Our Story
Who We Are – Then & Now
The Washington County Museum was born out of curiosity, community pride, and a deep belief that the stories of this place matter.
Then: A Passion for Preserving
Our story begins in the late 1800s with William Henry Woods—known to locals as “Granddad.” A Civil War veteran who settled in Fort Calhoun, Woods began collecting artifacts from the land around him, uncovering prehistoric fossils, Native American tools, and remnants of early settlement. Local legend says he paid neighborhood children a dime for any “treasures” they brought him.
Woods also explored the site of nearby Fort Atkinson, once the largest military post on the western frontier. His growing collection filled his home and sparked a dream: a museum that would preserve the memory of Fort Atkinson and the early settlers of Washington County. Until that dream became reality, his home served as the county’s first informal museum.
That dream took a major step forward in 1919 during the centennial celebration of Fort Atkinson. After the festivities concluded, $1,000 remained—funds that were used to establish the Washington County Historical Society. Incorporated in 1925, the Society’s purpose was clear: to preserve the history of Fort Atkinson and Washington County for future generations.
In 1937, the Society purchased the former Fort Calhoun State Bank building, transforming it into a permanent museum. Nearly a century later, the Washington County Museum still stands in that same building—expanded, strengthened, and deeply rooted in the community.
Voices that Shaped Us
Among the many individuals who shaped the museum’s early years, Edith Neale stands out as a visionary force. An educator, researcher, and writer, Neale devoted her life to studying and preserving the history of Fort Atkinson, the Missouri River, and Washington County. Her leadership and determination led directly to the preservation and reconstruction of Fort Atkinson as a State Historical Park—an achievement that continues to benefit the region today.
Her commitment to preservation extended beyond history to the land itself. Neale’s donation of 120 acres helped establish what is now Neale Woods, allowing future generations to experience the landscape much as early settlers once did.
These early champions—and many others like them—believed that preserving history was a responsibility, not a luxury. Their work laid the foundation for everything the museum is today.
Now: A Living Museum
While our roots run deep, the Washington County Museum is not frozen in time.
Today, we are broadening our focus beyond the distant past to better reflect the full story of Washington County—its industries, agriculture, neighborhoods, cultures, and people across generations. Through updated interpretation, rotating and traveling exhibits, and community partnerships, we explore not only where we came from, but how the past connects directly to life today.
We believe history is most powerful when people can see themselves in it.
Looking Ahead
As Washington County continues to change, so will the museum. We remain committed to preserving our shared heritage while creating space for new stories, new voices, and new perspectives.
The Washington County Museum is a place to remember—but also a place to understand, connect, and imagine what comes next.
Board of Directors
- Joe Burns
- Jane Gilbert
- Jerry Grove
- Donna Henton
- Dan Hunt
- Carl Lorenzen
- Barb Sandvoid
- Leroy Schafersman
- Jon Stewart
- Ryan Wachter
- Eldon Wulf
Board Meetings
Board of Director meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at 5 pm at the museum. Meetings are open to the public and are governed by the Open Meeting Act. Minutes of past board meetings are available for public viewing at the museum.
The Annual Meeting of the Washington County Museum Board of Directors is held in August at the Museum. This meeting is open to the public, and the specific date and time is listed in the Washington County Enterprise and on our website prior to the meeting. We review our accomplishments over the last year and discuss our future goals and plans. We have a report of our financial picture and discuss the budget for the next year. The Washington County Museum will recognize and honor outgoing board members and vote to install new board members. If you are a member of the Washington County Museum, we invite your participation and vote. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Historical Association, please call the museum to discuss your interest.