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Today is the anniversary of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, given on November 19, 1863. Many historians consider Lincoln’s speech at Gettysburg to be the most inspiring speech ever given.

The Gettysburg Address concludes with stressing that all of us are responsible for taking up the cause of what men like Abraham Lincoln fought for. It motivated the country forward during the devastation of the Civil War and the eventual abolishment of slavery. The sculpture, “Return Visit” depicts Lincoln sharing the words of the Gettysburg Address with the Modern Man. Coincidentally, the sculpture arrived in Washington on the anniversary of the most devastating event to hit our city, the 2013 tornado.

And now we are in the midst of a pandemic. Let’s look at this statue of Lincoln and remember that, like Lincoln, we can and we will persevere as he did. We face challenges, but we can work together to get through these times.

What We Do

During these uncertain times, the Washington Historical Society wants to let our fellow community members know that we are thinking of all of you and hope you are staying healthy and safe. We are all in this together.

Announcing the 2020 Roots Recipient:

Congratulations to Dr. Kreeger for her impressive achievements and contributions in the field of cancer research. To read more about Dr. Kreeger

Historic Washington

Dr. Harley Zinser Home

105 Zinser (Est. 1858)

Constructed in 1858, the home of Dr. Zinser features a Greek Revival structure and was designed to be a single family home with an office in the east parlor. Additions to the home were added later in the 1880’s and early 1900’s.

Today, after careful restoration, it is the headquarters for the Washington Historical Society and was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. [1]

Hiram Price Home

109 Burton (Est. 1867)

Although exact building records are questionable, the home at 109 Burton was originally built at 102 Burton in 1867 with an Italianate Structure by Hiram Price. Price served as Mayor of Washington from 1899-1901. In 1915, the home was purchased and moved to 109 Burton by Henry Denhart which later accommodated the First National Bank’s Money Store. After some renovations in recent years, the house still stands as a single family home in Washington. [1]

116 N. Elm

116 N. Elm (Est. 1898 or 1906)

The exact age of this historic home is unknown, however it is believed to have been constructed in either 1898 or 1906. It is a foursquare house and has been well-preserved over the years. Its past owners have included two Washington Mayors: John G. Gorin and Richard F. Tanton. [1][2]

Israel Zinser Home

307 E. Jefferson (Est. 1878)

Moving his family to Washington to become the City’s primary pharmacist, Israel Zinser built this house in 1878 for his family. The home has kept the same look and feel as it did in its day for over 130 years, the only exception being the porch that was added to the home in the early 20th century. The home remains in the Zinser family, as it has for five generations. [1][2]

Holland Home

312 Market (Est. Mid-1800's)

Like many historic homes, the exact date of construction on the home at 312 Market is hard to place. It is said to have been constructed in the mid-1800’s, however building records show a permit issued for the home in 1898. Still, the home has some pretty big historic significance for Washington, with its history dating back to the Matthew Holland, son of Hollands Grove Founder (later re-named to Washington), William Holland.[1]

What We Do

Acquire, Preserve, Display

The mission of this Society is to acquire, preserve, and display Washington’s history.