Conger House Museum celebrating 50 years

WASHINGTON — This Sunday, June 9 from 2-5 p.m., the Conger House Museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Dedication will take place on the front lawn at 2 p.m., followed by tours of the historic home, updated exhibits and refreshments served in the recently restored dining room.

When visiting the historic Italianate home, you will experience 16 rooms decorated with period furnishings and Washington County artifacts. The featured summer exhibit will be “Iowa’s Second Gold Medal Olympian, John Jackson II.” Jackson lived in Washington and competed in the 1912 Olympics held in Stockholm, Sweden. Representing the United States, he won a gold medal in the team military rifle competition and also brought home a bronze medal in the 600 meter individual rifle competition. The exhibit includes many photos, his bronze medal and laurel wreath that was placed upon his head (similar to the ancient Greek Olympic ceremonies.)

The Conger House Museum is open June-September on Sundays, 2-4 p.m. The Washington County Historical Society, Inc. maintains the museum and strives to “Keep the Past Present,” because museums are essential to our communities.