"Gallery Days, Memories of the Artists’ Quarter in Historic Downtown Minneapolis" with Judy Stern
2025-03-27 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, 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 many short, true stories about the people and artists she met in those years. Some of these tales relate humorous or intriguing encounters with well known celebrities such as Garrison Keillor, Jackson Browne, the Bob Dylan family, Butch Thompson and many more.
Several of the artists, like Judy in 1989, re-located to Marine on St. Croix. The story of the rise and the fall of the Artists Quarter is told.

The book was nominated in 2024 for a Minnesota Book Award in the category of Minnesota Nonfiction. Karin Winegar, former staff writer at the Minneapolis Star Tribune said: “Congratulations! Your book absolutely deserves the Minnesota Book Award for its range and understanding, its insider perspective –You Were There– and how it preserves that semi-enchanted time and place.” Mary Ann Grossmann in the Dec. 29th, 2024 St. Paul Pioneer Press, wrote an article. She said “Gallery Days is packed with lively anecdotes and artwork ranging from paintings to newspaper stories. It’s an important contribution to the history of the Twin Cities literary community.” Karin Winegar added, “If you were around in the 70s (and even if you weren’t but are curious to know what the heck was going on in the Twin Cities art, literature, music and food communities), this sums it up. And it’s a rich scrapbook of visuals–clippings, posters, photos, mementoes–that embody the spirit of the time (our flaming youth) and the place (the warehouse district).”
Judy’s history in Washington County extends back to her Great Grandfather, Theodore Schaefer and his brothers who built many local barns, including the one currently used at Aamodt’s Apple Farm. Artie Schaefer, the Polka King in the valley was her second cousin.

In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

SOLD OUT 6PM Haunted History at the Warden’s House: Afterlife Sentences
2025-04-26 18:00 - 19:15 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, 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 to tour the museum.
What showed up on their cameras and audio equipment? Is the Warden’s House Museum actually haunted?
About The Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS)
The Twin Cities Paranormal Society is a not-for-profit organization serving the greater Twin Cities Metro area. We are dedicated to the research, investigation, documentation, and education of the public regarding paranormal phenomenon. Our objective is to investigate and research claims of alleged haunted activity. All investigations are approached with an open mind and are conducted in a professional manner.
Learn more about TCPS on their website.

SOLD OUT 8PM Haunted History at the Warden’s House: Afterlife Sentences
2025-04-26 20:00 - 21:30 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, 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 and audio equipment? Is the Warden’s House Museum actually haunted?
About The Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS)
The Twin Cities Paranormal Society is a not-for-profit organization serving the greater Twin Cities Metro area. We are dedicated to the research, investigation, documentation, and education of the public regarding paranormal phenomenon. Our objective is to investigate and research claims of alleged haunted activity. All investigations are approached with an open mind and are conducted in a professional manner.
Learn more about TCPS on their website.

2025 Warden's House Museum Open House
2025-04-27 12:00 - 16:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, 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 House. Drive up the hill and past the house. The tour entrance is on the front porch. Street parking is available in front of the building and across the street in the parking lot next to the walking trail and the Manitou Fund Education + Arts Center.
**The handicapped accessible entrance is located behind the house. Guests are welcome to drop off behind the building and park elsewhere as needed.
Contact
For more information, contact Heidi Heinze at heidi.heinze@wchsmn.org
About the Warden’s House Museum:
The Warden’s House opened as a part of the new Minnesota Territorial Prison in 1853. Over time, 13 Warden’s lived in the house until 1914. After that, A superintendent of the Prison, Thomas Ross, and his family lived there until 1941 when the Washington County Historical Society purchase the home from the state and opened it as the second house museum in Minnesota that year.

ALL-STAR WRESTLING with George Schire
2025-04-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, 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 lane with stories of professional wrestling’s wild and wacky characters.

Whether it be the heels or the babyfaces, you’ll be entertained hearing of their character incarnations and the gimmicks that made us love them and hate them!

