About Us

Our Mission


The Washington Historical Society is dedicated to the curation, preservation, and interpretation of the Washington, Missouri, area. Through maintenance of an archival collection, public museum, and the development of educational programs, the Society seeks to ensure the accessibility of that heritage.

Our History


The Washington Historical Society orginiated in 1959 as the Washington Museum Society with the purpose  of establishing a local history museum. The name of the organization was officially changed to the Washington Historical Society on July 10, 1962.  In April 1984, after years of building support and collecting historic artifacts, the Society fulfilled their original purpose of establishing a museum located in the Jesuit Hall Building at the corner of Main and Cedar Streets. In 1995, the Society acquired the former Presbyterian Church and relocated their offices and history museum to their current location at the corner of Fourth and Market Streets.

Our Board of Trustees


Bridgette Kelch - President

Roy Morman - Vice President

Mary Beth Rettke - Secretary

Chris Eckelkamp - Treasurer

Katie Schonaerts

Frank Wood

Nancy Wood

Suzanne Hill

Bryan Bogue

Our Staff


Katie Dieckhaus - Executive Director

Tina Seals - Assistant