The Westford Museum has a rich history of its own. The original building was constructed in 1794 and was the first Westford Academy. This two-story structure contained a classroom on each floor and functioned as a school until 1897 when the Academy relocated to the Rodenbush Center. After the school moved, the building was acquired by John Cameron Abbot, who intended to use the land; however, the town decided instead to place a granite stone at the site to memorialize the original Westford Academy.
In 1907, Henry Otis Keyes repurchased the building and relocated it to its current location. Over the years, the building underwent several transformations in purpose. After the move, it became a blacksmith shop until 1911, when it was converted into a two-family home. Five years later, it was turned into a fire station with three large front doors for fire trucks and a side door. The area now known as the Museum’s Cottage was used as a dispatch station during this time.
1975 the Westford History Committee was established, restoring the building and creating the Westford Museum. The Museum is managed by the Westford Historical Society and was officially dedicated on September 11, 1976. The Cupola was struck by lightning, which delayed the opening until May 14, 1983. The Museum remains largely unchanged, aside from a renovation in 2015, and stands as a cherished landmark in Westford, showcasing the town’s extensive history and its people.
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Fire Companies of Westford