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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!
Museums are OPEN for the season
The Warden’s House Museum in Stillwater is open Thursdays through Sundays from 1pm to 5pm — tours are on the hour. Questions? Contact Gibson Stanton, Site Manager at gibson.wchsmn@gmail.com or 651.439.5956
Hay Lake School & Johannes Erickson Log House Museums in Scandia are open Saturdays & Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. Questions? Contact Dustyn Dubuque at dustyn.dubuque@hotmail.com or 651.433.4014
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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
Warden’s House Museum
602 Main Street N., Stillwater
May 1st – October 31st, Thursdays – Sundays 1:00-5:00 PM.
Tours at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, & 4:00 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
Every Sunday, June 5th through August 14th (except July 3rd) – 12:00 to 4:00 PM
Research Center
602 Main Street N., Stillwater
January 1st – December 31st, Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays 12:00-5:00 PM / Wednesdays 3:00-9:00 PM
Please call ahead (651.439.5956) or email (information@wchsmn.org) to confirm Research Center availability.
NOTE: Research Center will be CLOSED MAY 22nd through JUNE 5th
Help WCHS Save the Boutwell House!
Visit our GoFundMe Page for more information.
