Washington Historical Society

Museum Hours

Tuesdays-Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.    Sundays: 1 – 4 p.m.

Closed from December 23–March 1

About:

The Washington Historical Society Museum consists of the main museum at Fourth and Market streets, the AME Annex at Walnut and Fourth streets and the Firehouse Museum at Fifth and Stafford streets. The main museum is also home to the Four Rivers Genealogical Society library. The society is also responsible for continued preservation of the Kohmueller Farmstead between the Four Rivers Area YMCA and Lions Lake. 

In 1995 the Washington Historical Society purchased the former Presbyterian Church building when the congregation moved to its new building on the outskirts of Washington. Located at the corner of Market and Fourth streets, the purchase provided the society with its first owned site since its creation in 1959.

The museum encompasses about 6,000 square feet and provides space for exhibits and historical and genealogy paper records. Items exhibited at the museum are relative to the history of Washington, Mo., and its immediate surrounding area. Exhibits include corn cob pipes, zithers, Busch beer, pottery, Missouri River, Native Americans, World Wars I and II, art, photographs, advertising pieces, and some furnishings and items used in daily life.

The Ralph Gregory Library and records of the Four Rivers Genealogical Society are also housed in the museum. The records are available on the days the museum is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  On Tuesdays, the records are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library is staffed by qualified genealogists when the library is open. The society is dedicated to promoting genealogical research, assisting members and others in researching and documenting their family histories. 

During the year, the museum is host to touring groups from elementary level students to senior citizens. Special programs are provided in the museum to students on an annual basis. Each month during the open season, an evening program is presented by qualified researchers on historical subjects.

The museum is open six days a week, from March to December. The museum is staffed by a paid director and volunteers to assist museum patrons, genealogical researchers and casual tourists. Volunteers also perform maintenance duties as well as coordinate fund-raising events, build new exhibits, publish local historical books and pamphlets.

The museum is centrally located in Washington, a block from City Hall and a quick walk from downtown. It is open to the public at no charge. Tours for groups can be arranged by calling during open hours.