The Washington County Historical Society was founded on April 11, 1934.  The society just celebrated its 80 year anniversary and is currently operating three museums.  Also, the historical society has been running on donations and small museum fees for all 80 years. 

The three museums that the historical society runs are in the Warden House, Hay Lake School and the Johannes Erickson Log House. The Warden House is in Stillwater and the Hay Lake School and Johannes Erickson Log House are in Scandia. All three of these museums are on the National Register of Historic Places.

“The Washington County Historical Society’s mission is to ‘collect, preserve and disseminate the history of Washington County and the state of Minnesota’” said Executive Director Brent T. Peterson.

The Washington County Historical Society began when people all across the county met at the Stillwater Public Library in 1934. Since then, the society has been collecting and preserving artifacts, documents and stories from the county’s past.  The first president was Edward E. Bloomquist.  Bloomquist was the Superintendent of schools in Washington County.

“I went to the Warden House last summer with my dad and sister.  It was cool to see the how we have changed over the years from such a localized perspective.  I haven’t gone to the other museums yet but I want to this summer and I definitely recommend going to see the Warden House,” said junior Isaac Schiff. 

The Historical Society is showing no signs of stopping.  They want to continue to preserve all forms of history and culture in the county for the future.  They want to be able to show future generations what it was like right now. They want to be able to show them why we did what we did as to teach them how to make the future better for everyone and so that they don’t make the same mistakes that we may make now.

“Our 80th anniversary will kick off this coming Sunday, April 27th from noon to 4 pm at the Warden’s House with an open house to view the new exhibits that were created over the winter and one on our own 80th anniversary.  We will be having author talks, our annual fundraisers and other events to showcase the county’s history,” said Executive Director Brent T. Peterson.

Through the use of their three museums and very talented work force, the Washington County Historical Society has done a phenomenal job at preserving the history and culture of our county and community.