https://youtu.be/wy-X_GDxwPk When Anne Hanson's dad first asked her to investigate the secret past of his parents, little did she know what she was getting into. For two decades, despite all her digging, she failed to unearth even the tiniest speck of evidence that the families of her grandparents, Frank and Ida Hanson, had ever existed. […]

Black & White Movie Night is back at the Washington County Heritage Center! Retired university professor Steve Schroer will provide an introduction to the film. About the movie: Chaplin's first full-length feature is a silent masterpiece about a little tramp who discovers a little orphan and brings him up but is left desolate when the […]

https://youtu.be/XqaMhVw4yZQ   Over the course of history, families develop special skills such as blacksmithing, gold & silver smiths, plus many other occupations that are handed down through the generations. One family in Stillwater had a very unique talent that went through three generations until it was no longer used, and that was of finding of […]

https://youtu.be/uztbhQ77GJw Jon Quijano is an award-winning history documentary writer. His latest field research is taking place here in the St. Croix River Valley, gathering knowledge about the peoples who have called the valley home for thousands of years. This is a talk on his findings and his research process on a work in progress.

https://youtu.be/wj2xMvae9pI WCHS Treasurer Tom Simonet gave a talk about Stillwater’s most infamous lady of the night Nellie "Red Nell" Mandeville. Red Nell became a businesswoman of sorts, hiring other area women to entertain male residents and visitors. Red Nell’s appearance on the Police Register became as predicable as the sun setting. From August 1882 through […]

https://youtu.be/SnsqcHR-7SE Author Ryan Rodgers presents on his book "Winter's Children: A Celebration of Nordic Skiing," the story of Nordic skiing in the Midwest—its origins and history, its star athletes and races, and its place in the region’s social fabric and the nation’s winter recreation. Winter’s Children traces Nordic skiing in the Midwest from its introduction […]

https://youtu.be/dmoZcjqH2vg Ken Engel's parents survived the Holocaust.  As a member of the Speakers Bureau of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas/Tolerance Minnesota, the JCRC Middle East Speakers Bureau, and other platforms, he's given hundreds of presentations to school, college, municipal, synagogue, church, military, educator, industry and private groups, clubs and organizations […]

  https://youtu.be/P-c5igka0ww Prof. Chris Gehrz, author of a new biography of Charles A. Lindbergh, presents on the life story of a particularly famous Minnesotan to shed light on important themes in the state's history, including the frontier, religion, eugenics, isolationism, and environmental protection.      Chris Gehrz (PhD, Yale) is professor of history at Bethel […]

    https://youtu.be/nP_GFlG5kaY   While blending old-world history with modern-day relevance, local author Julie Jo Severson explores hidden and legendary gems throughout the region she’s called home most of her life in her new local guidebook Oldest Twin Cities: A Guide to Historic Treasures. From a tiny, old-school magic shop tracing back to 1899 to a sacred cave […]

https://youtu.be/L0RWEmZcttQ Our favorite wrestling historian and author George Schire is BACK for part 3 of Minnesota's Golden Age of Wrestling! If you missed George's previous talks, not  to worry - George will make sure novices and experts alike will enjoy this program!  Wrestling's singles feuds and tag team wars!  In the wacky and unpredictable world […]

  The Washington County Heritage Center is opening a BRAND NEW EXHIBIT all about grocery stores and food buying in Washington County! Best part: admission to the museum will be free during the grand opening celebration! (Donations are always appreciated)   Were you a grocery bagger once upon a time at Hooley's? Do you enjoy […]

Join us for the 2023 Stillwater Historic Homes Tour on Sunday, May 21 from 12pm-5pm! Eight beautiful and unique homes nestled into the hills of Stillwater will be opening their doors to share hospitality and history. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS! How to tour:   1. Please pick up your tickets on the day of the […]