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.
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
David 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.
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.
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.
Online Lecture Series: The Ecological History of Winona County Now Available to View Online: Webinar Series in partnership with Winona State University
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.