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
History Pods-Virtually Keeping Westford’s History Alive
View our collection of short Westford History Pods (3-5 minute videos) featuring items and artifacts from the Westford Museum’s collection as well as a tibit of Westford History and more!
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 no ordinary playhouse. After moving into the Captain Fletcher House (54 Lowell Rd), Mary “Marni” D. Agnew decided to create a replica of the house. The
Home Life
Not so long ago, the average home was a very different place. Candles lit the rooms instead of light bulbs, fires were used to cook things instead of ovens and
What happened to the Lake Shore Theatre?
Mural-sized painting of Nabnasset Country Club, ca. 1930 W.2017.24.1Photo by Rich McLaughlin We’ve been hearing lots about the Lake Shore Theatre in Nabnasset. It was run by Franklin Trask for
Stone Circle at Grassy Pond
History in Stone; Reminders 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
Set in Stone~ History of the Quarry Industry
https://youtu.be/zbEhWiULwAg Westford has a long history in industry, with the earliest recorded granite quarrying beginning in 1826 on Oak Hill, near today’s Fletcher Granite company. Granite from here is known
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 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 natural features
Online Exhibits
Dr. Nettie Marie Stevens (1861-1912)
Nettie Maria Stevens, (1861-1912) Born in Cavindish, VT to Julia (Adams) and Ephraim Stevens. After her mother died, the family moved to Westford when Nettie was a young girl. She
Bernice Gould Picking (1915-1996)
North Westford was her home for all her life! By James VanBever Mrs. Albert Picking is pictured in her Civil War dress, which was Originally owned by Arvilla May Woodward
Marian Frances Winnek (1883-1977)
“The Adventurous Marian Frances Winnek” By James Van Bever, WHS Volunteer and Researcher Marian Winnek’s first car was a 1927 Model A Ford. It was the first year the Model
Alan Emmet (1927-2021)
Writer, Landscape Historian, and Conservationist By Ron Johnson at the Special Town Meeting, October 23, 2021 Several of us want to acknowledge the contributions to our town by the Emmet
May Emma Day (1890-1973)
If you were ill or lacked transportation during the early part of the 20th century and needed a book from the J.V. Fletcher Library, the librarian would often
Martha Taylor Howard (1875-1962)
Founder of the Susan B. Anthony Museum and House in Rochester, New York If you ever visited or plan to visit the Susan B. Anthony Museum and House in Rochester,
Featured Artifact of the Week
Quilt From the colletion Quilt entitled “Town of Westford 2008,” made by the Nashoba Quilters as a gift to the Town of Westford. It measures 90″ wide and 87″ high.
Bette (Ross) Hook (1920-2012)
Westford Academy Teacher and First Women Academy Trustee By Jim VanBever (a former student) July/August 2021 If you were a student at Westford Academy during the years 1958 to 1976
Featured Artifact of the Week
Needle Holder From the collection Handmade needle book made for Emily Augusta Fletcher (1819-1901), grandmother of Gertrude (1877-1969) and Julia Fletcher (1879-1965), from around 1900. It was made from punched
Past Exhibits
See highlights from past exhibits on our Past Exhibits page.