Upcoming Events 2025
Annual “History Alive” Fundraiser:
The Old Brooks Farm & the history of Westport’s southern shore
When: Sunday, July 13, 2025, 4:00 – 7:00 pm Where: On the shores of Brooks Cove
Join with neighbors and history buffs for the Friends annual lawn party, historic property tour and presentation at the Bradfords’ “Old Brooks Farm”. Learn about the land’s history from the Abenaki to European settlement and what became eight generations of descendants of Charles Stockbridge Brooks who still inhabit the property today.
This is a ticketed event, with tickets starting at $30. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts will be served.
Advance ticket sales only starting in May. Contact info@fowih.org for more information.
An accompanying exhibit detailing the history showcased at this event will be on view at Westport Island’s History Center until Summer 2026 on Sundays from noon to 2 pm and by appointment.
The Archaeology of Colonial Shipwrights and Their Families
When: Sunday, July 27, 2025, 3:00 pm Where: Old Town Hall, 1217 Main Rd.
Noted historical archaeologist Tim Dinsmore will present his 40+ years of archaeological research on the forgotten 18th century Damariscotta River shipbuilding complex of 18th-century shipwrights George Barstow and Nathaniel Bryant. These two shipwrights settled on adjacent lots in 1765, an area now considered to mark the birthplace of the shipbuilding industry in this area – an industry that flourished throughout the 19th century at many locations, including Westport. His research documents the importance of shipwrights’ families in the success of this early industry.
Tim has directed historic archaeological surveys for local and nationally significant sites including Thomaston’s General Henry Knox Museum, Newcastle’s Frances Perkins Homestead, and Damariscotta’s Chapman-Hall House. He also serves as a consultant to the Maine Historic Preservation Commission and other similar institutions.
The event is free; light refreshments will be served. Contact info@fowih.org for further information.
The History of Westport Island from 12,000 BC to 1751
To be followed by a brief Annual Meeting of the Friends
When: Sunday, August 10, 2025, 3:00 pm Where: Old Town Hall, 1217 Main Rd.
When you drive onto Westport Island and see the sign that says, “Jeremysquam 1751”, have you wonderd what it was like in 1751? Who lived here then and before then? And why it was called Jeremysquam? Come find out on August 10.
Westport Island history author Ken Swanton will describe the island’s history from the ice age to the first settlers. Over these years, four distinct waves of peoples migrated to the area. First, hunters with spears followed the wooly mammoths. Then, sea-going boat people came with harpoons. Then, the Abenaki that left behind large shell heaps from centuries of clam and oyster “cook-outs”. A seasonal trader from Massachusetts came briefly in the 1670’s; then loggers and settlers in the 1740’s.
Ken spent three years researching the history of Westport and published his book, the “Maritime Age on a Maine Island”. It tells the story of the dramatic rise and fall of Maine’s famous maritime age on Westport when the island was one of the wealthiest towns in the state. Ken serves on the Westport Island History Committee and is Vice Chair of the Friends of Westport Island History.
The event is free; light refreshments will be served. A brief annual meeting of the Friends at 4:15 will follow the talk to elect Trustees and conduct other business. All are welcome. Contact info@fowih.org for further information.