Programs, Activities & Classes
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.
April 26 • For this special Book Chat we welcome local author Jen Telger to join in the discussion about her book, "What Heals the Heart" and she will share more about her new book coming out this spring.
May 24 • Lightening Strike by William Kent Krueger
June 28 • Pirate Latitudes by Micheal Crichton
July 26 • Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
August 23 • Haunted Ground by Erin Hart
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.
April 26 • For this special Book Chat we welcome local author Jen Telger to join in the discussion about her book, "What Heals the Heart" and she will share more about her new book coming out this spring.
May 24 • Lightening Strike by William Kent Krueger
June 28 • Pirate Latitudes by Micheal Crichton
July 26 • Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
August 23 • Haunted Ground by Erin Hart
Jazz Jam Benefits WCHS!
May 21 • 2 p.m. • Island City Brewery
Local jazz trio, H3O, began contributing all donations (aka their tips) received during the monthly Jazz Jam to area nonprofits. They decided to step it up a few notches! H3O and Island City Brewing now match the total donation — tripling everyone’s contributions. The WCHS will be the lucky nonprofit to receive the donations from the May 21 Jazz Jam. Enjoy music, have some pints, and your tip to H3O will triple and be donated to WCHS. Music starts at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 at Island City Brewery. Thank you, H3O and Island City Brewery, for your community support!
May 21 • 2 p.m. • Island City Brewery
Local jazz trio, H3O, began contributing all donations (aka their tips) received during the monthly Jazz Jam to area nonprofits. They decided to step it up a few notches! H3O and Island City Brewing now match the total donation — tripling everyone’s contributions. The WCHS will be the lucky nonprofit to receive the donations from the May 21 Jazz Jam. Enjoy music, have some pints, and your tip to H3O will triple and be donated to WCHS. Music starts at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 at Island City Brewery. Thank you, H3O and Island City Brewery, for your community support!
Partner in History Program: Winona Business Stories with Sandbar Storytelling Festival
WNB Financial’s Story
Thursday, May 25 • 7:00 PM • History Center
Seven founders signed the Articles of Association for Winona Savings Bank on April 15, 1874. It was one of the first savings banks in Minnesota when it opened. Now called WNB Financial, learn about this community bank’s history, growth, and all the stories along the way.
WNB Financial’s Story
Thursday, May 25 • 7:00 PM • History Center
Seven founders signed the Articles of Association for Winona Savings Bank on April 15, 1874. It was one of the first savings banks in Minnesota when it opened. Now called WNB Financial, learn about this community bank’s history, growth, and all the stories along the way.
Exhibit Opening Reception
The Art of Fine Furniture: Making Connections
1 to 3 PM • Slaggie Family Lobby
The Art of Fine Furniture 2023: Making Connections will showcase a new selection of amazing pieces from regional studio furniture makers. We will also examine the art of joinery. Learn how these artists use various joinery methods for the types of wood chosen and how to bring it all together. Meet many of the artists and enjoy some refreshments during the opening reception. This exhibit is free and open to the public through August 5. Many of the pieces will be available for purchase. Proudly Sponsored by WNB Financial.
The Art of Fine Furniture: Making Connections
1 to 3 PM • Slaggie Family Lobby
The Art of Fine Furniture 2023: Making Connections will showcase a new selection of amazing pieces from regional studio furniture makers. We will also examine the art of joinery. Learn how these artists use various joinery methods for the types of wood chosen and how to bring it all together. Meet many of the artists and enjoy some refreshments during the opening reception. This exhibit is free and open to the public through August 5. Many of the pieces will be available for purchase. Proudly Sponsored by WNB Financial.
Partner in History Program: Winona Business Stories with Sandbar Storytelling Festival
CodaBow’s Story
Thursday, June 22 • 7:00 PM • History Center
In 1958, Stan Prosen, who founded CodaBow, was inspired to pioneer the original carbon fiber bow. Since then, CodaBow’s master makers and leading scientists have created award-winning bows for players of every style, stations, and aspiration.
CodaBow’s Story
Thursday, June 22 • 7:00 PM • History Center
In 1958, Stan Prosen, who founded CodaBow, was inspired to pioneer the original carbon fiber bow. Since then, CodaBow’s master makers and leading scientists have created award-winning bows for players of every style, stations, and aspiration.
Partner in History Program: Winona Business Stories with Sandbar Storytelling Festival
Thern's Story
Thursday, July 27 • 7:00 PM • History Center
Founded in Winona by the mechanically inclined, Royal G. Thern, and his wife, Lucille, during the post-WWII boom, Thern Inc. began with a handful of basic winches and tools. More than 70 years later, Thern has built a reputation for manufacturing the most dependable, powerful and durable solutions for moving loads of all sizes.
