Ron Gordon Memorial George Washington Art Contest
For many years, the Greater Washington Area Historical Society has celebrated George Washington’s birthday in February by having the Museum at 58230 Van Dyke open for an afternoon and sponsor tours and refreshments for visitors. In 2010, one of our members, Ron Gordon, suggested that we have an art contest in cooperation with the Washington Elementary School and have the students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades participate. The students would draw a portrait of George Washington and their art teacher would submit nine finalists from each grade for judging by members of the historical society.
On February 23, 2025, the Museum will be open and the artwork of the 27 finalists will be on display for visitors to see. And the Museum is open for tours of exhibits in five large rooms. Of course, refreshments will be available. The artwork is to be judged at the end of the day and a winner selected from each grade plus an overall winner.
The three winners of the art contest and the overall winner will be announced at an assembly at the Washington Elementary School on February 26. All the finalists are invited to a pizza lunch at the Museum after which tours of the Museum will be conducted. At the conclusion of the luncheon and tours, all the finalists will be presented with a packet of information including a certificate of participation.
Results of the Art Contest 2025
The Greater Washington Area Historical Society held an assembly on Wednesday, February 26 at the Washington Elementary School to announce the winners of the 14th annual "Ron Gordon Memorial George Washington Art Contest". The third-grade winner was Lucy Schramm, the fourth-grade winner was Kaidence Georges, and the fifth-grade winner was Isabella Halloran. The grand prize winner was Isabella Halloran. The winners each received a gift card from Barnes & Noble, a book about George Washington, and a collectable coin. The grand prize winner also got a gift card from Meijer. The finalists then went to the Washington Museum for a pizza party and tour.
Art Work of the 27 Finalists on Display at the Museum
Winners of the 2025 Art Contest
Friday, April 11, 2025
The Washington Township’s 198th Anniversary and the Washington Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at The Abbey on Main on Friday April 11, 2025 recognizes six honorees who made a positive impact on our community while also remembering the individuals who established and fulfilled the Society’s mission to save the old 1916 Washington High School, promote the cultural arts, and collect and preserve the artifacts of Washington Township and the surrounding community.
Our 2025 honorees are:
Paul Poljan, Lifetime Achievement Award for service to Washington Township, contributions to preserving our history, and longstanding business presence that strengthened our community.
Mark Fobare, Youth Ambassador Award for stewardship of the John Dyer-Hurdon Scout Museum inside our Historical Museum and supervision of Eagle Scout projects.
Ruth Heidebreicht, Community Supporter Award for generous support of non-profit organizations including the Society’s Furnace project,
Smith Family Farm, Centurion Award for its multi-generational homestead and agricultural heritage which gives back to the community.
Four County Community Foundation, Organization of the Year Award for support of community projects including the Society’s Raise the Roof and Stair Lift projects.
Raven Oaks Farm, Business of the Year Award for the restoration of the historic farmhouse and barn into an organic farm and the longtime support of local historical societies.
September 28, 2025. Sunday Open House 1 to 4 PM
The Washington Historical Museum will be open on Sunday, September 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. It is located at 58230 Van Dyke northeast of 26 Mile Road. The building is the old Washington School built in 1916 and operated from 1917 to 1972. It opened as a museum with historical scouting, military, school, and local items in 1975.
On Sunay, September 28, 2025, at 2 p.m., there will be a presentation on "Harsens Island and the St. Clair Flats - It's All About the Water" by Robert A. L. Williams, chairman of the board of The Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Historical Society & Museum. Mr. Williams will discuss the geological history of the Great Lakes to life on the island today. Highlights of the discussion will include the creation of Harsens Island, wild life and plants, the shipping channel, the Tashmoo steamer, history of island resorts and getting to and from the island. Harsens Island was once home to about a dozen resort hotels and Tashmoo Park visited by tourists from Detroit on the steamer Tashmoo. Today, half of the island is a DNR Wildlife Area and the other half home to about 1,200 year-round and 3,000 residents every summer.
Come and learn about an island not too far away with an interesting history. Tour the Museum as we are celebrating our 50th year since incorporation in 1975. There are four large rooms of exhibits and the John Dyer-Hurdon Scout Museum for viewing with items brought here by the early settlers, a turkey feather Christmas tree, George Washington display, a chaplin’s organ, Uncle Otto display, genealogy information for some local families and vintage photographs.
If any questions, please call Jim Holcomb at 248.652.2458.
October 26, 2025. Sunday Open House 1 - 4 PM
A presentation on the Erie Canal by Pat Hallman is planned for 2 PM in the Museum’s Gathering Room. Additional information to follow.
The Washington Historical Museum is located in the OLD 1916 Washington High School. The school operated from 1917 until 1972 when the new Washington Elementary School was completed. In 1975, the Greater Washington Area Historical Society was granted a lease for the old school to use as the Washington Historical Museum. The Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization who truly needs your help to preserve the history of your area.
For more information, contact Cherie Allen at washingtonmuseum@gmail.com or 586-786-5304.
Business Meetings
Second Thursday of each month, except December, at 11:00 AM. Business meetings are open to the public. If you might like to participate, call 248-652-2458 for details.
Work Days
Work days are normally scheduled every Thursday, 10 AM - 1 PM, from May to November. Please check to see if we are having a work day.