Westport (Massachusetts) History

SOCIETY NEWS

The news consists of a report on the archaeological survey of Westport (that is nearing completion); the long-range planning process that we currently engaged in; and a plea for contributions to The Harbinger.

The archaeological survey of Westport, prepared by the Public Archaeology Laboratory of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is in its semi-final stage, and we expect a final version of the document within a few weeks. We can report that the Survey has elicited a good deal of new information about Westport. Some of this information will have to remain unpublished (because of the danger of illicit digging), but much also can be circulated. We shall see what portions of the document we can circulate, and will inform readers of this fact. We’d like to have everyone know as much as possible, but State law forbids the publication of materials relating to Native Americans.

The Society is currently engaged in a long-range planning process. We have been discussing the past of the Society and hopes for the future. The Society has been in existence since 1965, and it would seem advisable as we approach our fortieth anniversary that we establish a clear mission for the future. We possess the magnificent Bell School, which has served well since its renovation some years back, but we constantly find ourselves faced with the limitations of the building. It is more than adequate for meetings and exhibits, but lacks adequate space for the storage and display of historical materials. It also is a wood frame structure without temperature and humidity control. These are physical limitations that prevent the Society from accepting donations of larger items, and cause us anguish as we contemplate the preservation of fabrics and paper materials. We have held a number of meetings of the Board on the subject, have visited several local historical societies to see how they function, and are still in the process. We have reached no conclusions, and should be interested to hear from members with suggestions and ideas. The range of possibilities extends from acquiring new facilities and having a full-time Director to cutting back to a more modest operation. We hope that members of the Society will take an interest in the process. We will hold an open meeting when our discussions are complete to elicit suggestions and advice.

The Harbinger is the publication of the Westport Historical Society, and any member – indeed any resident of Westport – is encouraged to submit material of historical interest for publication. If you have something you should like to print in the Harbinger, please contact the Society or the Society’s Secretary and Editor, Peter Forrester.