Washington Historical Society – Washington, Missouri
Along with keeping the history of Washington alive the Society also houses the Four Rivers Genealogical Society whose services are utilized by people across the United States and in several foreign countries.
Washington is a Missouri River town and proud of it’s heritage. Growing from a spot the canoes landed to a full blown site with Riverboats and a thriving community.
The museum offers displays showing an 8 foot map of the river in the late 1800′s during the Lewis and Clark time, a 4 foot model of the steamboat "Horatio G. Wright", pictures of a 54 pound Sturgeon and a 100 pound catfish caught in the river. There is also a map of the Steamboat Graveyard.
You will see exhibits about Steamboats and Ferries, the Waterworks and the bridge as well as recreational areas and the history of the floods that have impacted the city.
In the museum you will see:
The Ralph Gregory Historical Library
The Four Rivers Genealogical Society Library and Archives
The Kiel Collection – Franklin County Historical Records
Joseph Bayer Pottery and J.B. Busch Brewery Artifacts
"Missouri Meerschaum" Corn Cob Pipe Memorabilia
Franz Schwarzer Zither Exhibit and Video
19th and 20th Century Photography Collection
Victorian Era Bedroom Suite – Chamber Pot and All!
Antique Fire Engines and Vintage Automobiles are a part of what the Historical Society supervises too. Located on 5th and Stafford St. is the Firehouse Museum. Open on Saturday and Sunday or by appointment.
OPEN
March through December
Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
Location: 4th & Market Streets Washington, Missouri 50 miles southwest of St. Louis.
Phone: 636-239-0280