Washington County Historical Society

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 Tour Season

The Warden’s House Museum in Stillwater and The Hay Lake School Museum & Erickson Log House are now open.

: Hay Lake School Museum

: Warden’s House Museum

Museums & Research Center Hours

Nancy & Robert Goodman Research Center
602 Main Street N., Stillwater
Open year-round
Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays 12:00-5:00 PM, Wednesdays 3:00-6:00 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 26: Thursdays – Sundays
Tours on the hour at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, & 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
June – August: Sundays 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

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!

	October 2019
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
		1	2	3	4	5 Fall Clean-up (CANCELLED) Fall Clean-up (CANCELLED) October 5, 2019 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Warden's House Museum, 602 Main St N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA *Cancelled due to rain. Future date TBD. Together with the Washington County Master Gardeners, we'll prepare the gardens around the Warden's House for the cold season. Bring gloves if you have them and a desire to work outside! See more details •
6 Stillwater Historic Homes Tour Stillwater Historic Homes Tour October 6, 2019 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm For tickets and more information: http://bit.ly/2019SHHT See more details •	7	8	9	10	11	12
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20	21	22	23	24	25	26 Paranormal Program-2pm, 4pm, 7pm Paranormal Program-2pm, 4pm, 7pm October 26, 2019 Warden's House Museum, 602 Main St N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA Presentations at 2pm, 4pm, and 7pm. Reservations recommend but not required: http://www.wchsmn.org/events/paranormal-event/ The Johnsdale Paranormal Group is greatly experienced in the collection of paranormal data utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. Come hear and see for yourself the audio and video evidence collected from their investigations, including the Warden’s House itself. Along with tales from the hunt, Johnsdale will give you an insider view into the methods and techniques used in a “ghost hunt” and take your questions. Please note: no food or beverages are allowed inside. Water bottles are okay! See more details •
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Gateway to Minnesota History