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Each week, Westford Museum Researcher, Jeff Henry, chooses an artifact or group of artifacts that is not currently on exhibit and share it here and on our Facebook page.
Jeffrey M. Henry moved from Sandy Hook, CT, to Westford, MA, with his family in the fall of 1996. In 2005, he graduated from Westford Academy, with interests in archaeology, history, and mythology. He went on to major in anthropology (archaeology specialization) and minor in history at Franklin Pierce University, graduating in 2009. A year prior, he began to volunteer at the Westford Historical Society and Museum. His first project involved cataloging the Atwood collection. After participating in archaeological excavations in Maine and Massachusetts, he primarily worked in museums from 2010 to 2018. His literature review and analysis on the subject of the Westford Knight, The Signpost: The Evolution of the Westford Knight, was first published in 2015. In 2017, he achieved his MA in history from Southern New Hampshire University. He transitioned his career into public libraries by 2019, later achieving his MS in Library and Information Science from Simmons University in 2022. Jeff continues to volunteer for the Westford Museum.
Telegraph Key From the Collection Vibroplex Semiautomatic Telegraph Key. It was first sold in 1926, and was branded as the “Lightning Bug” during the late 1930s. Telegraphy primarily used morse
Red Mug From the Collection Red-painted cider mug found in the ruins of the cider mill in the orchard of Sebastian Bangert “Bassie” Watson (1870-1953). The mill, located on Tadmuck
Town Hall Sign (Pieces) Letters Postcard Reference From the Collection Five pieces of wood letters, with gold leaf, blown off the Westford Town Hall during the hurricane that came through
Prescott House Photo Ca. 1899 photo of the first Prescott House that stood at 32 Boston Rd. The house was built by Nathan Pollard Prescott (1817-1892) by 1875. His son,
Photograph From the Collection 1912 black and white photo of an electric trolley car around 22 Brookside Rd today. The house to the left was rebuilt in 2010, while the
Drew Farm Sign From the Farm Life Exhibit 1881 steel, apple-shaped sign that once stood on top of the Drew Farms Country Store at Boston Road. Affixed as part of
Small Book Front Cover Plate (image) First main text page Back Cover From the Westford Women Dolls Exhibit This copy of Entertaining Histories, for Young Masters and Misses was printed
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Painting From the Collection Watercolor by Mary Gertrude “May” Balch (1875-1961). It depicts a young boy and girl playing on the beach. The inscription reads: Little bursts of Passion.Little human
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Photographic Print From the Collection Photograph of Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards (1842-1911) from around when she entered Westford Academy in 1859. The back states, “Nellie Swallow / mouth like her
