The Stillwater Armory History Project
This page is part of the Stillwater Armory History Project, which functions in partnership with the Washington County Historical Society. On the walls and in storage at the old armory was a great assortment of old framed photographs, art, certificates, and militaria—some dating from the nineteenth century—that bore witness to the area’s rich military
past. These needed to be removed, preserved, and selectively re-installed in the new Armory, then under construction on the outskirts of town, where space had been identified for a more thorough and effective re-telling of Stillwater’s military history and heritage. A Steering Committee was formed to oversee this work. Funds were raised locally and, when the new Minnesota National Guard Readiness Center (aka Armory) became ready for occupancy in the winter of 2016-17, installations in the new building got under way. Exhibits consist primarily of graphic display panels located in public hallways and classrooms. Over-arching goals are: (1) to raise awareness of the area’s rich military history; (2) to instill appreciation for the sacrifices and accomplishments of those who served; and (3) to show the community’s role in supporting the military and its veterans. The project is on-going and being carried out in phases. Completed as of May 2021 (all in public areas):
• Timeline synopsis of Stillwater’s military history 1859-2016 –hallway
• Stillwater and the Civil War –room 1213
• Lost and Found: The Military Murals of Jo Lutz Rollins – lower level stair landing
• Last Man Club plaques – lobby
• Comrades Forever: Clubs Formed by Stillwater Veterans – hallway
• Interpretation of Paul Kramer’s mural-sized painting depicting history of the St. Croix River Valley - hallway
