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Explore Winona County's history at home.
WCHS COVID-19 Response Update:
(Updated 6/3) The Winona County Historical Society takes the health of our staff, volunteers, and visitors seriously. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak we are taking the following actions based on the order of Minnesota Governor Walz, and recommendations by the Center of Disease Control, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Minnesota Historical Society.
The History Center, our museums and the Laird Lucas Library & Archives are currently closed to the public until further notice. We will continue to post updates as they become available. Most of our staff is back in the office and are available through email or phone. You can find their direct contact information here.
Help Us Document this Historic Time.
You can also help us document history. How is COVID-19 affecting you and your community? Do you have photos of empty shelves at any Winona County stores? If you have photos of your family learning or working at home, we would like those too. Type or write a journal and consider donating it, or part of it, and/or some local images to WCHS to help document the effects COVID-19 had on Winona County communities. Digital files can be sent to archives@winonahistory.org or fill out our HISTORY AS IT HAPPENS online form.
Join or Donate to Help WCHS Financially.
Without classes, events, ticket sales, facility rentals and field trips our operating budget is being hit hard. To help make up those lost funds please consider making a special online donation or, if you are not already, become a member of the Winona County Historical Society. People of Winona County are proud of their history and heritage. We thank you for your support in ensuring that WCHS can continue to collect, preserve and share our local history for everyone.
The History Center, our museums and the Laird Lucas Library & Archives are currently closed to the public until further notice. We will continue to post updates as they become available. Most of our staff is back in the office and are available through email or phone. You can find their direct contact information here.
Help Us Document this Historic Time.
You can also help us document history. How is COVID-19 affecting you and your community? Do you have photos of empty shelves at any Winona County stores? If you have photos of your family learning or working at home, we would like those too. Type or write a journal and consider donating it, or part of it, and/or some local images to WCHS to help document the effects COVID-19 had on Winona County communities. Digital files can be sent to archives@winonahistory.org or fill out our HISTORY AS IT HAPPENS online form.
Join or Donate to Help WCHS Financially.
Without classes, events, ticket sales, facility rentals and field trips our operating budget is being hit hard. To help make up those lost funds please consider making a special online donation or, if you are not already, become a member of the Winona County Historical Society. People of Winona County are proud of their history and heritage. We thank you for your support in ensuring that WCHS can continue to collect, preserve and share our local history for everyone.
engaging exhibits, fun experiences, great resources, and good people.
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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. |
Our Museums
All WCHS museums are currently closed due to COVID-19.
Admission: $5 Adults; $3 Students; free for WCHS members and kids 7 and younger.
Admission: $5 Adults; $3 Students; free for WCHS members and kids 7 and younger.
Winona County History Center
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 HouseIn 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 MuseumOur 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. Various activities, will be offered during the Fair and Gladiolus Days. Pioneer School sessions are also offered each summer!
On the Winona County Fairgrounds off HWY 14, St. Charles, MN |
Looking for Pioneer School Information? Learn More Here
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!
Here are a few ongoing offerings, and be sure to check out more on the To Do page!
Food For ThoughtA lunchtime learning series offering programs during the lunch hour. Welcome to bring your lunch.
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Book ChatThe Book Chat Group meets every fourth Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. monthly. Anyone is welcome at anytime to join the conversation.
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History on the RiverGet out on the river and gain some historical knowledge too! Programs aboard The Cal Fremling or Winona Tour Boat.
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Get involved! Would you like to become a WCHS Volunteer?
Find us. Visit us. Stay Connected.
Get in touch and stay connected to all things Winona County history!
160 JOHNSON STREET
WINONA MINNESOTA 55987 |
MAIN: (507) 454 2723
FAX: (507) 454 0006 |
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Also check out...
Travel guides and more atvisitwinona.com
Winona has a ton to do! Paddle at the Lake or on the river trails, bike or hike our bluff trails, or take in the abundant art, heritage and cultural experiences! Offices are also located in the History Center and stop in the Visitors Center at Lake Winona just off Huff Street! |
Walkabout WinonaThis new tour company is run by students in the Winona State College of Business! An exclusive and entertaining walking tour of Winona's historic and hot spots.
Learn more and Book a Tour... |
Enjoy Downtown WinonaExplore historic downtown Winona and all it has to offer! From a great new brewery to fantastic shops and art galleries, there's plenty to see and don't forget to look up at all our beautiful architecture too.
Winona App coming soon! |