And, there will be another chance to win an incredible wrestling collectible! It’s a Main Event Night you won’t want to miss. See you there!

In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

"Suds on the St. Croix" Exhibit Grand Opening
2025-05-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

Black & White Movie Night: "Detour" (1945)
2025-05-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Black & White Movie Night is back! Join us for popcorn, snacks, and a 1945 movie called “Detour.”
About the movie:
While hitching cross-country, a down-on-his-luck pianist becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder. A classic film noir directed by Edgar G. Ulmer.
As always, an educational introduction and discussion about the film will be provided by Steve Schroer.
No reservations required. In-person attendance only.

History of William O'Brien State Park with Elizabeth Nelson
2025-05-16 16:00 - 17:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047
Photo credit: Sharon Brodin
*Hosted at Hay Lake School
14020 195th St N., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
Elizabeth Nelson, a naturalist from William O’Brien State Park, will present about the history of the park. Her program will include the history of the O’Brien Family, the history of the Copas area, and the changes to the boundaries of the park as they added new parcels of land.
Free! In person only. No registration required.
About William O’Brien State Park:
The park’s namesake comes from a lumber baron, William O’Brien, who owned the land prior to passing it on to his daughter, Alice. She donated the first 180 acres that formed the nucleus of the park. The park was established as the first metro area state park in 1947. (via parksandtrails.org)

2025 Stillwater Historic House Tour
2025-05-18 12:00 - 17:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
⭐️ Tour Date: May 18, 2025, 12-5pm⭐️

Step Back in Time and Step Inside Some of Stillwater’s Most Iconic Houses!
Explore the charm and history of Stillwater like never before at the 2025 Stillwater Historic House Tour, proudly presented by the Washington County Historical Society.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a delightful day out, this tour is not to be missed!
Tickets

Tickets available now! Order here: https://bit.ly/3GvqN52
Tickets will be available for pickup on the day of the tour, Sunday, May 18 starting at 10am at the Washington County Heritage Center. *Tickets cannot be picked up early in order to limit potential copies being made. Thanks for understanding!
When you pick up your tickets on the day of the tour, we’ll provide you with:

your tickets
a map with all the house locations
a packet of historical information about each house!

Tour Details

Houses may be visited in any order! Note that the Historic Courthouse is open from 1pm-4pm only.
Parking is primarily on the street for each house. The Historic Courthouse has parking lots on both the north and southwest sides of the building. The Warden’s House Museum’s accessible parking and entrance are located at the back of the house.
Transportation is not provided. Please plan according to your needs, and feel free to drop off anyone with mobility challenges closer to the front door as needed.
Please remove your shoes before entering or use the booties provided at the entrance.
Photography is welcome outside of the houses. Please no interior photos unless house owners indicate otherwise. Thanks!

Preview of the tour route:

WCHS would like to sincerely thank our generous sponsors:
Cates Fine Homes
Darn Knit Anyway
Daughters of the American Revolution, Saint Croix Valley Chapter
Johnny’s TV
June Weddings
June Eagleton
MADE Coffee
Rose Floral & Greenhouse
Tilted Tiki
Valley Bookseller

Expanding Black History in St. Paul Beyond Rondo with Frank White and Michael Corey
2025-05-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

"Sound of Silence" with author and retired law enforcement officer L.C. Simon
2025-06-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
L.C. Simon releases his new book “Sound of Silence,” a fictional piece based on true events from his decades in law enforcement working on behalf of children.

No registration required. Copies of the book will be for sale at the event.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Taking on a case that has been deemed un-chargeable, Special Victims Unit Detective Jack Janssen, pledges to find justice for a young female victim, never imagining what he would uncover in the path of his investigation. In his second book for the Jack Janssen series, Simon is inspired by the hundreds of investigations from his Washington County Sheriff’s Office career.

Simon weaves a compelling novel that will pull you into the storyline of Detective Jack Janssen and his seasoned partner, Washington County Child Protection Worker, Rita Bullock.

It is a gripping investigation with complexities that develop into an unimaginable and unpredictable conclusion. It will keep you turning the pages. Buckle up and enjoy the ride along.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

My career in law enforcement span twenty seven years, with seventeen of those years focused exclusively on child abuse investigation. I was also a contract employee for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for ten years, teaching other law enforcement across the state the unique techniques used in this specialized field.
After retirement, my wife and I traveled the country in a motorhome, and for twelve years spent our summers living and working in Voyageurs National Park.
I have never lost my dedication to the cause of children, and recently decided to spend some time writing novels that draw from my experience in law enforcement while highlighting the problem of child abuse in our country. I think I hit the mark; making a fun interesting read and informing at the same time

Click here to watch the program on WCHS’s YouTube page

18th Annual Beer Tasting and Silent Auction
2025-06-21 16:00 - 19:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047
Buy tickets here!
WCHS is excited to present the 18th Annual Hay Lake Beer Tasting! Breweries from all over Minnesota and Wisconsin will be slinging their best beers for you to sample and compare!
In addition to the tasting, there will be a silent auction of many sought-after items and food served.

Here are the participating breweries:
Sierra Nevada
Joseph Wolf Brewing
Castle Danger
Oliphant Brewing
Summit
Lift Bridge Brewing
Rustic Roots Winery
$20/person. Ages 21+ only.
Tickets are available for purchase on our website OR in-person on the day at the event.
WCHS encourages pre-ordering tickets – this helps the breweries plan ahead on how much beer to bring!
Proceeds support the Washington County Historical Society’s mission to collect, preserve, and disseminate the history of Washington County and Minnesota.
Please contact Susan Stepka at susan.stepka@wchsmn.org or 651-433-4014 with any questions regarding this event or to schedule a tour of the museum.
The Hay Lake School was constructed of brick in 1896 and held classes until 1963. After that, the Washington County Historical Society purchased the school in 1978 and has been a public museum ever since. The school is on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Art + Ecology + Serendipity" with Beth Diem
2025-06-26 18:30 - 19:15 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
About the Program:
“A Story of the St. Croix” is an exhibit created in 2007/2008 by a team of artists, scientists, writers, and musicians that brilliantly combines the worlds of art, history, and ecology found on the St. Croix River. Architect Beth Diem was the project manager and photomontage artist of that team. In this program, Diem will speak about the art exhibit’s themes, inspirations, and process. “A Story of the St. Croix” is on display at the Washington County Heritage Center until the end of 2025.
The exhibit was inspired by the works of Australian artist/author Jeannie Baker, specifically her children’s book “Where The Forest Meets the Sea”. The book touches on the wonder of nature through children’s eyes, with the urgency of saving our planet. The program will include a short film based on the book.
In 2024, ‘Serendipity’ happened; bringing this exhibit to the Heritage Center via a 2024 University of MN Art + Ecology course and ArtReach St. Croix, Stillwater.
Event hosted in partnership with Stillwater Area Public Schools.

Black & White Movie Night: Buster Keaton in "Sherlock Jr."
2025-08-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
Coming to the Heritage Center’s silver screen is Buster Keaton in Sherlock Jr. (1924)!
Directed by & starring Buster Keaton. A lovesick movie projectionist steps through the silver screen into a dream world where he can solve all his problems. It is regarded as Keaton’s first great full-length silent comedy.
Popcorn and a movie ticket giveaway are also in store!

Hay Lake School Speaker Series: Christine Maefsky, former mayor of Scandia
2025-08-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047

History Cruise
2025-08-19 17:30 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Buy tickets here!
Take a trip back in time and spend a summer evening cruising the St. Croix River!
Entertaining stories about the area’s history presented by Angie Hong, hearty hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar await you on this exquisite sojourn supporting the Washington County Historical Society.
Boarding begins at 5:30PM at the Stillwater River Boats dock located at 525 South Main St., Stillwater
Boat leaves the dock at 6:00PM and returns at 8:00PM
Tickets: $60/person
Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Washington County Historical Society

All-Star Wrestling with George Schire
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
HEY WRESTLING FRIENDS, it’s George Schire reminding you that it’s time to mark your calendar for my NEXT “ALL-STAR WRESTLING” presentation on THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Washington County Heritage Center!

This is going to be an exciting and nostalgic trip back to the glory days of the 1970’s when all of your favorites (and not so favorites) were entertaining us on TV and at our local auditoriums.

We’re going to watch the 1974 movie “THE WRESTLER” which highlights the story of Verne Gagne and his promotion, the AWA. In this outstanding MAIN EVENT, Verne plays the aging champion “Mike Bullard” who the promoter Frank Bass (played by Ed Asner of The Mary Tyler Moore Show fame) is being bullied by the Mob to find a challenger to beat the champ.

That challenger is Billy Taylor, who is played by Billy Robinson. Not only will see these stars, but also a bevy of classic old-school wrestlers who deliver their incomparable interviews on TV and deliver their skullduggery in the ring.

You’ll recognize favorites like The Crusher, Dick the Bruiser, Nick Bockwinkel, “Pretty Boy” Larry Hennig, Ray “the Crippler” Stevens, Dusty Rhodes, Dick Murdoch, “Superstar” Billy Graham, Wahoo McDaniel, Hard Boiled Haggerty, and literally dozens more!

As the late great announcer Marty O’Neill used to say, “FANS RUN, DON’T WALK” to get YOUR ringside seat to this classic movie and also the interesting trivia shared by wrestling historian and author, George Schire.

**IT’S FREE TO ATTEND** AND YES, there will be Popcorn and refreshments!

DATE and TIME:
Thursday September 18th @ 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Click here to watch the program on WCHS’s YouTube page

Fall Membership Dinner 2025
2025-09-25 17:30 - 21:00 | Stillwater Event Center, 1910 Greeley Street South, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
The Washington County Historical Society is excited to announce the Fall Membership Dinner featuring a program about Walt Disney by Heritage Center Site Manager Emily Krawczewski.
LOCATION:
Stillwater Event Center
1910 South Greeley Street (located next to the Washington County Heritage Center)
Stillwater, MN 55082
TIMING:
5:30pm Social Hour
6:30pm Dinner catered by Scheel’s Catering
7:30pm Brief meeting shortly followed by the program
COST:
Cost is $25 for WCHS members and $30 for nonmembers.
Reservations are required. Reserve your spot and pay ahead at this link or call 651-439-2298.
PROGRAM INFO:
While most people are familiar with seeing the word “Disney” onscreen, this program will take you backstage to the man behind the magic. Krawczewski’s presentation will travel through Walt Disney’s life story, starting with his idyllic childhood in Marceline, Missouri and culminating in his greatest triumph, Disneyland. Krawczewski will also explore common myths about Disney himself, why the movies have relevance to both children and adults, and hidden design features of the parks. Walt Disney’s life is a story of tenacity, escapism, and lessons that transcend generations. Emily Krawczewski is the Site Manager of the Washington County Heritage Center and has been studying Walt Disney for over a decade.

Free Admission Day at the Heritage Center
2025-10-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
The Washington County Heritage Center is turning 4!

We opened our doors four years ago on October 16, 2021. Come celebrate the anniversary with a FREE ADMISSION day on October 16, 2025 from 10am-4pm.

The Heritage Center is one of three museums owned and operated by the Washington County Historical Society. Learn more about WCHS: https://www.wchsmn.org/

About the museum:Explore rugged lumberjack life complete with a camp bunkhouse, see hoop skirts to miniskirts in the 1860s-1960s fashion exhibit, get behind the bar in the historic breweries exhibit, walk into floor-to-ceiling vintage photographs, spark nostalgic memories with the grocery store exhibit, and much more!

Flashlight Tours at the Warden's House Museum
2025-10-17 18:00 - 20:30 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Come and see the house and grounds after dark, while you hear true tales of terror and tragedy from the Minnesota State Prison. Local legend says that the place is haunted…come and find out for yourself if you dare!
Times and Dates:
Friday, October 17 @ 6:00PM, 6:45PM, and 7:30PM
Saturday, October 18 @ 6:00PM, 6:45PM, and 7:30PM
Tours will last approximately one hour.
Tickets:
Tickets are $35 per person. Click here to buy tickets!
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before the tour start time. After purchasing your ticket, we will add your name to the guest list! Bring your ID to the event to claim your tickets.
Questions?
Call the Warden’s House at 651-439-5956 or email heidi.heinze@wchsmn.org

Shadows of Stillwater: A Halloween Experience
2025-10-23 18:30 - 2025-11-01 21:30 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

Haunted History: The Afterlife Sentences
2025-10-25 18:00 - 21:30 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
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.

What showed up on their cameras and audio equipment? Is the Warden’s House Museum actually haunted?

Saturday, October 25, 2025
6:00pm presentation (Doors open at 5:30pm) – buy tickets here
8:30pm presentation (Doors open at 8:00pm) – buy tickets here

About The Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS)
The Twin Cities Paranormal Society is a not-for-profit organization serving the greater Twin Cities Metro area. We are dedicated to the research, investigation, documentation, and education of the public regarding paranormal phenomenon. Our objective is to investigate and research claims of alleged haunted activity. All investigations are approached with an open mind and are conducted in a professional manner.

Minnesota Seventh in the Civil War with Eric Linner
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Eric Linner’s family has a long history of Army veterans, including himself, two brothers, his father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather. His inspiration to research his great-great-grandfather’s journey with the Minnesota Seventh in the Civil War-West started 50 years ago when his grandmother piqued his interest in family history.
The presentation will give a brief history of his great-grandfather Sergeant James Madison Canfield, with a primary focus on the 10,600 mile journey the Minnesota Seventh traveled starting with the 1862 Dakota War and ending with the Battle of Spanish Fort, AL in 1865.

Click here to watch the program on WCHS’s YouTube page

Discovering Pioneer Ancestors in Washington County with Judith Stern
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Who built the enormous, strong barn at Aamodt’s Apple Farm?
Surprise! It was Judith Stern’s own great, great, great grandfather from Meissenheim, Baden, Germany.
Judith only learned that after moving to Washington County. Like a hungry detective, she wanted to learn more. Her family tree on her maternal side grew to 159 names beginning in 1517 in Germany; and continuing in Minnesota.
Judith Stern will show the audience her research including barns, newspapers, and photos of her ancestors. Artie Schaefer may be the only famous local musician in the Schaefer family, but we all miss the um-pa, um-pa singer who excited the crowds – raising his beer mug, rousing us with the ticky, tacky, ticky tacky, oie, oie oie!
The show has a talk and screen presentation.
In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

Townie Tuesday @ Lift Bridge Brewing Company
2025-11-25 17:00 - 21:00 | 1900 Tower Dr. W Stillwater, MN 55082, 1900 Tower Dr. W Stillwater, MN 55082
Join Lift Bridge Brewing Co. on Tuesday from 5:00 to 9:00 PM to enjoy a great Lift Bridge Brew and raise money for the Washington County Historical Society!
$1 from every Tap Beer or Seltzer and $2 from every Crowler, To Go Specialty Bottle or 12 Pack sold during the Event goes directly to WCHS. Buy a beer and make a difference!
In addition to catching up with neighbors and friends over a glass, WCHS will be doing showings of the short film featured in their brewery exhibit at the Heritage Center, produced by Square Lake Productions. The film features four local brew masters including Lift Bridge’s Brad Glynn.
Lift Bridge Brewery created the Townie Tuesday program for our Stillwater Taproom in 2013 to give back to local non-profits, charities & organizations. It’s a fun way to help promote the awesome things in our community while enjoying a tasty beverage!

#SupportLocal #DrinkLocal #MakeADifference #Community #TownieTuesday

Located at Lift Bridge Brewing Company’s Stillwater Taproom
1900 Tower Dr. W
Stillwater, MN 55082

Black Friday Sale at the Heritage Center
2025-11-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

The Fallen Washington County Service Members of Vietnam and How We Remember Them with Herb Reckinger
2025-12-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) opened the Vietnam Memorial on our US Capitol Mall in1982 to honor all veterans of that war. With a PowerPoint presentation we will discover how that same organization makes sure we never forget the men and women of that era.
Join us for a free program to see the images from The Wall of Faces, the story of how The Wall came to be and the traveling wall called The Wall That Heals, a 3-quarter size replica that travels to communities all over our country. Lastly, we will cover the 50-year anniversaries of the endings of the war in 1975.

Barton Johnson is on the left and Mark Steeley is on the right. Barton is from the very northeast part of Washington County- Scandia. Mark is from the very southwest part – Cottage Grove.
Presenter Herb Reckinger is a member of the Washington County Historical Society, on the board for the South Washington Heritage Society, volunteer for The Wall That Heals, and has given several talks at the Heritage Center in the past. Learn more about the Vietnam Traveling Wall at: https://www.travelingwall.us/
In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page
The Traveling Memorial —

Minnesota Streetcar History with Aaron Isaacs
2026-02-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Before automobiles, planes, and the Light Rail, there were streetcars in cities across Minnesota. They were pulled by horses until 1889, when electricity became practical. Stillwater had no horsecars because of its steep hills, but in 1889 it opened the first electric streetcar lines in the state, ahead of Minneapolis and St. Paul. A public transit boom ensued.
By World War I, Twin City Rapid Transit company was running over 1100 streetcars on a system that reached from Lake Minnetonka to the St. Croix River, including Stillwater and Bayport. It lasted until buses replaced the last of the streetcars in 1954.
Presenter Aaron Isaacs will speak about Twin Cities streetcar history, then focus on the Stillwater area. Isaacs spent 33 years as a planner and manager for Metro Transit, where he worked in route and schedule planning, operations, maintenance, transit facilities, light rail and traffic advantages for buses. He’s a historian of transit, as a 40+ year volunteer with the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. He’s co-author of Twin Cities by Trolley, The Streetcar Era in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and author of Twin Ports by Trolley on Duluth-Superior.

In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

National Toast Day Celebration!
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
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 electric toaster was born!
About the event:

Enjoy a program about the history of toast and view our antique toaster collection.
Sample toast and toppings from local bakeries and markets, and vote for your favorite to be named Toast of the Town.
Listen to Warden’s House Site Manager Heidi Heinze tell the history of the automatic pop-up toaster and its origins in Stillwater!

Toast Tasting begins at 6:00pm
Program begins at 6:30pm
Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information please contact heidi.heinze@wchsmn.org

2026 Annual Meeting and Dinner
2026-03-19 17:30 - 20:30 | Stillwater Event Center, 1910 Greeley Street South, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Where: Stillwater Event Center, 1910 S. Greeley Street, next to Washington County Heritage Center
When: Thursday March 19, 2026
Itinerary: 5:30pm Social Hour [Cash Bar]
6:30pm Dinner Catered by Scheel’s Catering
7:30pm Annual meeting
Program to follow meeting
Presentation: “THEY DON’T MAKE ‘EM LIKE THAT ANYMORE!”
America’s love affair with the automobile over the decades has been hot, lukewarm, and even cold, but one thing is certain, cars are a part of who we are. WCHS board member and historian George Schire will take you on a highway of historical facts and hilarious anecdotes featuring the cars that have shaped all of our lives. Buckle up your seat belts and mark your calendars for this nostalgic road trip from the Horseless Carriage to present day EVs.
Reservations:
Reservations required in advance
Seating is Limited/Large Attendance Expected
Event open to the Public
Cost: $25 for WCHS members / $30 for nonmembers

Reserve your spot here!
