Stephanie Macchia, Curator of the Washington Historical Museum & past president of the Washington-Wilkes Historical Foundation was recently interviewed by Craig Anderson from Our History Project! Listen to the live radio show here!
Washington Historical Museum
As the oldest house museum in Washington, the Washington Historical Museum
contains an intimate collection of artifacts, memorabilia and antiques
representing more than 200 years of history in Washington & Wilkes County,
Georgia.
About the House:
The museum was originally built circa 1835 by Albert Gallatin Semmes on land
owned by Revolutionary war hero, Micajah Williamson as a traditional two
over two saltbox style house. In 1857, the house & 100 acres was sold to
Samuel Barnett, the first Georgia Railroad Commissioner. Samuel enlarged the
house by adding front parlor rooms, hallways & the main staircase to
accommodate his growing family and to properly entertain visitors. Samuel's
family lived in the house until the death of his daughter, Mrs. Edwards
McKendree Bounds in 1913.
In the 1950's the house was acquired by the City of Washington and underwent
a two yearrestoration project which included historic modifications &
alterations to both the houseand grounds. The Washington Historical Museum
opened to the public in 1960 and has continued to serve as an important
example of antebellum architecture and Southern heritage.
The house contains furnished rooms, authentically decorated with antiques
dating to the mid 1800's. Furnished rooms include: the Master Bedroom,
Dining Room, Kitchen and both East & West Parlors and contain pianos,
textiles, hair art, toys, china and more.
In 2010, the museum celebrates it's 50th anniversary.
About the Collection:
The museum hosts an impressive collection of artifacts including: Civil War
relics, antique furnishings, art, photographs, documents, personal
correspondence and Georgia pottery. Special Collection rooms include: The
Confederate Room, The African American Room, The Children's Playroom & The
Native American Room where visitors will discover a diverse assortment of
materials relative to local history.
Unique features include:
George Washington's gravy boat, Jefferson Davis' field desk, Dave the Slave
pottery, an Eli Whitney Cotton Gin, a Victorian era suit of armor suit and
more!
Visitor Information:
The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00am - 5:00pm.
There is a $3.00 admission fee person. Children under 12
are free andmust be accompanied by an adult. Specialty Tours and school
groups are welcome.
The museum is located within walking distance to Washington's Historic Town
Square and is just one half block west of the Robert Toombs Museum. Please
inquire with museum staff as to information & directions to other historic
sites in the area including the Kettle Creek Battleground, Resthaven
Cemetery, The Mary Willis Library & Callaway Plantation.
Washington Historical Museum
308 East Robert Toombs Avenue
Washington, GA 30673
Tel. 706-678-2105
Email: historical@washingtonwilkes.org
Email: info@historyofwilkes.org
www.historyofwilkes.org
Tel: 706-678-5001
Toll Free: 877-221-7689