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Washington County Historical Society |
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Our Mission
Keeping the Past Present
The Washington County Historical Society, Inc. is a non-profit, educational and historical organization founded in 1959 to preserve our County's rich past.
In 1973, the Jonathan Clark Conger House was restored for use as the county history museum and later became home of the Society. The organization also manages
preservation of the Walnut School, Dublin Store, Red Brick School and the Washington County Archives.
News
New webpage for the Conger House Museum History created. See the link below!
WCGS Projects
The project list below are funded by members like you, including the memorials, donations from the Chilcote Questers, and grants from the Washington County Historical Preservation Commission, Washington County Riverboat Foundation, and Washington Betterment Foundation.
- Conger House Museum: Complete Dining Room restoration, returning the room to the Arts and Crafts period style - walls, floors woodwork and window covering. We received a $500 grant from the Chilcote Questers to install a period frieze (wallpaper or stencil).
- Conger House Museum: Pioneer Room restoration - wall/window repair. We received a $600 grant from the Washington County Preservation Commission for this work.
- Conger House Museum: Exterior restoration - front porch step repair, handicap ramp, sidewalk and sign. We received a $4,000 grant from the Washington Betterment Foundation to replace the porch steps and ramp.
WCHS Upcoming Events
50th Anniversary of the Conger House Museum: Tentatively scheduled for June 11, 2023. Open House will be 1:00 - 4:00 pm. More information to follow. Click here for more info.
Click the link to learn more about the WCHS and how to join and help us promote and preserve our County's history.
Historic Sites Maintained by the WCHS
Conger House Museum
It is located at 903 E. Washington St. The Conger House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an Iowa Landmark. The restored Conger House displays period rooms of three Washington families: Ritchey (1847-1855); Conger (1855-1904); Wilson (1904-1936). Other rooms feature permanent displays of Native American artifacts, war memorabilia, county medical history, and items manufactured in the county. The grounds surrounding the home contain some original trees and flower gardens now enhanced by restored herb gardens and geode cairn.
Check out the History of the Conger House Museum
Tour of the Conger House Museum is coming soon!
Red Brick School
It is located at 2705 Wayland/Coppock Rd. The Red Brick is a one-room schoolhouse built in 1873 and closed in 1958.
Walnut School
It is located at 1910 290th St. The Walnut School a one-room wood frame schoolhouse built in 1863 and closed in 1959. This original site includes the school, pony barn, girls and boys outhouses, merry-go-round, flag pole and hand pump.
Dublin Store
It is located at 1402 Old Highway 92. The general store was built in 1873 and is the only remaining building in the town of Dublin. It is not open to the public.
Washington County Townships and Towns
There are 15 townships in Washington County and about 60 past and present towns. Click the link to read the township and town related information, including histories, churches, cemeteries, schools, photographs, maps and other data.
WCHC webpage is maintained by Joanne L. Breen
Last update May 10, 2023
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