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The Tower Chronicle

Our blog features stories of Washington County, Wisconsin along with pro tips for amateur historians and archivists.

Historic wood window restoration at the Heritage Center

Early Success, Saving Frisby House’s Critical Historic Feature

Who knew that historic glass reflects light differently than modern glass? Or that the…
Hallway in the 1912 Arts and Crafts historic Schwartz Family House

Uncovering Secrets in Historic Homes; Hartford’s Schwartz Family House

With Events & Outreach Coordinator, Bella Bussey Did you know we have our very…
1865 Frisby House Washington County Welcome Center

Restoring the 1865 Frisby House (Our To-Do List)

With Architectural Conservator, Steve Stuckey Since our organization acquired the Frisby House in 2023…
Tips for painting a historic house in Wisconsin with The Tower Heritage Center

Painting Your Historic House? Answer These Questions First. 

With Architectural Conservationist, Jenna Stilwell Paint can seem like the easiest update to an…
Crowd in the courtroom of the 1889 Courthouse for The Tower Heritage Center's event

Making Memories – 80s Style

On Friday, April 26th, The Tower Heritage Center hosted over 100 people at our…
Historic bakery in Slinger with The Tower Heritage Center home to the Washington County Historical Society in West Bend, Wisconsin

Things You “Dough-nut” Know About the Old Slinger Bakery

There’s nothing like biting into a freshly glazed doughnut on a Saturday morning or…
The Heritage Connection, podcast of The Tower Heritage Center in Washington County, Wisconsin

Around the County with The Venerable Fire Collection (Ep. 28)

The Heritage Connection In this episode of our Around the County series, we talk…
The Heritage Connection, podcast of The Tower Heritage Center in Washington County, Wisconsin

Around the County with The Wisconsin Automotive Museum (Ep. 27)

The Heritage Connection In this episode of our Around the County series, we talk…
The Heritage Connection, podcast of The Tower Heritage Center in Washington County, Wisconsin

Around the County with The Germantown Historical Society (Ep. 26)

The Heritage Connection In this episode of our Around the County series, we chat…
The Heritage Connection, podcast of The Tower Heritage Center in Washington County, Wisconsin

Around the County with The Richfield Historical Society (Ep. 25)

The Heritage Connection In this episode we continue our Around the County series with…
The Heritage Connection, podcast of The Tower Heritage Center in Washington County, Wisconsin

Around the County with The Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation (Ep. 24)

In this episode we kick off our Around the County series with Michele Price,…
1889 Courthouse of The Tower Heritage Center in West Bend, Wisconsin

1889 Courthouse – Learn Your Landmarks

Did you know: the 1889 Courthouse is the second tallest building in Washington County?!…
1886 Jailhouse on the campus of The Tower Heritage Center

1886 Jailhouse – Learn Your Landmarks

Built to be escape-proof – but was it? The most unique item in The…
The Heritage Connection, podcast of The Tower Heritage Center in Washington County, Wisconsin

The Heritage Connection – Episode 23: Finales and Fresh Starts

In our Season 1 finale, Bella and Justin discuss big changes coming to The…
1889 Courthouse with The Tower Heritage Center

ReImagine the 1889 Courthouse

For over a century, the 1889 Courthouse has been an unmistakable landmark of Washington…
The Heritage Connection, podcast of The Tower Heritage Center in Washington County, Wisconsin

The Heritage Connection – Episode 22: Season-ing’s Greetings

As a special send-off into Christmas and New Year’s, we’ll discuss some recipes, tips,…
5-Year ReConnect with The Tower Heritage Center

Heralding in the Heritage Center’s New Era, the 5-Year ReConnect

It’s not every evening you get to step into the future. On Wednesday, December…
Ugly Christmas sweater history with The Tower Heritage Center

The Unravelling of Jingle Bell Sweaters. Warning: This Could Get Ugly.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you’ve received an invite in…