on the formal invitation and on large posters stationed at the entrance and behind the bars.
Please consider being a sponsor at one of these levels! We need your support.
BUSINESS SPONSORS:
AGENT: $500 with two tickets (tax deduction $440)
MASTER: $250 with one ticket (tax deduction $220). Second ticket $100.
INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS:
MAINSAIL: $500 with two tickets (tax deduction $440)
TOPSAIL: $250 with one ticket (tax deduction $220). Second ticket $100.
Individual tickets will be available for non-sponsors at $100 to attend the VIP reception and $55 for general admission at 7 pm. More about that later.
For further information, please contact Betty Slade, 508-636-6594.
*An order by ship captains to reward the crew with a drink. Yo ho ho!
March 8, 2013
Join or renew your membership!
Exploring history is like a voyage to enlightenment. The paths of our forebears are a map for the future, a route to creating connections, an avenue of saving, of celebrating, of promoting and of advocating for what is important to each of us as an individual, a family member and a Westporter. The Westport Historical Society is about exploring and revealing. We are on a journey, a process of discovery about you, your family, your town and your region. We invite you to join us in this adventure!
Individual $20
Family $35
Contributing $70
Sustaining $200
Renew by mailmembership_web.pdf
Renew by credit card
March 7, 2013
May/June programs
One Colonial Woman's World
7 pm Thursday, May 16th
at the Macomber Community House
938 Main Road, Westport MA
Westport Historical Society presents a program that provides a rare and fascinating insight into the lives of women during the early 18th century. Independent scholar Michelle Marchetti Coughlin reconstructs the life of Mehetabel Chandler Coit (1673-1758), the author of one of the earliest diaries by an American woman. Mehetabel kept this diary for over 60 years from the age of fourteen into her seventies. After her death, the diary was passed down through her family, and today it remains in private hands. The diary contains numerous poems, recipes and medical remedies, and depicts a rich and varied life not only running a household and raising a family, but also reading, writing, conducting business and maintaining connections with a wide circle of family and friends.
In her recent publication "One Colonial Woman's World" (published by University of Massachusetts Press), Coughlin explores the numerous--and sometimes surprising--ways in which Mehetabel's personal experiences were linked to broader social and political developments. It also provides insight into the lives of countless other colonial American women whose history remains largely untold.
Suggested donation $5.
Saturday, June 1, 10am to 12pm
Explore Westport's Town Farm
For most contemporary Americans, "poorhouse" is simply a word, a metaphor for the specter of abject poverty. Few are aware, however, that for much of the history of this country, the poorhouse represented a critical social safety net, mainly sheltering those too broke to live elsewhere. The story of how Massachusetts responded to this persistent social problem illuminates how Americans have dealt with a tenaciously held and deeply felt duty to care for the poorest among them. Historians Heli Meltsner and Martha Guy present the story of Massachusetts poorhouses followed by a walking tour of Westport's own poor farm, recently renovated and revitalized by The Trustees of Reservations. Program presented in partnership with The Trustees of Reservations.
Westport Free Public Library
408 Old County Road, Westport MA
(Walk takes place at the Westport Town Farm, 830 Drift Road)
Free
Saturday, June 8, 9am to 1pm
Second Saturday at the Handy House
Take a peek into the c. 1711 Handy House, explore the property and learn more about this exceptional historic landmark, view some of the recent efforts to preserve the building and learn more about the Westport Historical Society's plans for its future. Tours "from the outside looking in" will be given throughout the morning.
202 Hix Bridge Road, Westport MA
Free
Saturday, June 22, 10am - 4pm
Explore the Head of WestportIn conjunction with River Day, our exhibition "Room to Learn: Westport's One Room Schoolhouses" will be open. Scavenger hunt for kids and walking tours of the Head of Westport (please call for details).
February 12, 2013
December 4, 2012
Annual Appeal
Please help us reach our target of $20,000 for our annual appeal!
Our annual appeal has particular urgency this year. The annual operating budget of the Society has grown with our increased responsibilities and the continued expansion of our role in the community such as Second Saturdays at the Handy House, public archaeology days, as well as a major undertaking to preserve the Handy House.
You can donate securely with a credit card. Thank you!
