Preserving the Community's Past

For more than 175 years, The Tower Heritage Center has served as the source of stories and materials connecting Washington County’s past, in the present. 

Located in Washington County, Wisconsin, The Tower Heritage Center actively preserves four iconic 19th-century buildings. We’re committed to continuing stories - making them relevant for all generations. 

What we do: Preserving Washington County’s historic places and cultural heritage - making the stories relevant for all generations

Mission: Forging meaningful connections across generations to Washington County’s hard-working legacy

Vision: Regional leader in generating lasting connections and delivering heritage-based programs centered on Washington County’s entrepreneurial and industrious spirit

Protecting Stories Since 1875

Our commitment to preserving the community’s historic places and cultural heritage dates back to our founding in 1875, when a collective of early settlers started a club dedicated to “celebrating the origins of the community.” The Old Settler’s Club met annually for banquet dinners where community members reminisced, shared poetry, and began collecting historically significant objects and documents. 

In 1962, the Washington County Historical Society was formally established, as the Old Settler's Club merged with the West Bend High School Museum. Stewarding a number of early artifacts, the historical society was granted access to build a museum on the first floor of the 1886 Jailhouse.

By 1994, the historical society was granted access to the neighboring 1889 Courthouse. A major restoration followed, converting the buildings into

Fast forwarding to 2022, and The Tower Heritage Center became a fully-independent nonprofit.

Today, The Tower Heritage Center continues stories through immersive experiences and innovative preservation. We seek to educate, inspire, and connect the next generation. 

Staff & Board

Meet our Staff Members:

Steve Stuckey, PM (AIC), Executive Director & Architectural Conservator

Bella Bussey, Events & Outreach Coordinator

Bridgette Becker, Communications & Creative Coordinator

Jenna McWilliams, Research & Archives Assistant

Mike Christian, Property Caretaker

Hannah Becker, Outreach Apprentice

Meet our Executive Committee: Joe Zaremba, President; Jonathan Schulz, Vice President; Julie Ledger, Treasurer; Eric Biernat, Secretary

Meet our Board of Directors: Cassie Moran, Jeff Drews, T.J. Dieball, Missy Propper, Isiah Richie, Joletta Kerpan, Brock Studinski