Washington Historical Society & Four Rivers Genealogical Society

Washington Historical Society and Four Rivers Genealogical Society are located in the same building in Washington, Franklin County, Missouri. They are open full time from March through December. Museum collections spotlight the history of the City of Washington, while the genealogy library focuses on the entirety of Franklin County and has some material on surrounding counties. A local cemetery society houses their research files on-site as well.

Additionally, a by-appointment archive just a block away, contains county records long ago decommissioned by the government. These include probate records, assessor records, and others, as well as more obscure files such as lists of paupers, inquests, and even a register of names of farms. Apart from the main museum and its annex, a former firehouse contains antique fire trucks and early automobiles having connections to local history.

The Kohmueller Farmstead, a restored 1870s red brick farmhouse and adjacent barn help tell the story of life in the community 150 years ago.

Four Rivers Genealogical Society will do research for nominal fees, and offers in-house assistance to members and non-members at no charge. Their library, containing an estimated 5,000 books, genealogies, and other original source materials hosts visitors from around the world seeking their Franklin County roots. A highlight of the library are the unique Kiel Files, compiled by…you guessed it, a man named Kiel from circa 1870-1920. Containing over 100,000 pages, these files exist nowhere else and offer a unique glimpse into the lives of thousands of former residents.

Washington Historical Society & Four Rivers Genealogical Society
113 East Fourth Street, Washington, MO 63090
636-239-0280

Washington Historical Society and Four Rivers Genealogical Society will be present at the  “Society Showcase” on Tuesday, 07 May from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm in the Grand Ballroom Foyer. For a complete list of participants in the Showcase, please click HERE. We look forward to seeing you there.