Thern's Story
Thursday, July 27 • 7:00 PM • History Center
Founded in Winona by the mechanically inclined, Royal G. Thern, and his wife, Lucille, during the post-WWII boom, Thern Inc. began with a handful of basic winches and tools. More than 70 years later, Thern has built a reputation for manufacturing the most dependable, powerful and durable solutions for moving loads of all sizes.
HISTORY ON THE RIVER
Educational Cruises Celebrating Our Heritage.
2023 Cruises will go on sale April 24!
Experience the history, culture, arts, science, stories, music, and more that make Winona County, Minnesota so unique...on the Mississippi River.
The favorite educational series, History on the River, is returning this season with added cruises! Choose from two different cruise times on the third Thursdays in May, June, July, August and September. Each presentation will be offered during a 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. cruise and again for a 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. cruise. Also enjoy refreshments and the beautiful scenery of the Mississippi River.
Educational Cruises Celebrating Our Heritage.
2023 Cruises will go on sale April 24!
Experience the history, culture, arts, science, stories, music, and more that make Winona County, Minnesota so unique...on the Mississippi River.
The favorite educational series, History on the River, is returning this season with added cruises! Choose from two different cruise times on the third Thursdays in May, June, July, August and September. Each presentation will be offered during a 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. cruise and again for a 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. cruise. Also enjoy refreshments and the beautiful scenery of the Mississippi River.
Cost:
Cruises will go on sale April 24 at the History Center or by calling 507.454.2723 ext. 0.
Cruises will go on sale April 24 at the History Center or by calling 507.454.2723 ext. 0.
- $35 each for WCHS members
- $45 each for the public
- $150 for members
- $200 for the public
General Cruise Information:
- Cruises are aboard The Cal Fremling. This two level vessel has an accessible enclosed main deck with a restroom. The Cal Fleming is docked at the foot of Johnson Street at the Winona Levee.
- Parking is available on Cal Fremling Drive (enter at Walnut Street) and off Johnson Street.
- Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to cruise time. Cruises leave on time!
- Cruises are non-refundable unless canceled by the captain or WCHS. We will go in rain. Flooding also rarely affects cruises. If Cal Fremling Drive is closed The Cal Fremling dock is accessible from Johnson Street.
- Cruise Updates or Cancelations: May 18 is canceled due to mechanical issues with the boat. Passengers will receive a call from us in the next couple days to offer choice of a refund, switch to another cruise, or donate the payment. We apologize for any inconvenience. (Updated: 5/16)
2023 Season Schedule:
May 18 - Cancelled due to mechanical issues!
The River We Have Wrought with John Anfinson
4:00 - 5:30 & 6:00 - 7:30 PM
June 15
The Driftless Region with Dylan Blumentritt & Music by The Bell House Band
4:00 - 5:30 & 6:00 - 7:30 PM
July 20
The Golden Age of Steamboats with Bob Taunt
4:00 - 5:30 & 6:00 - 7:30 PM
August 17
River Jazz with H3O
4:00 - 5:30 & 6:00 - 7:30 PM
September 21
People, Plants & Food Sovereignty with Nicky Buck
4:00 - 5:30 & 6:00 - 7:30 PM
May 18 - Cancelled due to mechanical issues!
The River We Have Wrought with John Anfinson
4:00 - 5:30 & 6:00 - 7:30 PM
June 15
The Driftless Region with Dylan Blumentritt & Music by The Bell House Band
4:00 - 5:30 & 6:00 - 7:30 PM
July 20
The Golden Age of Steamboats with Bob Taunt
4:00 - 5:30 & 6:00 - 7:30 PM
August 17
River Jazz with H3O
4:00 - 5:30 & 6:00 - 7:30 PM
September 21
People, Plants & Food Sovereignty with Nicky Buck
4:00 - 5:30 & 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Events & Fundraisers
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Our Annual Events
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Click to find Opening Receptions & Show Schedules!
Online Lecture Series: The Ecological History of Winona County
A Webinar Series in partnership with Winona State University
A Webinar Series in partnership with Winona State University
Diane Wilson | Seeds for Seven Generations
Michael Lee | Minnesota’s Driftless Area: a Biodiversity Hotspot
Andy Robertson, Kevin Stark, Roger Meyer, and Kathy Allen | Mapping Ecologic History in the Driftless Area of Minnesota
Gregory Edge | Oak Savanna and Woodland: Using the science of disturbance ecology and silviculture to help restore unique Driftless Area ecosystems
Eli Sagor | A View from the Minnesota Woods
Michael Dockry | Learning from the Indigenous Roots of Sustainable Forestry in the USA: Promoting Sustainability, Community Healing, and Partnerships
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.
