Apollo Club Returns to Stillwater

The Washington County Historical Society is proud to present “Our Songs, Our Stories: Apollo
Club Returns to Stillwater” on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 3:00pm. For 130 years, The Apollo
Club has stood as a monument to artistry, leadership, and cultural excellence. The award-
winning, all-male choral group’s roots are deeply connected to Minnesota’s history, including
leadership from Charles McCormick Reeve, former Warden of the Stillwater Prison and Apollo
Club’s first president.
A century ago, Apollo Club performed regularly in Stillwater for members of the Country Club
as well as convicts at the State Prison. “Our Songs, Our Stories” will include both history and
songs to honor Apollo Club’s legacy rooted in brotherhood, music, and community. Historian
Heidi Heinze, director of the Warden’s House Museum, will begin the presentation with a
slideshow about the Club, its founder, and the impact both have had on Minnesota, America, and
the world. The melodious Apollites will then entertain the audience with their final performance
of the season. This historic homecoming concert will showcase music from the Club’s extensive
library, old standards, patriotic tunes, and some new favorites.
This event is being generously hosted by the Manitou Fund, at their Arts and Education Center at
601 N. Main Street in Stillwater. The former Minnesota Zephyr building is now a state of the art
performance space combined with community education and reception areas overlooking the
beautiful St. Croix River.
The Warden’s House Museum, 602 N. Main Street, located across the street, was once the home
of the Apollo Club’s founder, Charles McCormick Reeve. It was acquired by the Washington
County Historical Society in 1941 and opened as a museum that year to share the stories of the
prison, wardens, and inmates. Attendees of the “Our Songs, Our Stories” concert can tour the
museum for the discounted admission of $8.00. The Warden’s House will be open from noon
until 8:00 on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Please join us for an evening that reflects on our origins while celebrating the enduring power of