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Based out of Stillwater, “The Birthplace of Minnesota”, the Washington County Historical Society collects, preserves, and disseminates the history of Washington County and its communities. Join us on our journey through the Gateway to Minnesota History!
Winter Ice Cream Social – Saturday January 19th Noon to 4pm Mulberry Point Stillwater
“This event brings together our history and the community,” says Brent Peterson, Washington County Historical Society Executive Director. “What a great way to celebrate the place where we live, enjoy our neighbors, have fun with all the snow and eat ice cream to boot!” Peterson also points out two reasons for a winter ice cream social – there are no mosquitoes and the ice cream doesn’t melt down your arm while you eat it.
Ice Cream & Chili will be provided by Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop. Root beer will be furnished by Lift Bridge & Maple Island Breweries for root beer floats and the coffee is from the Daily Grind and Hot Chocolate from Tin Bins. The ice cream and root beer floats, coffee & hot chocolate are free to everyone; there will be a nominal charge for the chili.
The event is free to the public and donations to the Washington County Historical Society will be accepted. The event is partially sponsored by Discover Stillwater [www.discoverstillwater.com]. For more information please call the Historical Society at 651-439-5956 or visit www.wchsmn.org.
Museums are Closed for the Tour Season
The Warden’s House Museum in Stillwater is available for group tours contact Gibson Stanton, Site Manager at gibson.wchsmn@gmail.com or 651.439.5956 to schedule.
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- Hay Lake School Museum
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- Warden’s House Museum
WCHS Latest Publications
Company K in the Border War
In 1916, Company K of the Stillwater National Guard was dispatched to the Mexican Border to defend against attacks from the famous Mexican rebel, Poncho Villa. Through letters and photographs from the WCHS collection, “Company K in the Border War” details the in-glamorous reality these Stillwater men faced while stationed in Texas.
This book recently won a Minnesota History Award for publications!!
Thru the Mill
Originally published in 1915, “Thru the Mill” was written by inmate number “4342”, George Bartlett, who served ten months in the old Stillwater Prison. This book is his account of life behind the stone walls of Minnesota’s most infamous prison.
Want to help support your local history? Here’s your chance!
The Washington County Historical Society is the only county historical society in Minnesota that receives no annual assistance from their county.
We are 100% reliant on your generosity.
Thank you for helping us save our shared stories and history!
Museum and Research Center Hours
Research Center
602 Main Street N., Stillwater
Open year-round
Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays 12:00-5:00 PM, Wednesdays 3:00-9:00 PM
Please call ahead or email to confirm research center availability.
(651) 439-5956 | information@wchsmn.org
Warden’s House Museum
602 Main Street N., Stillwater
May – October: Thursdays – Sundays 1:00-5:00 PM.
Hay Lake School and Johannes Erickson Log Home
14020 195th St N, Marine on St Croix
May, September, October: Saturdays & Sundays 1:00-4:00 PM
June-August: Fridays – Sundays 1:00-4:00 PM
Eder School House
4442 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN
June – August: Sundays 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
