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 week we feature a different artifact from our collection.
Permanent Exhibits
Westford Doctors
As in every town, disease and illness in Westford was inevitable. From 1850-1868 the #1 cause of death in Westford was consumption, the #2 cause was old age, and the
The American Revolution
Westford men served in various Colonial wars, and over 280 Westford men served in the Revolutionary War. They fought from the Battle of Lexington and Concord to the defeat of
Westford Academy
Westford Academy (WA) was founded in 1792 as a private secondary school for children “of any nation, age, or sex.” It was exceptional from its beginning, taking both boys
Power of the Mills
The opening of the Stony Brook Railroad brought new industrial activity to all three Stony Brook villages: Brookside, Graniteville, and Forge Village. The granite quarries above Graniteville now had a
Westford Women Dolls
Westford has an abundant history of outstanding and courageous women. Jean Downey (1925-2003), conducted the Westford Women Doll project in 1985 to highlight women’s history and civil rights within Westford, with
Country Store
The General Store not only provided residents with their common household supplies and luxuries, but also was located in the center of town to make it easily accessible. Many could
Farm Life
Before the mills came to Westford, the town was mainly agricultural. A farm was home to many Westford residents. Apples were Westford’s major crop. Other profitable crops consisted of peaches,
Online Exhibits
Featured Artifact of the Week
Mountain View Photo From the Collection Color photo of 6 Connell Drive, with the mountains of New Hampshire and Mid-Mass in the background. It was taken in October of 1979.
Notables of the Month – “The Hartford’s of Westford” George and Alfred
Over the years, Westford has had many citizens who have made positive contributions to their community. George Hartford and his son Alfred were two of these people. During the early
Featured Artifact of the Week
Shoe From the Collection One brown leather shoe, with decoration, from Athens. The shoe was likely a souvenir. It was given to the J.V. Fletcher Library by Emma Southwick Brinton
Featured Artifact of the Week
War Ration Book Four War Ration Book from around 1940. It was issued by the U.S. Office of Price Administration to lifelong Westford resident Helena McKniff “Mickey” Crocker (1928 –
Featured Artifact of the Week
Photograph From the Collection Photograph of 72 Graniteville Rd (also known as the Martha Symmes House), as it looked around 1930. The house was built by 1882, and first appears
Featured Artifact of the Week
Clarion Literary Magazine Westford Academy yearbooks, as we know them today, were first printed in 1936. Clarion, which was a kind of medieval trumpet synonymous with being “loud and clear,”
Earle Williams (1902-1988)
Earle Williams Sells Fudge in Littleton Area Littleton- HEAVY CREAM – HOMEMADE FUDGE that’s what the four cornered sign says atop of the car usually parked at Littleton Common on
Featured Artifact of the Week
Box From the Collection. Ca. 1860 wood pencil box covered with leather. It contains slate pencil holders, ink well, pen, and ceiling wax. The tray is removable. It was owned
Featured Artifact of the Month
Gift Box From the Collection Unformed, two-piece gift box from the Welcome-In Gift Shop, dated 1981. This shop originally operated at a former filling station on Groton Rd after 1956,
Past Exhibits
See highlights from past exhibits on our Past Exhibits page.
