A visit to the Society’s Archives will transport you to Westfield’s past. From the stories of the early days of the railroad, to the photos, signs, bottles and packages off the shelves of by-gone stores, or the tales of the Westfield airport, the casino, the racetrack, or the unsolved murders of past centuries - your visit will help connect the past to the present leading you to envision a richer future.
The Archives are a treasure trove of Westfield history but need the love and care from people who love old documents that always tell a unique and complex history of our town and its citizens. Eventually, the complete archive collection will be re-located to the Reeve House once the Education Center and Archives Building is built to warehouse and present the archival record of our town. Fascinating snippets of Westfield's history abound at the Archives!
Our listing of archive items may be of interest to you - if so, the archives are open on most Tuesdays from 9:30 am - 12 pm by appointment. The WHS Archives are located at 302 Elm St., 3rd Floor in the Westfield Board of Education Building. Those wishing to visit the archives on Tuesday mornings must make an appointment so your name is registered with the Board of Education’s security office. Special archive appointments can be made during Board of Education hours and are not available evenings or weekends.
Coronavirus in Westfield
Using materials submitted by the public, Westfield High School Student, Grace Brindle, with the help of the Westfield Historical Society Archivist, Rob Wendel, put together this Sway presentation documenting the pandemic in Westfield. View it here: Coronavirus in Westfield Sway presentation
Monuments and historical markers of Westfield: Eagle Scout project by Joey Maldonado
Recently, Joey Maldonado worked with the Westfield Historical Society Archives volunteers to complete his Eagle Scout Award project. The project consisted of a catalog of the dozens of monuments, historical markers and plaques placed throughout Westfield. Use the map to walk around Westfield. Stop at each monument and learn more of the history of Westfield.
Westfield Historical Society’s Scavenger Hunt Celebrating Westfield 300
In conjunction with the Westfield-300 Committee, volunteers from the Westfield Historical Society Archives created this fun and educational Westfield History Scavenger Hunt. Take it on a field trip as you responsibly social distance while walking, bike riding or driving in your car!
A Peek Into The WHS Archives
Westfield High School 2016 graduate Jonathan Bergman completed a video entitled "The History of the Westfield Public Schools" as part of a summer internship just a few days before heading to American University in August 2016. The video can be viewed on Vimeo:
