Gateway to Minnesota History
Get acquainted with the Warden's House Museum and see what’s new for 2024! New tour guides wanting to learn more and experienced tour guides wanting some refreshers are all welcome.
Orphan Train in Minnesota The hidden story of the orphan train movement in Minnesota will be explained from its beginnings to its climax. Approximately 5,000-6,000 children were sent to Minnesota via the orphan trains, nearly half of whom arrived between1882 and 1892. Become acquainted with the personalities, both locally and nationally, who initiated the largest […]
The Warden’s House Museum will be open from noon to 4 PM at no charge to check out the new exhibits and talk with knowledgeable volunteers! We have TWO big things to celebrate this season - the 83rd year of the Warden's House operating as a museum, and the 175th Birthday for Washington County! Refreshments […]
Lovness Estate in Grant, Minnesota Local resident Lonnie Lovness will present the story of her parents Don and Virginia Lovness, who built two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes by hand just west of Stillwater. At the age of four she carried small rocks in a bucket to help as her parents labored long hours, and when […]
Francis Delano Come and learn about the life and times of the Delanos before, during, and after Francis Roach Delano was appointed the first Warden at the MN territorial prison (1853-1858). Tom Delano, great great grandson of Warden Francis Delano will be giving a presentation about F. R. and Calista Delano at the Warden’s […]
Calista Delano with her son Lewis (born -1866) Happy Mother's Day! Bring your mother/grandmother/other special mom figure in your life to the Warden's House Museum and your mom will receive FREE ADMISSION for the tour! Mother's Day is Sunday, May 12 and the Warden's House Museum tours are at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. […]
Come out to Hay Lake School and test your skills with an old-fashioned spelling bee! 7-7:30pm - Kids Category (students age 9-14) 7:30pm - Adult Category (ages 15 and up) Free! Questions? Email Susan Stepka at susan.stepka@wchsmn.org
****Click here to buy tickets**** Celebrate spring and enjoy beautiful, unique, and historic homes nestled into the hills of Stillwater! 1. Please pick up your tickets on the day of the tour at: Washington County Heritage Center 1862 […]
A classic! Settle into the Washington County Heritage Center for a showing of "His Girl Friday" (1940), a screwball comedy starring Cary Grant. Grant stars as Walter Burns, a workaholic editor for a New York newspaper. Walter’s ex-wife Hildy (Rosalind Russell), a star reporter for the paper, enters his office and not only […]
For seventeen years, this event has become the keystone fundraiser for the Washington County Historical Society. This year the breweries attending are Bent Brewstillery, Bent Paddle Brewery, Castle Danger, Lift Bridge Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Summit Brewery, Rustic Roots winery and more! The beer is just a part of it; in addition, there will be […]
Happy Father’s Day! Bring your father/grandfather/other special dad figure in your life to the Warden’s House Museum and your favorite guy will receive FREE ADMISSION for the tour! Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16 and the Warden’s House Museum tours are at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. *Regular tour rates apply for other non-dad guests […]
Greg Benson, second from left, was inducted to the Minnesota Hall of Fame. In the 1990s Greg's three sons Mike, Josh, and Ryan Benson playing in the Minnesota State Tournament. From left, Mike, Greg, Josh, and Ryan. Photo courtesy of Dan Lindgren Play ball! Dan Lindgren, Forest Lake High School grad and full-time player on […]
© 2025 Washington County Historical Society
Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