Buried In Our Past

At the time of her death in 1980, Sigrid Schultz was known as a sweet—but fierce—little old lady who stood her ground against the Town of Westport which planned to bulldoze her home to make a parking lot. But Schultz' gumption ran deep—as a pioneering reporter turned spy working to uncover Nazi secrets during World War 2.  To learn more about Sigrid, check out our virtual exhibit and blogpost below: https://virtualhistorywestport.org/exhibits/dragon-lady/ https://westporthistory.org/dragon-lady-the-life-of-sigrid-schultz/ Sigrid was also the inspiration for our newest Escape Room: "Daring Dinner". Reserve your spot below: https://westporthistory.org/event/escape-room/

The surprising story of an unique family who called Westport home from 1850 to the 1930s.

More than fifty years before the witch hunts in Salem, Massachusetts, Connecticut had its own Witch Panic. Learn who was accused, why and their fate in this episode.

In this episode, we explore the history of chocolate. Tune in as we crack open misconceptions and grind down the distasteful truths behind the humble chocolate bar. Stop into the museum to see "Bittersweet: Chocolate in the American Colonies" during open hours, Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm. This exhibit will be up until mid-November 2023. Learn more about the podcast episodes on our website westporthistory.org/podcast

In this episode, we delve even deeper into Westport In the Civil War. Tune in as we unpack unknown stories—and debunk some treasured allium mythologies. Stop in to the museum to see "Reluctant Liberators: Westport In the Civil War" during open hours, Tuesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm. This exhibit will be up until mid-November 2023. Learn more about the podcast episodes on our website westporthistory.org/podcast

Join us  as we unravel the truth about Connecticut's role in the Civil War. We examine the state’s reluctant soldiers and unveil the forgotten heroes who answered the call to arms, exposing the untold truth about their unwavering commitment to the fight for freedom.  Learn more at https://virtualhistorywestport.org/exhibits/remembered/ Watch our Chats on the Past with author Regina Mason about her ancestor William Grimes' autobiography.

Taking the Cure - In the Gilded Age, Westport, CT was home to two bucolic sanitariums. Marketed to affluent clientele for treatment in lovely pastoral settings, these hospitals and their dynamic founders were on the cutting edge of mental health. In 1980, a shocking turn of events at one of them made national headlines. Hear more in this episode of Buried in Our Past. Explore more through our virtual exhibit: https://virtualhistorywestport.org/exhibits/cure/

Ration cards, Air Wardens and pinup girls. Hear the hidden stories of daily life during World War 2 in Westport, Connecticut and towns like it, with a special focus on untold stories of local teens and their contributions to the war effort. For more info and to see original documents and photos go to westporthistory.org/podcast. 

Westport Museum Executive Director, Ramin Ganeshram is joined by special guest Greg Porretta for the TRUE history of the first Thanksgiving. For more info and to see original documents and photos go to westporthistory.org/podcast.