Upcoming Events 2026
Annual “History Alive” Summer Fundraising Gala:
Celebrating the History Center and the history of Westport’s Ferry Landing
When: Sunday, July 19, 2026, 4:00-6:30 pm Where: History Center & Ferry Landing, 38 Ferry Rd.
Join with neighbors and history buffs for the Friends annual lawn party, tour the renovated History Center, and take in a presentation about the historic Westport Ferry. Learn about the ferry from those who lived it and rode on it. The ferry operated from 1899 until the causeway opened in 1950. Its colorful history will be at the center of our history celebration. Bring your curiosity or your family’s memories.
This is a ticketed event, with tickets starting at $35. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts will be served.
Advance ticket sales start in May. Contact info@fowih.org for more information.
An accompanying exhibit detailing the history showcased at this event will be on view at the Westport Island History Center until Sumer 2027 on Sundays from noon to 2 pm, during additional summer hours that will be announced in the spring, and by appointment at info@fowih.org.
Col. Benedict Arnold’s 1775 March to Quebec:
A grueling trek through the Maine wilderness
When: Sunday, August 2, 2026, 4:00-6:30 pm Where: Town Hall, 1217 Main Rd
Local historian and member of the Arnold Expedition Historical Association Rob Stevens will join us for a talk on Benedict Arnold’s secret expedition to attack the British Province of Quebec. It was a daring mission through almost 200 miles of uncharted territory. Eleven hundred Continental Army patriots volunteered for the mission. They endured starvation, with many dying and some deserting, in a journey marked by brutal weather and brutal terrain. The surviving patriots attacked Quebec in the midst of a raging blizzard and almost succeeded in their quest.
Rob Stevens is known for his expertise in colonial shipbuilding. He is the lead shipwright of Maine’s First Ship. He also works with the Arnold Expedition Society building batteaux with schools, museums, and historical societies. This work started to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Arnold Expedition which was in 2025. The bateaux are flat-bottom river boats, replicas of the 220 built by Pittston shipbuilder Reuben Colburn for Arnold’s expedition.
Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
