Scholarships
The Washington Historical Society Education Committee grants three college scholarships to local students each spring.
These students are honored at the Annual Spring Dinner in April.
For information about each scholarship and how to apply, please see below.
The Washington Historical Society Scholarship
The Washington Historical Society Scholarship grants $2,000 to one graduating high school senior residing in the Washington School District. This scholarship is made possible through the Stanley & Marjorie Wilke Memorial Fund. Students applying for this scholarship must also prepare a project on history relevant to Washington, Missouri that shall be submitted to the Washington Historical Society for review.
Details
Applicants must complete a current Washington Historical Society Scholarship Application.
Applicants will also prepare a presentation on a topic of Washington history. Presentations may take the form of a written essay of 750-1,500 words, a slide show, a video no longer than 15 minutes, or other freely accessible, professional format. Be creative! Conducting your research at the Washington Historical Society Museum is strongly encouraged.
Presentations must be submitted by Thursday, March 18, 2027.
Submit your presentation by mail or in person:
Washington Historical Society
c/o Education Committee
PO Box 146
Washington, MO 63090
You may also submit via email.
Above: Stanley and Marjorie Wilke with their son, Wayne
The Stanley and Marjorie Wilke Memorial Fund supports the Washington Historical Society's mission of local history education through scholarships and book publishing. Wayne and Tina Wilke established the scholarship in his parents' memory.
The Ruth Stumpe Brent Tofle Family Scholarship
The Ruth Stumpe Brent Tofle Family Scholarship Fund will award $1,000 to one person of any age from Washington, Missouri, or within the Washington School District. First preference will be given to candidates who attend, or will be attending, the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Details
Applicants must complete a current Ruth Stumpe Brent Tofle Family Scholarship Application.
Eligible candidates must currently be enrolled, or admitted and intending to enroll, as full-time, part-time, or online students. They may be in an undergraduate or graduate program in any field for the 2026-2027 school year.
All candidates must demonstrate an interest in the mission and goals of the Washington Historical Society to curate, preserve and interpret the history and heritage of the Washington, Missouri, area.
Applications must be submitted by Thursday, March 18, 2027.
Submit your application by mail or in person:
Washington Historical Society
c/o Education Committee
PO Box 146
Washington, MO 63090
You may also submit via email.
Ruth Tofle (nee Stumpe), center, surrounded by her family and loved ones at her 70th birthday party in 2021.
The Ruth Stumpe Brent Tofle Family Scholarship is made possible through donations from Ruth Tofle as a tanglible way of thanking, giving back, and investing in the future of Washingtonians.