WINONA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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Programs, Classes, Events, and more fun stuff to do.

Programs, Activities & Classes


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The History of the Latsch Island Boathouse Community
Wednesday, August 24 • 7 p.m.
Local artist Gina Favano has been archiving the early history of the Latsch Island boathouse community and will be giving a talk showcasing some of the documentation from around the late 70s to the early 90s.  This has been a multifaceted project that has taken the form of document preservation, oral history interviews, and a podcast that will be released in early September.   You can learn more about the work at backchannelradio.org.


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Book Chat
Book Chat is free and open to the public. Participate in great discussions about the themes in each month’s book. Held monthly at the History Center. Discussions begin at 12:05 p.m. for about an hour. Led by Audrey Gorny.

​August 24 - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
September 28 - What Heals the Heart by Jen Telger
October 26 - The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel
November 30 - The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles


PictureDavid Lane
The Art of Fine Furniture Exhibit: Related Program
Grain Power: Learning from Traditional Korean Masters with David Lane
Saturday, September 17, 2 p.m. 

When you walk in the woods can you hear the voice of the trees?  Can you sense the living soul of the originating tree within an item of furniture in your home?  If you woodwork, do you see yourself as a master or servant of the tree whose wood you work?  Korean masters of the Josun period certainly did. David will share insights into the use by these master (Somokjang) of three native wood species to describe their world through grain, based in a deep reverence for the tree's soul and history. Images from the world-class collection of traditional Korean furniture at the University of Minnesota's Weisman Museum will be presented. Sponsored by the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. 

Exhibit Info

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​History on the River
Educational Cruises Celebrating Our Heritage!

Experience the history, culture, arts, science, stories, music, and more that make Winona County, Minnesota so unique...on the Mississippi River. 


Cruises are on the third Thursday in May, June, July, August and September aboard The Cal Fremling. Each cruise is 90 minutes long with a program, a changing assortment of hors d’oeuvres or desserts with a variety of beverages and sightseeing time.  Please note the earlier departure times as we near the end of the season when the days get shorter.

Tickets are sold in advance at the History Center or by calling 507.454.2723 ext. 0
​Individual Tickets: $35 Members, $45 Public - SOLD OUT
Season Pass Packs: $150 Members, $200 Public - SOLD OUT
Waiting lists are available for each cruise by calling or stopping in the History Center to sign-up. 

2022 Schedule
​July 21 • 7 p.m. - SOLD OUT
Music by Patina + The Irish in Winona: Quarrels and Quarries with Kathy Peterson
Kathy will share stories of Irish heritage in Winona with selections of traditional and original Irish music with Patina, featuring violin, whistle, flute, bass, bodhrán, and guitar.
 
August 18 • 6:30 p.m. - SOLD OUT
Songs of the River with The Bell House Band

This Winona Folk trio features the talents of Bob Stuber, Connie Dretske, and Jim Armstrong as they perform songs related to the river.
 
September 15 • 6 p.m. - SOLD OUT
Waterfowl and History of the Upper Mississippi Flyway with Mary Stefanski
Explore the types of waterfowl that use the Mississippi River during their migration and the historical stories of the Upper Mississippi River flyway. Mary is District Manager for Pools 4-6 of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
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General Cruise Information
  • Parking is available near the Levee off Johnson St., Main Street and Walnut St. as well as on Cal Fremling Drive. The Cal Fremling is docked near Johnson Street.
  • History on the River cruises are aboard The Cal Fremling operated by Winona State University. The two-level vessel features AC and heat in the enclosed lower deck with an open canopied upper level with seating. There is a restroom on board. The lower deck is handicap accessible. Light refreshments are included.
  • Updates or cancellations will be posted here at least 3 hours prior to the cruise or call 507-454-2723 ext. 0 with any questions. ​If a cruise is canceled due to weather (we will go in rain) or river conditions, ticket holders can choose another cruise or can be issued a refund, otherwise cruise tickets are non-refundable. Unfortunately, any canceled cruises are not rescheduled. 
Cruise Updates or Cancellations: None 

Events & Fundraisers


Our Annual Events​
  • Museum Open House, March 
  • WCHS Annual Meeting, March 
  • Winona County Tour Series, August
  • Heritage Dinner,  September
  • Voices From the Past: Cemetery Walk, ​​Oct. 8 & 9 
  • Handmade Neighborhood, November 19
  • Christmas House Tour, December 4
  • Family Christmas Festival, December 2023
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Online Lecture Series: The Ecological History of Winona County
Now Available to View Online: Webinar Series in partnership with Winona State University
​Diane Wilson | Seeds for Seven Generations
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Michael Lee | Minnesota’s Driftless Area: a Biodiversity Hotspot
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​Andy Robertson, Kevin Stark, Roger Meyer, and Kathy Allen | Mapping Ecologic History in the Driftless Area of Minnesota
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Gregory Edge | Oak Savanna and Woodland: Using the science of disturbance ecology and silviculture to help restore unique Driftless Area ecosystems
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Eli Sagor | A View from the Minnesota Woods
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Michael Dockry | Learning from the Indigenous Roots of Sustainable Forestry in the USA: Promoting Sustainability, Community Healing, and Partnerships
View
This lecture is co-sponsored by the All-University Arboretum and Land Stewardship Committee as part of the 8th Annual Arbor Day celebration and WSU’s “Tree-Campus USA” recognition.
The Ecological History Lecture Series, March 23 – April 21, 2021, is made possible in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. We thank the generosity of the people of Minnesota. The webinar series is open and free to the public.
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  • Home
  • About
    • Board & Staff
    • Volunteers
    • Employment
    • Facility Rentals
  • Museums
  • To Do
    • Tours
    • Exhibits >
      • The Art of Fine Furniture
      • Fabric of Winona
      • Virtual Visit
    • Art Gallery
    • Activities >
      • Pioneer School
      • Voices From the Past
      • Handmade Neighborhood
  • Archives
  • Support
    • Join
  • Shop
  • News