Past Exhibits at the History Center

THE MARITIME AGE ON WESTPORT’S EASTERN SHORE (Summer 2023–Summer 2024)  Jeremysquam Island’s Eastern Shore was well-positioned to welcome settlers seeking a new life in the 1700’s. With the Sheepscot River at its heart, the area provided opportunities for trade, work, food, and transportation. The waters, forests, land, and its geography provided an abundance of natural resources, tidal energy, and safe coves for fishing and anchorage. The exhibit focused on the families of the early settlers on Westport Island’s Eastern Shore and their descendants—where they lived, and how they made their living. Through images and artifacts, we see how the sea and its bounty influenced their lives. View a brochure of the exhibit here.

PORTRAITS OF TWO ISLAND HOMES: BROTHERS SAMUEL AND CORNELIUS TARBOX, JR. (Summer 2022–Summer 2023)  In 1784, Cornelius and Bethiah Tarbox settled their family on 137 acres of Westport Island, then known as Jeremysquam. Through documents, letters, photographs and artifacts, this exhibit told the stories of two of their sons, Samuel and Cornelius Jr., and the lasting imprint they left on today’s Westport Island. A businessman and a statesman, Samuel was a founding father of, and active participant in, Westport’s nascent town government. Cornelius Jr., a mariner and farmer, created a lasting legacy and homestead for his descendants — who live here to this day. View a brochure of the exhibit here.

FORT MCDONOUGH AND THE WAR OF 1812 (Summer 2022–Summer 2023)  During the War of 1812, Fort McDonough was erected to support Fort Edgecomb and help protect Wiscasset harbor. The story of the fort was detailed in this subset of the Tarbox Brothers exhibit. View a brochure of the exhibit here.

MY ISLAND HOME: RECOLLECTIONS OF VERLIE COLBY GREENLEAF OF WESTPORT ISLAND (Summer 2021–Summer 2022) took a look at the life and times of Verlie Colby Greenleaf (1891-1992) who bore witness to over a century of Westport Island’s history. The exhibit included many original pictures from Verlie’s photo albums, many of which were taken using her circa1908 Sears box camera. Verlie’s family members contributed memorabilia and stories which enhanced the exhibit. View a brochure of the exhibit here.

WESTPORT ISLAND IN TIMES OF PANDEMIC, EPIDEMICS & OUTBREAKS (Fall 2020–Summer 2021) looked at current and past public health events — influenza and others — that have impacted Island life. The exhibit included a look at the how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted life on the island and its people. About 180 postcards were distributed to residents or friends with ties to the Island; about 60 were returned. The postcards provided fascinating, and often uplifting, snapshots of how Islanders took on the challenges of life in times of Covid-19. View a brochure of the exhibit here.

Past Exhibits