Thanks to Westport Island’s history committee, more than 10,000 items are now part of its collection, according to information presented recently to selectmen. Committee members logged 500 hours in the past year. 

Committee co-chairmen Gaye Wagner and Mary Coventry took selectmen through a summary of their plans and the 2016 accomplishments at a meeting in December.  

Curating the growing collection was chief among the priorities for the 13 committee members who volunteer their time. The historical books, original manuscripts, maps, photographs and textiles all require special environments and in some cases individual archival containers.

Plans for the coming year include continuing to advise the selectmen about processes and programs that will benefit the collection. Education and outreach are planned and participation in webinars and conferences along with networking with other historical societies are activities identified for 2017.

The committee is examining opportunities for fundraising and two events as well as a tour of the island’s historical sites The committee hosted an event in September 2016 with state historian Earle G. Shettleworth Jr. speaking about the photographs of E. Joseph Leighton. Interest in the subject was evident, with 100 attendees filling the island’s town hall.

The Maine memory network https://www.mainememory.net/search/more?cp=WestportIsl;popup=1now hosts 108 images of Westport Island historical materials. Among these, an 1838 letter to Sarah Tarbox from her sister reports “...I did not attend meeting ... I looked so homely that I would not go and also that I have got a great cat bite on the side of my face...”

Originally known as Jeremysquam, the island became a separate town in 1828. Those wishing more information about the committee’s work may call: 882-8477 ext. 3 or email c/o: townclerk@westportisland.us.