The Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) is excited to announce the appointment of George Schire to the WCHS Board of Directors. The appointment starts in March 2025, as Schire replaces outgoing Board Member Tom Simonet.
Schire graduated from Park High School in Cottage Grove and later Brown Institute for radio and television broadcasting. He got into the banking business and was a lending and insurance trainer. He served on the Board of Directors for a major Twin Cities Credit union.
He enjoys American history, presidential history and is a well-known historian for professional wrestling history. He has authored several books about the subject and has done several presentations for the Washington County Historical Society about the subject. His next presentation at the Washington County Heritage Center will be on April 30, 2025.
“He is what we are looking for in a board member,” said Brent Peterson, Executive Director of the Washington County Historical Society. “George understands how to research and how to relate history to others. He will be a good fit with the organization.”
Emily Krawczewski, Site Manager, Washington County Heritage Center noted about Schire: "In addition to his entertaining presentations on wrestling history at the Heritage Center, George has done an impressive job of fundraising for WCHS. He's always thinking of ways to support the Society and get others excited about our mission."
Tom Simonet was appointed to the WCHS Board in January 2011. He served most of his time on the board as treasurer and helped to guide the organization through the purchase and renovations of the new Washington County Heritage Center. He will be missed but he will continue to volunteer his knowledge as needed to the organization.
Thank you Tom for all your hard work and welcome to George who will be a great addition to the board. For more information about the Washington County Historical Society, please call at 651-439-2298 or email at information@wchsmn.org.

Founded in 1934, the Washington County Historical Society is a donor-supported, nonprofit organization with more than 750 individual, family, and business members. WCHS is supported by individual gifts, memberships and earned income, and foundation grants.