Art & Design Destinations North America

Visit the Westport Museum for History and Culture

Visit the Westport Museum and take a step back to the turn of the 20th century. See familiar areas as they were more than 100 years ago. Learn the stories of those who called Westport, Connecticut home.

Westport Museum Local History Room

This was one of the first exhibits that caught my eye. It features a large diorama of downtown Westport, created with a gift from Barbara Howard in 1999. Imagine Westport in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

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Spot the original library. The Jessup Library was built in 1908 and sat on the Post Road.

Take a look at the items local residents would have used during this time.

westport-museum

Nell Dorr – Only Beauty Remains

Nell Dorr was a professional chemist and a photographer who lived for a time in Westport. Her photography captured world events through her eyes. This included two world wars, The Great Depression as well as women’s suffrage and civil rights movements. She never tried to imitate the work of male photographers and created her own style. She captured everyday life in a way that was unique.

westport-museum

Taking the Cure

This exhibit sheds light on how illness, especially mental illness was handled during the start of the 19th century through the 1960s. It includes images from local medical facilities. Also on display are instruments and tools used during this era. It explores the mistreatment and exploitation of certain populations (African Americans as well as those considered mentally insane). A very unexpected exhibit, but equally interesting and enjoyable.

westport-museum

My Overall Impression 

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Westport Museum for History and Culture. Taking a trip back in time helped me appreciate Westport’s past. The exhibits showcasing the people who make up that past, gave me insight into what the town has become. A notable exhibit is “Taking the Cure,” mentioned above. There are also other exhibits not covered in this blog post.

Virtual exhibits can also be found on the museum’s website. This includes “Remembered”, which delves into the history of African Americans in Westport (Click Here for the Virtual Exhibit).

Check out the Westport Museum for History and Culture when you’re in town.

Address: 25 Avery Pl, Westport, CT 06880

virtualhistorywestport.org

Phone: (203) 222-1424

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