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The Mission
To enrich the lives of people in
Washington County and beyond.
To be careful guardians of the history
entrusted to us, including the Museum, the Frahm House, Fontanelle Two
Hall and all of the artifacts held within.
To provide a place where people can
obtain a truthful and realistic picture of those who helped to advance
Washington County to its status today.
To preserve the county's history for
future generations as it continues to evolve.
To use those artifacts of which we are
guardians to educate our children, young people and the general public
through varied programs and displays.
To inspire people - young and old - to
build on their heritage and to live lives that reflect that heritage.
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Ownership and Management
The
Washington County Historical Association is a private organization
incorporated as a Nebraska 501(c) 3 not-for-profit corporation The
Association maintains a Board of Directors whose members are elected
primarily from Washington County to serve one-year terms. An executive
director provides overall supervision of the operation. WCHA is funded
by grants from Washington County, fees, and generous gifts from
corporations and foundations.
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Exhibits and Collections
The Museum
The museum houses
artifacts from prehistoric time, Native American dress and equipment,
and relics from nearby Fort Atkinson. Early farm equipment, business,
school and household items as well as historical documents depict how
the pioneers lived in the late 19th century and beyond.
The Edison Phonograph
Collection of phonograph memorabilia includes artifacts, articles and
photos of the early years of the phonograph, highlighted by a working
phonograph.
The Museum's Research
Library, open to historians, genealogists and the general public,
includes historical information about the county and its development
over the years.
The Frahm House
The Frahm House offers
visitors a glimpse of Victorian life through the architecture of this
family home. The house is basically the as the day it was in 1905 and
furnishings represent the period.
The Fontanelle Town Hall
Constructed about 1860,
this is one of the oldest structures in one of Nebraska's oldest towns
and is the county's only original town hall still standing.
Education. Collection.
Preservation.
The Washington County
Historical Association promotes careful guardianship of historical
artifacts, promotes an understanding of their significance, and
inspires people to turn things learned and appreciated into benchmarks
for their lives.
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Blazing Trails to the Future
People were here, on this land, before
we were.
The Ancient Ones came shortly after the
glaciers melted, when the land became hospitable to humans. Down
through the centuries, Native American peoples have lived here in
harmony with the land. Europeans, relative newcomers to this land,
have moved through here on their way to somewhere else or come here
pursuing their own dreams of a better life.
From the beginning, the peoples who have
gone before us have left their trails for us to find. Marks and signs
indicate they were here. The more recent peoples have left us a legacy
of learning, depicting what life was like for them, and giving hints
as to what is important for us in our time.
Being aware of history, and particularly
local history, helps satisfy a deep longing in the human spirit to
establish roots, to be part of community, and to enjoy a sense of
place and belonging.
Since 1925 the Washington County
Historical Association (WCHA) has been a valuable resource for people
young and old, for long-time residents and newcomers, and for guests
traveling through the county.
The
Trailblazers
Just as those people who
have gone before us blazed the trails we follow, so too does WCHA
strive to blaze the trail into the future.
To assure this vital
organization continues and to identify people who are committed to
learning from the past and preparing people to live today and for the
future, the Board of Directors has established The Trailblazers.
It is fitting that the
name "Trailblazers' is given to those people who provide leadership in
the financial support so vital to WCHA.
Trailblazers' gifts, as
part of the Annual Fund, are used to help maintain and strengthen the
programs and services of WCHA as well as provide capital equipment and
repairs.
Membership in The
Trailblazers begins with an annual gift of $300 or more over the
course of a calendar year. Gifts can be given annually, quarterly or
monthly.
You may honor
a friend
or loved one with an Honorary Membership in The Trailblazers. Memorial
Memberships are also available.
Members of the
Trailblazers receive a special memento of membership, receive The
Trailblazers newsletter, are listed in the Trailblazers' honor roll,
and are invited to participate in special get-togethers for members.
Above all, as a member, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you
are helping continue a successful tradition of education, collection
and preservation.
To begin your
affiliation with this group of key people, simply complete the form on
the back panel and mail it to the Washington County Historical
Association.
While there are several
levels of membership, whichever category; you select makes you part
of this very special group of people who are doing so much to preserve
the treasures from the past so people can be enriched by this
experience and live their lives more fully today and tomorrow.
Click here for the
Trailblazers
Enrollment Form
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