Washburn Historical Museum
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Washburn Historical Museum
We are a community center dedicated to fostering, presenting and preserving the cultural, artistic and historical life of Washburn and the surrounding Chequamegon Bay Region. Each October, the Chequamegon Bay Arts Council presents its annual member show, The Gathering, with a variety of works by over twenty area artists and craftspeople.

The group of area watercolorists known as the Backwoods Artists returns to the Washburn Cultural Center's galleries in November! Featuring watercolor paintings and other works by artists taking classes from Wei Lan Lorber here at the Cultural Center. Annual exhibition of works from the Washburn Cultural Center's permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, mixed media works, and ceramics.
Services
Our shop carries a variety of area arts, crafts, Hand-crafted furniture, antiques, collectibles, cards, soaps, jewelry, records & music, pop culture and so much more!. A curated collection of fine vintage vinyl records, specializing in pop, blues, folk, and rock from the 60s and 70s. Pop culture and antique toys.
The first floor of the Washburn Cultural Center is home to a large, two-room gallery space. In our galleries we host monthly art exhibits, art and craft fairs, receptions and civic meetings. Because the arts are such an important part of what makes the Chequamegon Bay area a great place to live, we continue to build an art collection that reflects the cultural traditions and natural resources of the region.
The second floor of the Washburn Cultural Center houses the local history museum. Included are dioramas, photographs, and artifacts which depict the people and industries that shaped Washburn. For nearly 40 years, the all-volunteer Washburn Area Historical Society has been providing a place for local people to donate all sorts of items of historic significance for preservation and sharing with the general public.
Annual Memberships and Donations are a significant source of revenue for the Center, helping us with the cost of preserving our historic building and keeping our shop, galleries and meeting rooms "open for business". Our beautiful historic building is a gift to the people of Washburn and the Chequamegon Bay area and we value your generous assistance in helping to maintain it.
The Washburn Legacy Consortium is comprised of six local organizations. Each organization was formed for specific purposes, with the history and cultural heritage of Washburn at the heart of their missions. The consortium was formed to facilitate communication, collaboration and cooperation among the groups, to help each group meet its needs, and to work toward achieving common goals.
Reviews (9)
Jim Kreilich
Jim Kreilich
Oct 23, 2021
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Went to current Art Show on 10/9/2021 & enjoyed reviewing the area talent. After they treated us to coffee & cookies. They have a great space to showcase art in Washburn. Enjoyed!
Georgia Curtis
Georgia Curtis
Jun 16, 2021
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Talk to the antique shop owner, she is so sweet and has so many stories. There are a lot of cool things to find around this whole building!
Loretta Halvorson
Loretta Halvorson
May 25, 2021
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It wasn't what I needed, but it
Is interesting. Maybe the force
Can move inventory a bit more.
I don't know much about it.
Keldi Merton
Keldi Merton
Apr 22, 2021
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Great venue for local art, history, and regional antiques! Great, knowledgeable staff.
Mark Barber
Mark Barber
May 31, 2019
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We love it here! We have a long proud family history in Washburn, and we're honored to have served the community for so many years!
Cat Stratz
Cat Stratz
Dec 30, 2018
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Very interesting little museum. Knowledgeable curator. Friendly people.
Was amazed to discover many interesting facts of local history. Nicely displayed on the 2nd floor of the building. Would recommend it as a source of local history and earlier lives and times.
Jared Del Rosso
Jared Del Rosso
Jun 07, 2018
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I visited the Washburn Cultural Center in early-December, during a holiday bazaar. There were terrific, local vendors on two floors of the building. The historical displays at the center were interesting, with a nice collection of local artifacts and informative displays.
Dea Lunaris Hannah Hewland
Dea Lunaris Hannah Hewland
Jan 16, 2018
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First floor hosts stunning local art exhibits. Second floor is Washburn's History museum, fascinating place.
Local events are often held here.
Ranging from the local goods Christmas Bazaar, to the local "Haunted Mansion" role play.
Washburn wouldn't be the same without it's cultural center.
Judy Keinz
Judy Keinz
Jun 15, 2017
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My family is from Washburn and this center provided me with history of some of them that I had forgotten. I also visit the cemetery where the family members are buried. Washburn holds great memories for me.