Research Center and Archives | The Tower Heritage Center

Research on Historic Buildings, Businesses & Genealogy

The Tower Heritage Center’s Archives contain over 17,000 photographs and 800 cubic feet of historic documents cataloging Washington County’s past.

We’re dedicated to stewarding these stories – and connecting you to them. Whether you’re curious about your home’s past, you’re family’s roots, or the legacy of a business – we’re here to help you find those answers.

Research Areas

Property history
Family and genealogy research
Local business history

Start Your Research

Historical Resources in the Archives

Church and cemetery records
Business files
Family Histories
Probates and obituaries
Sanborn Fire map
Tax records
Newspapers
Bird’s eye view images
Community directories

Start Your Research Project

Let’s get your research going! All research projects begin with submitting an inquiry that states the research subject and scope. You have the choice between self-guided research or a staff-created, comprehensive research report. We recommend self-guided research for narrow, specific questions that you would like to explore independently. Comprehensive research reports are ideal for providing a complete overview and are created by research staff.

Self-guided research

Initial search of archival material. Found resources are available for a one-hour in-person, self-guided research visit.

For preliminary information on a research project.

($15 cost)

comprehensive research report

Focused report with a narrative-style summary and timeline of key dates, incorporating historic photos, maps, and newspaper articles. Available as a printable e-book. Additional cost for a physical, bound document.

For robust information and documentation of a research project.

($95 cost)