The Westford Museum houses several permanent exhibits. Temporary exhibits highlight parts of our collections which cannot be displayed on a permanent basis. A large percentage of the collections are in storage and can be viewed by appointment if their condition allows.
Approximately 80% of the Westford historical Society's collections are in storage, not normally on display in the Museum. Each month we feature a different artifact from our collection.
Permanent Exhibits
Temporary Exhibits
History in Stone Recap
Many thanks go out to Cori Ryan and all the people involved in yesterday’s History in Stone program! Over 80 people visited the Museum to hear Cori’s talk on the Stone Circle at Grassy Pond, view the ancient artifacts found here in Westford, listen to Spirit Dancer’s stories and revel …
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Nabnasset
Nabnasset is the 5th and final theme in our Villages of Westford series. It started as a farming community and added the mills at Brookside. In the late 19th century the recreational land around Nab Lake was known as “Nabnasset Grove.” A summer community built up in the 1930s and …
Read moreOnline Exhibits
These are online-only exhibits, usually consisting of photos.
Featured Artifact of the Week
Jan. 16, 2019 Peggy, Westford Women Doll From the “Westford Women” exhibits Peggy, Westford Women Doll Even though there are no birth and death records available, the First Parish Church record Peggy as baptized in 1732. She was the servant of Joseph Hildreth, Jr., who lived near Minot’s Corner (Cornerstone Square). …
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Featured Artifact of the Week
Jan. 9, 2019 Tiki Lau Drink Stirrer From the “Past Westford Eateries” exhibit Amesbury Location Westford Location The Tiki Lau restaurant on rt. 110 operated from 1974 to 2008. They offered Cantonese, Polynesian, Mandarin, Szechuan, and some American. In the last year of its operation it was rebranded as the “New …
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Featured Artifact of the Week
Jan 2, 2019 H. Arnold Wilder’s Class Ring From the Collection Class Ring (bottom) Class Ring (top) Photo of WA Trustees with Arnold Wilder The Wilder family moved to Westford in 1923 from New Hampshire, with Henry Arnold Wilder (1909-2009) graduating from Westford Academy in 1927. Arnold was a mechanical …
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Treasured Artifacts of Olden Days
Treasured Artifacts of Olden Days A revolving exhibit featuring object(s) from the collection Click to Featured Artifacts Past Artifact of the Month (Selected from 2018 and prior): Rainbow Hawk-Eye Camera made around 1930 W.1998.28.6b Hooked Rug by Jeanne Fallier W.2004.68 Westford Firefighter Pins of Assistant Fire Chief Anthony …
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Timeline Posters
Over the years, the Westford Academy Museum Club created posters illustrating a snapshot of the world, the nation and the town in a particular year. They were often put on display for Westford Academy alumni visits, reminding them of what things were like the year they graduated. Here’s the full …
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The Atwood-Carlton-Millett Family
4 Graniteville Rd – Atwood House The Atwood-Millett Family included a doctor, nurse, lawyer, and artist, and there are connections to other towns across the country. Lillian, Mary, and Sarah “Carrie” Atwood were lifelong Westford residents. Grace (Atwood) Millett was a nurse in Westford into the 1950s, and was featured in …
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Westford Photos
The Westford Historical Society owns a wealth of photos from both past and present. Your Westford photos are always welcome. Stop by during office hours or on a Sunday afternoon. All photo donations should be accompanied by your contact information and as much detail as you can provide on the …
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Abbot Mills Photos
In 2006, prior to the conversion of the Abbot Mill buildings into residential units, Alan Chaffee received permission from the owners to complete a thorough photographic survey of the existing buildings. Alan generously made these photos available to the Westford Historical Society and the public. Enjoy your virtual tour! This …
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Westford’s 275th Celebration
The ladies of the “Bonnet Club” from the Chamberlin Corner section of Westford gathered in 1928 for this delight photo. Number 1 is Lucinda Prescott, who lived at 181 Main Street; #2, Ruth Johnson who lived at 88 Chamberlin Road; 3, Ida Fletcher; 4, Edna Moore; 5, Julia Knowlton; …
Read morePast Exhibits
See highlights from past exhibits on our Past Exhibits page.