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
Capital Campaign
Help us build the Heritage Center! Your gift to the capital campaign assures that the important role Washington County has played in history will be available for all to experience. Click here for more information.
Half Minute History – Stillwater’s Grand Opera House
View All Half Minute of History Videos
Museums are Open for the Tour Season
The Warden’s House Museum in Stillwater and The Hay Lake School Museum & Erickson Log House in Scandia are now open.
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- Hay Lake School Museum
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- Warden’s House Museum
Museums & Research Center Hours
Nancy & Robert Goodman Research Center
Open by appointment only.
602 Main Street N., Stillwater
(651) 439-5956 | information@wchsmn.org
Open Thursdays through Sundays. Tours on the hour at 1pm, 2pm,3pm & 4pm. Group tours can be made by appointment. Contact Emily Krawczewski at emily.krawczewski@wchsmn.org
602 Main Street N., Stillwater
Hay Lake School and Johannes Erickson Log Home
Open Fridays – Sunday’s 1-4pm – contact Kyle TePoel
kyle.tepoel@gmail.com
14020 195th St N, Marine on St Croix
Eder School House
4442 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale,
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.
WCHS Equity Statement:
The Washington County Historical Society welcomes and serves all communities of people in Washington County in the State of Minnesota and beyond. Our facilities are located on the traditional homelands of the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations.
We embrace the differences of our members, visitors, and staff, regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, family or marital status, and other characteristics that make them unique.
We value one another’s diverse knowledge, experience, and perspective. This allows us to create an environment where the stories of the past, present, and future are valued.
We conduct our work to showcase the diverse history of the people, culture, history, and geographic place that is Washington County as a way to meet our mission of collecting, preserving, and disseminating the story of the land and its people.
Want to help support your local history? Here’s your chance!
We are 100% reliant on your generosity.
Thank you for helping us save our shared stories and history!