"In the Beginning there was a Chapel" with Mark Labine
2022-08-02 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

"The Last Bookseller" with Gary Goodman
2022-08-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Gary Goodman presents on his book “The Last Bookseller: A Life in the Rare Book Trade”!

ABOUT THE BOOK:
About “The Last Bookseller”:

When Gary Goodman wandered into a run-down, used-book shop that was going out of business in East St. Paul in 1982, he had no idea the visit would change his life. He walked in as a psychiatric counselor and walked out as the store’s new owner. In The Last Bookseller Goodman describes his sometimes desperate, sometimes hilarious career as a used and rare book dealer in Minnesota—the early struggles, the travels to estate sales and book fairs, the remarkable finds, and the bibliophiles, forgers, book thieves, and book hoarders he met along the way.
Here we meet the infamous St. Paul Book Bandit, Stephen Blumberg, who stole 24,000 rare books worth more than fifty million dollars; John Jenkins, the Texas rare book dealer who (probably) was murdered while standing in the middle of the Colorado River; and the eccentric Melvin McCosh, who filled his dilapidated Lake Minnetonka mansion with half a million books. In 1990, with a couple of partners, Goodman opened St. Croix Antiquarian Books in Stillwater, one of the Twin Cities region’s most venerable bookshops until it closed in 2017. This store became so successful and inspired so many other booksellers to move to town that Richard Booth, founder of the “book town” movement in Hay-on-Wye in Wales, declared Stillwater the First Book Town in North America.
The internet changed the book business forever, and Goodman details how, after 2000, the internet made stores like his obsolete. In the 1990s, the Twin Cities had nearly fifty secondhand bookshops; today, there are fewer than ten. As both a memoir and a history of booksellers and book scouts, criminals and collectors, The Last Bookseller offers an ultimately poignant account of the used and rare book business during its final Golden Age.

Check out “The Last Bookseller” website for more information and to order your copy!

Minnesota's Golden Age of Wrestling 2.0 with George Schire
2022-08-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Back by popular demand! George Schire returns for more on Minnesota’s Golden Age of Wrestling. This event will include all new topics and stories. Check out his first event at: https://www.wchsmn.org/event/georgeschire/

The History of Schaar's Bluff with Herb Reckinger
2022-09-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Herb Reckinger, Jr. from the South Washington Heritage Society presented on the history of Schaar’s Bluff County Park (located in Dakota County west of Hastings). Reckinger has done impressive research on the geological elements that characterize the area. What does Schaar’s Bluff have to do with us? Everything! From the park overlook, there is one of the finest views from that end of Washington County- the Mississippi River, Spring Lake, Cottage Grove and the Grey Cloud Islands. Remember- the bedrock is the same in all parts of our county. We have many fine features that are not repeated elsewhere. Herb presented on the Mississippi River Commission maps of the 1890s, the bedrock geology of our area, and the glaciers that made all of this happen.

Private Event
2022-09-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

School Field Trip
2022-09-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

Book Release! “Through the Lens of Walt Serier” a history of Bayport
2022-09-17 09:00 - 12:00 | MN
WCHS is VERY excited to help present “Through the Lens of Walt Serier,” a brand new book featuring a photographic history of Bayport! Author Chris Nelson will be on hand at Bayport City Hall during Bayport Derby Days to sign copies. Get yours for only $25!
Bayport City Hall
294 3rd St N
Bayport, MN 55003
Book Cover
Walt Serier and his son Don

Roseville Parks and Recreation Tour Group
2022-09-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

