Each week, Westford Museum Researcher, Jeff Henry, chooses an artifact or group of artifacts from the collection of the Westford Museum and shares it with you.
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.
Featured Artifact of the Week
Pincushion From the Collection Round beaded medallion pincushion made by Emily Frances Fletcher (1825-1943) in 1854. She was only nine years old. The item also has the initials “S.D.F.”, which
Featured Artifact of the Week
Photograph From the Collection Ca. 1900 photograph of two women sitting in front of the fireplace in the Prescott House at 25 Pine Rd in the Graniteville section of town.
Featured Artifact of the Week
Straight Pin From the Collection Two wooden pin setters used to straighten pins on the wool combs. They could also be used to remove short fibers in the wool. Their
Featured Artifact of the Week
Historic House Print From the Collection Print of 224 Concord Road in Westford, originally taken in 1912, of the Henry Fletcher house. Henry was born in Chelmsford in 1778, and
Featured Artifact of the Week
Ice Gaff From the Collection Ice Gaff (also known as an Ice Hook) made after 1850. The tool was used for moving ice at one of Westford’s commercial ice houses.
Featured Artifact of the Week
Crocheted Cap From the Atwood Collection Woman’s handmade pink silk and cream lace nightcap that was made around 1900. It also as a pink ribbon drawstring. Nightcaps were more common
Featured Artifact of the Week
Photograph From the collection 4.75″ x 7.5″ photograph of 14 Depot St, True Bean House, as it looked ca. 1895. The back lists from left to right: True A. Bean
Featured Artifact of the Week
Trinket Box From the Collection Decorative wood box made to look like a book, made ca. 1842. Measures 6″ x 4″ x 1 3/4″. “Miss Caroline M. Carleton” written in
Featured Artifact of the Week
Hammer From the Collection Very small hammer (3″ x .875″) made by Joseph Fletcher Prescott (1823-1899) around 1848. Included note from L. Blanche Huckins: This very fine little hammer was
