Located in West Bend, Wisconsin, the Washington County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that is supported by contributions and memberships.  The Society serves to promote an educational program by bringing a better understanding and appreciation to the citizens of Washington County for their history, heritage, and natural environment.

     The Society operates three historic sites within Washington County.  These sites include the Old Courthouse Museum, the Old Jailhouse Museum, and St. Agnes Historic Site.  The Society operates within the Old Courthouse Museum.

     The Research Center of the Washington County Historical Society is located on the 3rd floor of the Old Courthouse Museum.  The center houses a wide variety of resources on the history of Washington County; its collection consists of over 30,000 documents and 14,000 photographs that illustrate the history and traditions of the county.  Many of the printed materials document the development of area agriculture, industry, business, and government.  In addition, the collection has a large number of books documenting home, family, religious and recreational life, and the rich ethnic heritage associated with Washington County.  The Research Center is a wonderful tool for genealogists and those interested in local history!

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The Old Courthouse and Old Jailhouse Museums and the Research Center Hours:

Wednesday through Friday               11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays                                             9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sundays                                         1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

(The Research Center is closed on Sundays)

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Driving Directions:

From the Appleton/Fond du Lac/Oshkosh area:  Take US 41-South to State 33 East; then take 33-East to West Bend; at 7th Avenue (fire station/traffic light) turn right; travel 6 blocks to Chestnut Street and turn left; travel 2 blocks to 5th Avenue and turn left.

From the Madison area:  Take I-94 to US 45-North (Follow Fond du Lac city signs); then take 45-North to West Bend- Paradise Drive exit and turn right; at Main Street turn left; at Chestnut, turn left; travel 1 block to 5th Avenue and turn right.

From the Chicago/Kenosha/Racine area:  Take I-94 North to I-894; then take I-894 to US 45-North (Follow Fond du Lac city signs); take 45-North to West Bend- Paradise Drive exit and turn right; at Main Street turn left; at Chestnut, turn left; travel 1 block to 5th Avenue and turn right. 

From the Milwaukee (downtown/east side) area:  Take 43 North to State 33-West (Port Saukville exit; this exit goes into West Bend); cross the Milwaukee River and turn left at 7th Avenue (fire station/traffic light); travel 6 blocks to Chestnut Street and turn left; travel 2 blocks to 5th Avenue and turn left.

From the Janesville/Beloit area:  Take 43 to I-894; then take I-894 to US 45-North (Follow Fond du Lac city signs); take 45-North to West Bend- Paradise Drive exit and turn right; at Main Street turn left; at Chestnut, turn left; travel 1 block to 5th Avenue and turn right.  

*Parking and Handicapped Parking is available in the back of the Old Courthouse Museum*

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                  9/07/2008