Conley Publishing - Special Sections
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/984038
16 • May 22, 2018 • DISCOVER PORT WASHINGTON Port Washington Historical Society F ounded in 1991, the Port Washington Historical Society is committed to the preservation of the history of the Port Washington area. That history includes the role that Lake Michigan has played in the development of the area. The Historical Society strives to preserve the stories of the community, its maritime heritage, its people and its rich history. Celebrating our 27th Anniversary during 2018, the Historical Society has had a profound effect on the landscape of Port Washington. Since its founding in 1991, the organization has restored three significant historical buildings, including an 1860 lighthouse, an 1852 commercial building that now serves as its archive center and office, and finally a 1907 commercial building that houses the Port Exploreum, a local history and maritime interactive museum. Visitors to Port Washington can experience a glimpse into the area's fascinating past while learning how it impacts today and molds the future of the area. Incorporating oral history recordings, walking tours and historic markers, the Historical Society reaches beyond the three historic buildings it owns and maintains to provide visitors a fascinating history of our beautiful harbor city. Fueled by its strong volunteer commitment as a non-profit education organization, the Historical Society creates opportunities for inspirational discovery through preservation, education and exploration of the Port Washington area's history and its maritime environment with sustainable programs that honor the past while looking to the future. From 2000 to 2003 the Port Washington Historical Society restored and now maintains the Port Washington 1860 Lighthouse and Light Station Museum. Overlooking downtown Port Washington, the Light Station includes a museum depicting the life of a lightkeeper, and the nearby generator building houses a small maritime museum. Visitors from Memorial Day weekend until mid-October can explore these historic buildings including venturing up to the actual light tower. The Light Station is open noon until 4 PM Friday, Saturdays and Sundays. Group tours can be arranged by calling 262-268-9150. In 2012 the Port Washington Historical Society purchased the historic 1852 Barnum Blake building in downtown Port Washington and embarked on a restoration of the property. With restoration complete in 2014, the building became the Resource Center, housing the Society's archive and research centers and office. Additionally, the first floor of this building has changing exhibits depicting various key events and aspects of Port Washington's long and rich history. Open year round to visitors on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 PM until 4 PM, the Resource Center also has summer hours of Fridays from 1 PM until 4 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM until 2 PM. In 2012 the organization acquired a historic downtown building to house a unique history and maritime museum. Opening in April, 2015, the Port Exploreum engages visitors with hands-on interactive exhibits that tell the stories of the community, its people and nearby Lake Michigan. Our newest exhibit introduces eight people who called the Port Washington area home in the late 1800's / early 1900's. Visitors learn of their struggles and how the community responded to their situations, and how each of these people helped make our home what it is today. The Port Exploreum is open every day but Tuesday from 10 AM until 4 PM. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids, with military and senior discounts available.