Gateway to Minnesota History

Film Screening: “An Ode to Stillwater: The John Runk Films”

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

  It isn't often that a community has a person who steps up and records its history. Stillwater and the surrounding area were fortunate to have a photographer named John Runk who not only took photographs of the area but also collected photographs from the community spanning over 100 years. Runk also enjoyed the newest […]

Black & White Movie Night: Chaplin!

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

Tonight’s feature is two short silent comedies from Charlie Chaplin’s most creative period! Retired film professor Steve Schroer will present a brief educational introduction the film. Popcorn will be served! In One A.M., Chaplin plays a man who has trouble getting to bed because he’s had too much to drink.   In The Rink, he showcases his […]

Winter Tours at the Warden’s House Museum!

Warden's House Museum 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, United States

Experience the Warden’s House Museum in a different season! Take a tour with experienced guides to hear stories about the prison’s early days when Minnesota was still a territory and what life was like for prisoners on the inside. The most infamous residents of the prison were the Younger Brothers, who served time for their […]

National Toast Day Party!

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

The Washington County Historical Society invites you to celebrate National Toast Day in Stillwater, Minnesota: the birthplace of the automatic pop-up toaster.  Just over a century ago, Charles Strite was employed at a local manufacturing plant. Fed up with burned toast in the cafeteria, a great idea “popped” into his head, and the Toastmaster automatic […]

Last day to view the John Runk exhibit

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

It's a bittersweet announcement, but we will be removing the "John Runk: A Curious Mind" exhibit after Saturday, March 1 to make way for a brand new exhibit! Come to the Heritage Center anytime on or before March 1 to see the exhibit one last time and celebrate John Runk's legendary career documenting the St. […]

$8

SOLD OUT 2025 Annual Meeting and Dinner

Stillwater Event Center 1910 Greeley Street South, Stillwater, MN, United States

This event is sold out.     Where: Stillwater Event Center, 1910 S. Greeley Street, Next to Washington County Heritage Center   When: Thursday March 20, 2025   Cost: $25 for WCHS members / $30 for nonmembers   Itinerary: 5:30pm Social Hour                      6:30pm Dinner Catered […]

“Gallery Days, Memories of the Artists’ Quarter in Historic Downtown Minneapolis” with Judy Stern

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

Judy Stern, a Washington County history buff and resident of Marine on St. Croix will present a talk and read from her seventh book, Gallery Days, Memories of the Artists’ Quarter in Historic Downtown Minneapolis. Judy was there beginning in the late 1970s and ending in the mid 1980s operating the Judith Stern Gallery. Her book tells […]

SOLD OUT 6PM Haunted History at the Warden’s House: Afterlife Sentences

Warden's House Museum 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, United States

This event is Sold Out. The Warden's House Museum is excited to host the Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS) for a presentation sharing their spookiest evidence from past ghost investigations including an investigation at the Warden's House Museum in November 2024. Tickets: $25/person. Limited Seating! Buy tickets here Doors will open at 5:00 for guests […]

$25

SOLD OUT 8PM Haunted History at the Warden’s House: Afterlife Sentences

Warden's House Museum 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, United States

This event is Sold Out.   The Warden's House Museum is excited to host the Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS) for a presentation sharing their spookiest evidence from past ghost investigations including an investigation at the Warden's House Museum in November 2024. Tickets: $25/person. Limited Seating! Buy tickets here What showed up on their cameras […]

$25

2025 Warden’s House Museum Open House

Warden's House Museum 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, United States

Help us kick off a new season at the Warden's House Museum! The Warden's House Museum is open from noon to 4pm and admission is FREE! Come chat with knowledgeable volunteers and hear harrowing stories about the territorial/state prison and tales about the wardens and their families.  Parking Limited parking is located behind the Warden’s […]

ALL-STAR WRESTLING with George Schire

Washington County Heritage Center 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, United States

Baron Von Raschke about to put the "Claw Hold" on George Schire, and Verne Gagne applying his "Sleeper Hold"   RUN, DON'T WALK...to the Washington County Heritage Center for Historian and Author George Schire's latest ALL-STAR WRESTLING Talk and  Presentation!    As he always does, Schire will take you through the ropes and down memory […]