WCHS Fall Membership Dinner Meeting
2022-09-22 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 its Fall Membership Dinner Meeting featuring a program by David Geister & Pat Bauer– Gettysburg painting, songs & poems. We are looking forward to seeing you there and celebrating history!
David Geister and Pat Bauer at the Gettysburg Visitors’ Center
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 a program presented by David Geister and Pat Bauer
COST:
Cost is $25 for WCHS members and $30 for nonmembers.
RSVP is required. Please send an email to: information@wchsmn.org or call 651-439-5956 to RSVP.
PROGRAM INFO:
David Geister and his wife Pat Bauer will do a presentation built around their 2019 Artist in Residence 5-week stay on the Gettysburg Battlefield. They will use slides and some live music performance on Pat’s part to share the paintings, songs and poetry created while there.
On July 2, 1863, the 1st Minnesota Regiment, including Company B from Stillwater and the St. Croix Valley, found themselves at Cemetery Ridge, and with orders to charge an oncoming group of confederates to hold them off until Union reinforcements could arrive. The Minnesotan’s were outnumbered, out gunned, but with the suicide charge helped to block the charge of the Southern forces and saved the battle of Gettysburg for the North.
Geister is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based artist specializing in historical art, picture book illustrations and landscape paintings. Much of his childhood revolved around drawing, reading, playing with toy soldiers or dressing up in historic costume. It seems that some things don’t change, and it turns out, it’s all about storytelling.
He received an education in Visual Merchandising from the Dakota County Technical College and spent 4 years as a United States Marine, where he was a graphic specialist and illustrator.
A decade working as a costumed interpreter at Historic Fort Snelling allowed Geister to share his passion for history and led to a continuing artistic relationship with the Minnesota Historical Society. It is also where he met my wife, author and teacher, Patricia Bauer.
David Geister at Gettysburg Military Park

One-Room Schoolhouse Reunion Party
2022-09-24 12:00 - 16:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047

"Through the Lens of Walt Serier" Book Signing at the Heritage Center
2022-09-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
WCHS is VERY excited to help present “Through the Lens of Walt Serier,” a brand new book featuring a photographic history of Bayport! Author Chris Nelson will be on hand at the Washington County Heritage Center from 6PM-8PM to sign copies, answer questions, and chat about all things Bayport. Books will be available for purchase at the signing. Get your copy for only $25!

Book Cover

Walt Serier and his son Don

Minnesota's Headline Murders! 1900-1919 with Patrick Shannon
2022-10-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Patrick L. Shannon is BACK with more true crime stories with a historical twist! Patrick L. Shannon’s well-researched and compellingly told tales from the front pages of Minnesota’s past will fascinate any fan of true crime.
EVENT INFO
The Washington County Heritage Center will be open at 5pm for event attendees to experience the museum at a discounted rate prior to the event at 6pm.

Copies of “Minnesota’s Headline Murders! 1900-1919” will be available for purchase at the WCHS Store prior to and after the program. Copies are also available online.

ZOOM INFO

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqf-6rqj4pE9BF-2OCLPvOlxm5JjtOI1cr
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Meeting ID: 867 8734 5394
Password: [REDACTED]

Hay Lake Speaker Series: "What I've Learned Running a CSA Farm"
2022-10-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047
What is a CSA farm? “Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production.”*

Come out to Hay Lake School’s Speaker Series to learn from CSA farmers in our area! Light refreshments will be served.

If it’s cold, please dress warmly.
Questions? Contact Susan Stepka at susan.stepka@wchsmn.org or call 651-433-4014

Historic Grounds Coffee Tasting
2022-10-08 08:00 - 11:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

Black & White Movie Night: House on Haunted Hill (1959) starring Vincent Price
2022-10-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
via Turner Classic Movies
Black & White Movie Night is BACK for Spooky Season! Come to the Washington County Center for one of the best scary movies starring the king of the genre, Vincent Price.
Retired university professor Steve Schroer will provide a brief introduction to the film.
Popcorn will be provided!
House on Haunted Hill is a 1959 American horror film produced and directed by William Castle, written by Robb White and starring Vincent Price, Carol Ohmart, Richard Long, Alan Marshal, Carolyn Craig and Elisha Cook Jr. Price plays an eccentric millionaire, Frederick Loren, who, along with his wife Annabelle, has invited five people to the house for a “haunted house” party. Whoever stays in the house for one night will earn $10,000. As the night progresses, the guests are trapped within the house with an assortment of terrors.

