The Port Washington Historical Society’s purpose is to collect, preserve and maintain items relevant to the history of the Port Washington area, north of Grafton, east of Saukville and south of Belgium, including its geographical location, commercial, agricultural, genealogical, developmental and maritime history. Items should pertain to maritime, and/or Port Washington area history, either by direct association, family, or business connection. Items are catalogued according to PastPerfect, and storage is managed as carefully as possible according to best practices.

Society collections cover a wide range of objects, archives, photographs and library materials. Collections include the Bienlein-Burke maritime collection, the Wiening photograph collection of lake freighters, the Ambrose Mayer photograph and item collection, the Wisconsin Chair Company/Paramount Record collection, Smith Bros. collection and the Breweries collection. Collections extend across the city’s history of businesses, its residents and local organizations. Research materials and files are available for community access.