Spring at the Heritage Center

Spring is just around the corner at The Tower Heritage Center, and we're gearing up for an exciting season of new events, member-exclusive tours, and the building of a heritage welcome center! Read on to checkout upcoming event and enjoy stories on local history.

Upcoming Events + Programs

Irish Heritage Happy Hour

March 17th, 5 - 7 pm | 1889 Courthouse | $45 ticket This St. Patrick’s Day, relive the stories and traditions of Washington County’s Irish settlers! Join archivist and genealogy expert Jenna McWilliams for an engaging evening uncovering the traditions, legends, and culture of the Irish settlers who shaped Washington

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

Member-Exclusive Tours of the Historic 1886 Jailhouse | West Bend, WI

Members enjoy exclusive tours of the 1886 Jailhouse once a month at The Tower Heritage Center

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Building a Heritage Welcome Center

Staff and volunteers are working hard to bring original elements back to life in the historic Frisby-Wagner House, including revitalizing a 19th-century parlor room that will feature an authentic plastered and papered wall exhibit. What does that mean? Picture a wall-sized display that visualizes how walls were built, finished, and decorated in the past - shown by layers of lath, plaster, and wallpaper.

At this point in creating the wall exhibit, staff and volunteers have removed the modern drywall and are installing lath, thin narrow strips of wood that act as a support structure for plaster.

Installing Lath and Plaster in the Historic Frisby-Wagner House

Staff and volunteers are working hard to bring original elements back to life in the historic Frisby-Wagner House, including revitalizing a 19th century parlor room that will feature an authentic plastered and papered wall exposing all layers of the process.

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

Good Reads on Local History

Volunteers Uncover History Behind Modern Updates in Historic House

Volunteers help The Tower Heritage Center restore the historic Frisby-Wagner House in Washington County, Wisconsin

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

Victorian Painter’s Tools & Techniques: Color Schemes, Brushes, and Pigments Explained

Victorian-era painters relied on unique tools, pigments, and color systems that continue to influence historic home preservation today.

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

History of Oscar’s Wine Bar | Downtown Hartford WI

Explore the history of Oscar’s Wine Bar, a 1900 commercial vernacular building made with Cream City brick in downtown Hartford, Wisconsin.

The Tower Heritage CenterThe Tower Heritage Center

Washington County's Trusted Source for Historic Information

The Tower Heritage Center’s Archives contain over 17,000 photographs and 800 cubic feet of historic documents cataloging Washington County’s past.

We’re dedicated to stewarding these stories – and connecting you to them. Whether you’re curious about your home’s past, your family’s roots, or the legacy of a business, we’re here to help you find those answers.

Preserving the Past, for Tomorrow

Community support keeps Washington County’s stories alive! Make a difference in preserving our community’s historic places and cultural heritage today - by becoming a member or making a donation.