Exhibits

  1. 1
  2. 2
People & Places: Architecture in Washington County

The Washington County Parks and the Historic Courthouse exhibition “People & Places: Architecture in Washington County” was on display at the Historic Courthouse June 3, 2018 - January 5, 2019. However, this exhibit has now been transformed from a physical exhibit to an online format! 

Parks & Historic Courthouse staff partnered with the County's GIS Department to complete the transformation. Special thanks to Courtney Eickhoff and David Brandt for assisting with this project. 

Click the link below to view the new online exhibit:

People & Places: Architecture in Washington County

The new online version of the exhibition highlights various architectural styles found in the county from pre-1850 to 1960 in a scrolling, cascade-style format. Sections focus on Lost History (sites and buildings that are no longer); Early Peoples; Mills & Merchants; Learning & Leisure; Law & Order; Victorian & Turn of the Century; Modern. Click the link above and scroll through the different sections from beginning to end or choose your area of interest using the key in the upper right corner. 

Washington County has beautiful natural scenery, lovely Victorian homes; history and connections to a shared past. This exhibit showcases the County’s rich architectural history and the people who lived it.

For more information, call 651-275-7075 or e-mail historiccourthouse@co.washington.mn.us 


The Washington County Historic Courthouse Through the Years: 1870-Today

This exhibit showcases Historic Courthouse artifacts from 1870-1975, including antique office equipment, furniture, period clothing, a judge's office display, and much more. 

Rotating tabletop displays throughout the building feature the history of area events, Washington County and the City of Stillwater. 

 click here for tour times. 

The Great Courthouse Debate

Within its 150-year history, the Historic Courthouse has had its share of debates, and not just in the courtroom. In the 1960's the courthouse faced demolition during a debate on whether to build a new government center or add-on to the existing space. Saved by the community, the courthouse continued to be the focus of debates and discussion on its use, fundraising, restoration and its role as a historical landmark. 

This exhibit examines the historic and contemporary issues and highlights the key questions posed to our community about how to bring the Historic Courthouse into the future, while preserving its past.