WINONA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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Support the future of local history with a donation today!

Virtual Visit

You can still explore Winona County's history at home.

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Help us preserve History as it Happens during the COVID-19 health crisis.

engaging exhibits, fun experiences, great resources, and good people.

WCHS offers three museums, annual events, a research archives and many varied programs! We were founded in 1935 and are headquartered in our main museum, The Winona County History Center, with a great gift shop.

For over 80 years WCHS has been a vibrant member of the Winona community with currently about 1400 members and 60 business partnerships. We have an 18 member board of directors, dedicated staff, with many amazing volunteers. We are committed to building a community where all are welcomed, respected, and valued.

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Support WCHS and get your chances to win the 2020 Raffle Quilt, Women of Influence!

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We are now the proud stewards of Handmade Neighborhood. The 2020 local artisan sale will be held online. Click to learn more and how to become a HMN artist.

Our Museums

Admission: $5 Adults; $3 Students; free for WCHS members and kids 7 and younger.

Winona County History Center

NOW OPEN!
Temporary Hours:
Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Sundays
The WCHS headquarters, the History Center is made up of Winona's 1915 Armory and the contemporary Laird Norton Addition (2010). It houses WCHS offices, engaging exhibits, The Museum Shop, The Laird Lucas Library and Archives, and beautiful event and meeting spaces.

160 Johnson Street
Historic Downtown Winona, MN

Historic Bunnell House

Closed until further notice.
In the late 1840s, well known Dakota
Chief, Wapasha, granted permission to fur-trader, Willard Bunnell, to build a family home. An outstanding example of Rural Gothic Architecture, explore the home with a lively guided tour and try a few Victorian and pioneer activities of the day.

Just off HWY 61 about 3 mi. south
of Winona in Homer, MN

Rural Heritage Museum

Closed until further notice.
Our newest museum is filled with exhibits about rural life in Winona County. There is also a log house and log barn to explore, and the one room Gainey -McCarthy schoolhouse. Plus home to our Pioneer School summer day camps.

On the Winona County Fairgrounds
off HWY 14, St. Charles, MN

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Exhibit Schedule

Get a sneak peek at Winona's Storied Past...

Learn. Have fun. Make friends.

History is social. There are many programs, events and classes offered by WCHS.
Here are a few ongoing offerings, and be sure to check out more on the To Do page!
We are currently adapting our events and programs to COVID-19 precautions.
We are hopeful that our regular schedule of fun things To Do will return soon.