Founded in 1965, the Webster Groves Historical Society (WGHS) is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and celebrating the rich heritage of our community.
As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we do not receive any regular funding from the City of Webster Groves. Our vital work is powered entirely by passionate community members like you through memberships, private donations, grants, corporate sponsorships, and event rentals.
Join Our Community
Anyone can become a member! Whether you love local history, historic preservation, old homes, genealogy, or archival research, there is a place for you here.
Member Benefits
Exclusive Access: Invitations to our annual meeting.
Historic Research: Access to our Member’s Page with guides to our Archives and our Century Home database.
Making an Impact: The pride of knowing you are actively keeping the history of Webster Groves alive.
Get Involved
Your membership has value far beyond your dues. WGHS thrives on community action. We are always looking for volunteers to help with:
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- Educational outreach & school programs
- Community event planning & fundraising
- Archives management, storage, and presentation
- Publicity, grant writing, project management, landscaping and social media.
- Internships
Have questions about joining or volunteering?
Please contact us at [email protected] to find out how you can help.
Visit the Historic Hawken House Museum
Step back in time at the Hawken House, an elegant Federal/Greek Revival brick farmhouse originally built by Christopher Miller Hawken for his wife, Mary Ann Kinkead Eades.
Originally located on Big Bend Boulevard, the home was moved to Southwest Park in 1970 to save it from destruction. Today, it is proudly maintained and operated by WGHS as a living history museum.
Tour Information
Explore the rich history of the home with our trained docents.
Tours are available by appointment only.
Please email the Hawken House manager at [email protected] to schedule a tour.
Adults: $5.00
Children (Under 12): FREE
Host Your Event at the Hearth Room
Built in 1989 just behind the Hawken House, The Hearth Room combines 19th-century understated elegance with modern amenities—making it the perfect venue for showers, weddings, meetings and more.
Please contact the Hearth Room manager at [email protected] for information.
Venue Features
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- Capacity: Accommodates up to 110 guests in a fully handicap-accessible dining room.
- Outdoor Space: Access to the adjacent patio and beautiful historic grounds (perfect for tented events).
- Flexibility: You are free to choose your own caterers, entertainers, and vendors at no additional charge. There is a preferred vendors list available upon request.
- Availability: Available for rent 7 days a week.
In the Community