Christmas Pictures at Hay Lake School
2022-10-22 12:00 - 16:00, 2022-11-05 12:00 - 16:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047

Johnsdale Paranormal Group Program- 4PM
2022-10-22 16:00 - 17:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
In August, the Johnsdale Paranormal Group conducted their first investigation at the Warden’s House since 2019. What a night! After just a short time in the home, the group declared it to be “the most active night they have ever experienced.”

Come and find out what happened this year at the Warden’s House!
Click here to purchase your ticket for the 4PM program.
You will receive an email confirmation after completing your purchase. Please bring your email confirmation to the event, either on your phone or printed. If you do not receive an email confirmation or have questions, please contact us at 651-439-2298.

Johnsdale Paranormal Group Program – 7PM
2022-10-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
In August, the Johnsdale Paranormal Group conducted their first investigation at the Warden’s House since 2019. What a night! After just a short time in the home, the group declared it to be “the most active night they have ever experienced.”

Come and find out what happened this year at the Warden’s House!
Click here to purchase your ticket for the 7PM program.
You will receive an email confirmation after completing your purchase. Please bring your email confirmation to the event, either on your phone or printed. If you do not receive an email confirmation or have questions, please contact us at 651-439-2298.

ArtReach Gallery Reception
2022-10-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Another gallery change from ArtReach St. Croix means another opportunity to chat with the artists! On October 23 from 2pm-4pm, artists from the current show at the Washington County Heritage Center will be on hand to discuss their pieces before a new show moves in. This is your chance to discuss artistic process and inspiration with these talented locals! The event is free and light refreshments will be served.

"The World's Greatest Showmen" - The Ringling Brothers Story with curator Jennifer Cronk from Circus World
2022-10-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Lions, tigers, bears, and…Washington County? Find out what the connection is between the St. Croix Valley and the big top with a presentation by Jennifer Cronk, curator of Circus World in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Sons of an itinerant harness maker, the Ringling Bros. learned a lot about perseverance during their childhoods in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. They developed a love of entertaining and ambitiously formed a circus in 1884. Learn how self-discipline and determination helped the Ringling Bros. succeed beyond their wildest dreams while bringing The World’s Greatest Show to the masses.

Arcola Mills 175th Anniversary Party
2022-10-30 12:00 - 14:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

Flashlight Tours at the Warden's House
2022-10-31 08:00 - 17:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Back for 2022! Our tour guides are very excited to take you through our favorite House for spooky season.

Tours are at 4pm, 5:30pm and 7:00pm.

Price: $8/adults, $3/children ages 6-17. Tickets available day-of on a first come, first served basis.

Site Manager Julianne O’Connell will present a PowerPoint that is about 10 minutes long to set the mood for the tours that evening.

Private Event: Gateway Brown's Creek Trail Association
2022-11-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

Warden's House Winter Cleaning Party
2022-11-04 09:00 - 13:00, 2022-11-06 09:00 - 13:00, 2022-11-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
TLC the Warden’s Winter Cleaning Parties! Join Warden House site manager Julianne to help clean the Warden’s Home. November 4th, 6th, 11th, 20th and December 5th, 9th, 11th, 16th.

On each date, we’ll pick one of the original rooms to clean. Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided and all cleaning materials will be provided.

Private Event: River Market Community Co-Op Board Meeting
2022-11-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

Lolek Homeschool Group - Stillwater
2022-11-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States

St. Croix Valley Civil War Round Table Program
2022-11-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Scott Mingus, award-winning author of more than a dozen books on the American Civil War and Underground Railroad, will be discussing “Wargaming Gettysburg” from 7-8 p.m. at the November 14 meeting of the St. Croix Valley Civil War Round Table. His talk is open to the public.
Learn more about the St. Croix Valley Civil War Round Table at: https://www.scvcwrt.org/
