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The Tower Heritage Center
Preserving Washington County's Historic Places & Cultural Heritage

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Connecting generations through experiences, stories, and places since 1875.

Our team is passionate about continuing stories and activating historic places to forge meaningful connections across generations. You can join in preserving our community's history by becoming a member.

Our Story

Featured Stories

03
Nov
Volunteers Uncover History Behind Modern Updates in Historic House

Volunteers Uncover History Behind Modern Updates in Historic House

In with the old… out with the new. Everyone loves the feeling of uncovering history with their own hands. Recently,
5 min read
03
Nov
Hallway of the historic Schwartz Family House in Hartford, Wisconsin

Uncovering Secrets in Historic Homes: Hartford's Schwartz Family House

Did you know we have our very own architectural and historic building conservator at The Tower Heritage Center? In his
4 min read
03
Nov
Historic Frisby-Wagner House in West Bend, Wisconsin of The Tower Heritage Center

Restoring the Frisby-Wagner House (Our To-Do List)

Since our organization acquired the Frisby-Wagner House in 2023 (you know the one… cream-city brick exterior, sits distinctively on the
3 min read
03
Nov
The Tower Heritage Center image of historic house in Washington County, Wisconsin

Painting Your Historic House? Answer These Questions First.

There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint. Paint often seems to be the easiest part of updating
4 min read
22
Oct
Methods for storing old photos like sleeves and board boxes

3 Trusted Methods for Storing Your Old Photos

Snap! The camera shutter closes, and the scene freezes in a single picture. Photos memorialize significant milestones in our lives.
2 min read
14
Aug
View of Washington County, Wisconsin from the 1889 Courthouse

The Heritage Connection Podcast

Behind every historic and cultural site in Washington County are many helping hands who make it all possible - volunteers,
1 min read
13
Aug
Historic graffiti in West Bend's 1889 Courthouse

Making a Mark on History: Graffiti inside the 1889 Courthouse Tower

It’s a long way to the top. To take in the view from the tower of the 1889 Courthouse,
2 min read
30
Jul
The Story of the 1886 Jailhouse – One of Wisconsin’s Rarest Historic Buildings

The Story of the 1886 Jailhouse – One of Wisconsin’s Rarest Historic Buildings

Standing on the hill of West Bend’s 5th Avenue is a building with more than a century of stories,
5 min read
20
Nov
Early Success, Saving Frisby House's Critical Original Feature

Early Success, Saving Frisby House's Critical Original Feature

Who knew that historic glass reflects light differently than modern glass? Or that the shape of a glazing putty knife
3 min read

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