Exhibits
Upcoming Exhibit: Freedom, Independence & Citizenship: The History of Voting Rights in Minnesota
Opening June 1, 2020
The right to vote and be represented in government is one of the most important universal rights of humanity. There is no other basic right that defines emancipation, liberation, and citizenship more than the ability to ballot for what you believe. Using historic artifacts, video, and photographs from local collections – including our own – this exhibit will highlight milestones of voting rights for, among others, men, women, immigrants, and people of color in Washington County and Minnesota while critically examining social and political contexts.
Washington County Parks is currently in search of artifacts, video, and photographs to use in the exhibit. If you have items to contribute, please contact us at 651-275-7075 or historiccourthouse@co.washington.mn.us.
Click here for tour times.
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.
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.
Online Exhibit - People & Places: Architecture in Washington County
Washington County County has beautiful natural scenery, lovely Victorian homes, history and connections to a shared past. This online exhibition highlights the County’s rich architectural history by featuring 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.
Special thanks to Washington County’s GIS Department, including Courtney Eickhoff and David Brandt, for assisting us with this project.