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,
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
Button From the collection Button from a Civil War Soldier uniform that would have been worn between 1861-1865. The front reads: “Mass. Volunteer Militia.” The back reads: “Extra Quality.” The
Featured Artifact of the Week
Advertisement From the collection 10″ x 17″ calendar advertisement: “Best Wishes 1936.” A boy and his dog are also featured. The calendar is from Thomas P. Cosgrove Range and Fuel
Westford Notable of the Month – John A. Crisafulli, Former Westford Public School Superintendent
Everything Mr. Crisafulli does, he does for the children. By James VanBever Research Volunteer, Westford Museum When John Crisafulli was appointed Westford’s school superintendent in 1985. School Committee member
Featured Artifact of the Week
Photograph From the collection Photograph (albumen print) taken prior to 1868, making this one of the oldest dated photographs in the collection. First developed in the mid nineteenth century, albumen
Rita E. Miller (1918-2003)
A teacher’s influence can never be erased By James Van Bever When Rita E. Miller retired from the Westford school system in 1983, a banner was hung outside the Frost
Featured Artifact of the Week
Print From the collection Laser print of the Sherman Dewey Fletcher house at 33 Main St. in 1899. Capt. Sherman Heywood Fletcher (1846-1928) of Troop F, MVM, is holding reins of
Featured Artifact of the Week
Photograph From the collection 1899 black and white photograph of the house at 55 Brookside Rd. If features Charles Smith Edwards (with horse) in his home at Brookside, which is
Featured Artifact of the Week
Site Plan From the Collection One of 12 surveyor plans of 62 Main St, the Donald Cameron House. They were made by Caroline M. Whitney and Smith & Brooks Civil
Featured Artifact of the Week
Wood Sign From the Medical Exhibit White painted wood sign, 60″ x 28″, with black paint for text, of the Westford Osteopathic Hospital. The hospital was run by Dr. Ralph
Past Exhibits
See highlights from past exhibits on our Past Exhibits page.