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The Tower Chronicle

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

Visit historic sites in Washington County with The Tower Heritage Center

Do you Know the Best Times to Visit Historic Sites in Washington County?

Looking for a day trip to explore history during peak seasons? Discover what it…
See the Washington House, built by an entrepreneur in West Bend's history with The Tower Heritage Center

Historic Washington House: The Everlasting Gathering Place

Can you envision a place where professionals, socialites, & storytellers alike tend to gather?…
Paint crew House Painting Washington County

A Victorian Painter’s “Top 4″ Essentials: Color Schemes, Brushes, Pigments & Terms

They wouldn’t leave the house without ’em! At a time when everything was done…
Original hardwood flooring in historic building in Wisconsin

Volunteers Uncover History Behind Modern Updates in Historic House

In with the old… out with the new. Everyone loves the feeling of uncovering…

Have You Seen These 6 Hidden, Historic Details in Wisconsin’s 1886 Jailhouse?

The 1886 Jailhouse is one of the region’s most famous historic buildings. And it’s…
1886 Jailhouse that is a historic building in Wisconsin preserved by The Tower Heritage Center

A Year of Photos: Celebrating Washington County’s Historic Places & Cultural Heritage

What a year! Reminiscing on 2024’s impact, here’s a collection of photos from the…
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?!…