The Westford Museum is home to a variety of permanent exhibits that provide visitors with a glimpse into the area’s rich history. We also host temporary exhibits that focus on specific parts of our diverse collections that cannot be displayed on a long-term basis.
It is important to note that a significant portion—approximately 80%—of the Westford Historical Society’s extensive collections is stored and not regularly exhibited in the Museum. To ensure the preservation of these artifacts, they are kept in optimal conditions. However, for those interested in viewing these stored items, appointments can be made, provided that the condition of the artifacts allows for their display.
Furthermore, to engage visitors and highlight the stories behind our collections, we feature a different artifact each week. This initiative not only brings attention to the items in our care but also educates the public about the historical significance of these objects. We encourage everyone to visit regularly to discover what unique piece of history is being showcased that week!
Museum Exhibits
History Pods-Virtually Keeping Westford’s History Alive
Discover our engaging series of Westford History Pods, each lasting between 3 to 5 minutes. These captivating videos highlight a variety of unique items and artifacts from the Westford Museum’s
The Abbot Worsted Company; The Business, the People and the Community
Virtually tour the Abbot Mill Exhibit in the Westford Museum with Penny Lacroix (2007) Helene (Mickey Crocker reflects on her years working in the Mills (2021) Working the Mill in
Captain Pelatiah Fletcher Doll House
The Doll House is not an ordinary playhouse. After moving into the Captain Fletcher House at 54 Lowell Road, Mary “Marni” D. Agnew decided to create a home replica. The
What happened to the Lake Shore Theatre?
Mural-sized painting of Nabnasset Country Club, ca. 1930 W.2017.24.1Photo by Rich McLaughlin There has been much discussion recently about the Lake Shore Theatre in Nabnasset. Franklin Trask operated it for
Stone Circle at Grassy Pond
**A Reminder of Native American Life in Westford** The Stone Circle at Grassy Pond, may be an ancient artifacts found here in Westford, by Cori Ryan, and Darlene Kascak from
Set in Stone~ History of the Quarry Industry
Westford has a rich history in the granite industry. The earliest recorded quarrying started in 1826 on Oak Hill, near what is now the Fletcher Granite Company. The granite from
Nabnasset
Nabnasset is the fifth and final theme in our Villages of Westford series. It began as a farming community and later incorporated the mills at Brookside. In the late 19th
The Westford Knight
The so-called “Westford Knight” is a carving of unconfirmed origin in Ledgerock on the hill approaching Westford Center from Stony Brook. Easily visible in contrast with the rock’s natural features
The American Revolution
Westford men played a significant role in various Colonial conflicts, with more than 280 local residents serving in the Revolutionary War. These brave individuals fought valiantly in crucial battles, beginning
Online Exhibits
George Hall Russell, Commercial Photographer, Lowell, Mass.
By Marilyn Day, July 2023 Signature from Panorama of Comrade Langley’s funeral On May 21 while on docent duty at the Westford museum, I watched as a young man studied
Hall and McLaughlin’s History of Westford Program Series
Westford Town historians Geoff Hall and Rich McLaughlin combine their knowledge and research in a series of extraordinary video presentations. In 1859, the beautiful recreational area around Nabnassett Lake was
An Interview with Christopher C. Gorham, “The Confidante” Anna Rosenberg story
An Interview with Christopher Gorham, Author of “The Confidante”, Gorham is a Modern American History Teacher at Westford Academy, with Sophie Sloan, 2022 Westford Academy Graduate and Mr. Gorham’s Capstone
Where in Westford is it?
We will investigate, examine and share the stories of Westford’s lesser known historical sites and events. Where is Westford is it?The Col. John Robinson House Marker Where in Westford is
Geoff Hall’s Westford Tales
Geoff Hall continues to capture stories from the Westford community through a project called “Westford Tales,” which focuses on residents’ memories of the town over the years. Geoff’s passion for
Conversations with Westford Veterans
These oral histories let our veterans share their experiences in their own words, with their own voice, giving us a little insight into the sacrifices they made in service to
History of Scouting in Westford
Origins of Scouting The origins of scouting date back to 1907 when Lord Robert Baden-Powell founded the scouting movement in England. In 1909, Chicago publisher, William Dickson Boyce, was visiting
Westford Women go to War
December 7, 2021, marked the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and The United States officially entered World War II. World War II wasn’t just a man’s war—350,000
9/11 Candlelight Remembrances, 20th Anniversary, September 11, 2021
The Westford Historical Society, in partnership with Westford Remembers, hosted a Candlelight Remembrance of the events of 9-11. The Remembrance was held on the town common on Saturday, September 11,
Past Exhibits
See highlights from past exhibits on our Past Exhibits page.