General Info

Washington Historical Museum As the oldest house museum in Washington,GA 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 year restoration project which included historic modifications & alterations to both the house and 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:Bedroom, Dining Room, Kitchen and both East & West Parlors and contain pianos, textiles, hair art, toys, china and more. 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.Washington Historical Museum As the oldest house museum in Washington,GA 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 year restoration project which included historic modifications & alterations to both the house and 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:Bedroom, Dining Room, Kitchen and both East & West Parlors and contain pianos, textiles, hair art, toys, china and more. 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.