The Westport Island History Committee met over the weekend, braving the heat and humidity to further plan the History Day open house at Westport Island’s historic Town Hall from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4.

The committee is excited to offer these areas for focus in the open house: the tidal mills, whose remains are still easily seen along several of the coves on the west and east sides of the island; recreation and community life, with regalia and assorted objects from Westport’s Grange chapter, uniforms and equipment from the baseball team of the 1950s, dances and other social activity; the committee’s collection of old photos of people, houses, schools, industry and various scenes of the island, stored and available for view on the Maine Historical Society’s Maine Memory Network; new additions to the collection, including photographs and artifacts related to the Segerstrom preserve and Jewett family donations; quilts and examples of older textiles from the town collection; resources for genealogical research with Westport Island families, including a copy of the Bea Harriman book, vital records materials, and other genealogical research in the committee’s collection; materials about some of Westport Island’s historic houses, from the 2018 tour of six homes; and a reproduction of the town’s original record book, dating back to the 1828 separation of Westport from Edgecomb.

There will be easels with photographs of people, houses and places the committee would like help in identifying. And for fun, the committee will conduct a scavenger hunt where visitors can search for and find a dozen items on display. Those completing the hunt get a small prize.

Have genealogy questions? Committee members will help with answers or advice.

The committee especially wants to encourage anyone with artifacts or documents relating to Westport Island’s history to bring them to share. Even if you’re not comfortable donating or loaning the item, committee members would love to take information about the artifact or document for our records, to help researchers.

If you’re interested in Westport Island’s history and want to become more involved with preserving it, come and learn about opportunities with the History Committee and the newly formed Friends of Westport Island History.

For more information, please email wihistorycommittee@gmail.com