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 25, 2024, 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 27. 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.
Washington Museum Benefit and Anniversary Dinner. April 12, 2024
Super Sunday June 2, 2024
Super Sunday was held on June 2, 2024.
Annual Golf Invitational Thursday June 13, 2024
We are most grateful for the support received from all of our sponsors to replace the roof on our local historical landmark, your Museum, and the work of all the volunteers to make this event a success. We now have the funds needed for the project which included a complete removal of the roof, sheeting and new shingles. The project was completed in July, 2024. The funding has come from three very successful golf outings, many individual and organization contributions, fund raising events and generous grant awards from the Four County Community Foundation and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
Book Sale
The Book Sale is to be held September 8th, 12th and October 13 at the Museum. Donations for the book sale can be left on any Sunday we are open in July and August.
Antique and Collectible Appraisal Fair Fund Raiser
The Greater Washington Area Historical Society will host their annual Antique and Collectible Appraisal Fair on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Washington Historical Museum, 58230 Van Dyke, Washington, Michigan 48094.
Whether you have a family heirloom or an item purchased at a sale, our expert appraiser, LaVere Webster, will provide you with the opportunity to spend some time with an expert and learn not only the background of your item, but also its value. The cost is $5.00 per item, and you may bring as many items as you wish. The fee may be waived if it is determined an item is of little value. This is a perfect opportunity to find out more about that special treasure.
All proceeds will benefit the Society’s efforts to continue maintaining the museum, including upgrading the electrical and replacing the gutters. The Society was able to replace the roof on the museum in July of this year with the help of the community and local businesses and grants we received from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the Four County Community Foundation. We want to thank everyone for their support.
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.
Cherie Allen
Curator, Greater Washington Area Historical Society
Email: washingtonmuseum@gmail.com
Phone: 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.
