Old
Courthouse Museum
With
spires that rise above the city skyline, the Old Courthouse is a
masterpiece of the late 19th century.
Listed on
the National Register of Historical Places, the Courthouse was designed by
the famous Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch.
Built in 1889, the Courthouse was built at the cost of $46,369. The
architectural style of the Courthouse is Romanesque Revival.
The style is characterized by the repetition of rounded arches,
monochromatic brick and stone color scheme, towers, spires, and multiple
domes.
The Courthouse is one of the finest and best maintained examples of
Romanesque architecture in Wisconsin.
The building served as the county's
courthouse until 1962 when a new courthouse was constructed.
From 1962 to 1992, the Old Courthouse housed the Department of Social
Services.
Later, The Washington County Historical Society moved into the building.
The Society has turned the courthouse into a museum, which is one of the
finest examples of a local
history museum in the Midwest.
Permanent and temporary exhibits on the first floor include extensive
displays on lo cal
business and industry, early settlers, family, social and cultural life,
and more.
The museum also offers an interactive exhibit gallery, the Norm Colby
Interpretive Center.
The gallery is located on the second floor and is sure to interest
children and adults alike.
Also on the second floor is the newly restored Circuit Courtroom.
Located on the third floor is the Washington County Historical Society's
Research Center.
Tours of the Old Courthouse Museum are free.
While visiting the museum, don't forget to stop at the Treasurer's Vault
Gift Shop, located on the first floor, that features many unique items.
The museum welcomes both large groups and donations.
An elevator is available to use for persons with disabilities.
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