Have you fallen into the ‘vanilla latte’ trap? Ordering mug after mug – not knowing what else is out there?
Your membership with The Tower Heritage Center offers HUGE value.
As a nonprofit organization independent of county funding, we rely on community support. Members are our greatest champions – helping us live out our mission of forging meaningful connections across generations.
Your support directly impacts our ability to create quality content, deliver heritage-based programs, and conserve the buildings that are home to our history. These offerings are our way of thanking you for engaging in our mission.
Here are 5 ideas to make the most of your membership. Let’s see what else is out there!
1. Trace Your Family History with FREE Access to the Research Center
The Research Center is home to 800 cubic feet of historic records and over 17,000 historic images. We are equipped and happy to help you with genealogy research or otherwise. Schedule an appointment for free to get to know Washington County’s history.
2. Discover the Story of Your Historic Building
Own a historic building? Or know someone who does?
For property owners who love the old, vintage look and feel of their historic building and want to keep it around for the next generation, The Tower Heritage Center is here to help. We are deeply interested in assisting in the conservation of historic buildings and offer a full range of preservation consulting services to assist.
Members receive a 10% discount on preservation consulting services and access to the Property Owner’s Institute. Maintaining a historic property is no small feat, and we aim to help support those owners whose passion for these great buildings is truly a labor of love. The Property Owner’s Institute offers:
- Reduced rates on Preservation Consulting Services
- Reduced rates for Architectural History & Preservation Education
- Reduced rates for Property Research Services
- Access to Certified Contractors Database
- Access to Onsite Research Databases, by appointment only
3. Visit the 1889 Courthouse and 1886 Jailhouse
Admission is always FREE for members to the 1889 Courthouse and 1886 Jailhouse museums. Your membership supports the continued preservation of these iconic buildings and the invaluable collections inside.
The 1889 Courthouse is an eight-story cream city brick building in the heart of West Bend’s historic downtown. It’s home to Washington County’s beloved archive and museum. The historical museum’s current exhibits share the history of the influential events and people that made our community the special place it is today.
A stone’s toss away is the 1886 Jailhouse. Take a guided tour to see the jail cells, hear stories of jailbreaks from the eight-room cell block and reminiscences from the sheriffs’ families, and learn the architectural history of this National Register of Historic Places building.
4. Join us for a Tower Talk
Tower Talks are free, member-exclusive virtual programs presented via Zoom. Each month features a new, specialized topic! All members will receive a webinar link on the day of the presentation.
For all other programs, each membership level includes generous program discounts for at least one person. We offer a variety of heritage-based programs, with everything from architectural preservation to homeschool classes.
5. Host an Event in the Historic Courtroom of the 1889 Courthouse
With over 2000 sq. ft. and soaring ceilings, the amenities are well-suited for both weddings and corporate gatherings. Set in the iconic backdrop of West Bend’s historic downtown, this location offers unparalleled opportunities for photos, entertainment, and accommodations.
As a thank you to members who support us in preserving this space, we offer a 10% discount for event venue rentals.
Parting Words
Thank you, members. We are overwhelmingly grateful for your dedication to our mission. All of this is possible because of you.
If you aren’t a member yet, we invite you to join our community through the button below. Membership is the best way to support our organization year-round.
You Make Our Work Possible!
Community support allows us to continue telling Washington County’s stories. We invite you to become a member and consider making an additional gift of support. Contact us about sponsorship opportunities for local businesses as well.