Society News
Visit Winona honors WCHS with Partnership Award
The Visit Winona Board of Directors’ Partnership Committee named the WCHS as the recipient of their annual Partnership Excellence Award. This award is presented to an individual, organization or business that has established a close, committed relationship with Visit Winona and has made significant contributions to the growth and success of Winona’s hospitality industry.
Previous winners have included Bloedow Bakery, Boats & Bluegrass, City of Winona Park & Recreation Department, Lakeview Drive Inn and even the WCHS back in 1998.
Visit Winona Partnership Committee members recognized the incredible amount of work done by WCHS in welcoming cruise ship guests to Winona, in addition to the numerous special events and programs shared with residents and visitors alike. The award was given at the Annual Tourism Celebration on August 2 and is displayed in the administrative offices area in the History Center.
The Visit Winona Board of Directors’ Partnership Committee named the WCHS as the recipient of their annual Partnership Excellence Award. This award is presented to an individual, organization or business that has established a close, committed relationship with Visit Winona and has made significant contributions to the growth and success of Winona’s hospitality industry.
Previous winners have included Bloedow Bakery, Boats & Bluegrass, City of Winona Park & Recreation Department, Lakeview Drive Inn and even the WCHS back in 1998.
Visit Winona Partnership Committee members recognized the incredible amount of work done by WCHS in welcoming cruise ship guests to Winona, in addition to the numerous special events and programs shared with residents and visitors alike. The award was given at the Annual Tourism Celebration on August 2 and is displayed in the administrative offices area in the History Center.
Lighting Grant Awarded
$9,798 was awarded to WCHS by the Minnesota Historical Society Historical and Cultural Heritage Fund to hire a lighting consultant who will provide a lighting assessment and plan for the main exhibit hall and Armory building in the History Center.
$9,798 was awarded to WCHS by the Minnesota Historical Society Historical and Cultural Heritage Fund to hire a lighting consultant who will provide a lighting assessment and plan for the main exhibit hall and Armory building in the History Center.
Thank you, Laurie!
Laurie Lucas has been the volunteer rental coordinator since 2010 when WCHS started offering facility rentals with the opening of the Laird Norton Addition at the History Center. Laurie is retiring from her “honorary” staff position. We thank her most graciously for her dedication and for going above and beyond to make those renting the spaces of the History Center feel like family. Laurie will continue volunteering at WCHS in other various capacities. Information can be found on our rental page and by emailing rentals@winonahistory.org.
Laurie Lucas has been the volunteer rental coordinator since 2010 when WCHS started offering facility rentals with the opening of the Laird Norton Addition at the History Center. Laurie is retiring from her “honorary” staff position. We thank her most graciously for her dedication and for going above and beyond to make those renting the spaces of the History Center feel like family. Laurie will continue volunteering at WCHS in other various capacities. Information can be found on our rental page and by emailing rentals@winonahistory.org.
Volunteer Spotlight: Judy Bodway
While serving as Winona’s City Manager, Judy Bodway was instrumental in helping WCHS purchase the land needed to build the Laird Norton Addition on the History Center. She and the Port Authority negotiated the sale with Winona County to allow the addition project to move forward.
Judy worked for the City of Winona for 31 years and became the City Manager in 2011. In her retirement, she joined the WCHS board in 2016 and served as board president 2019 - 2021 and vice-president for part of 2022. She has been a wonderful leader and supporter of local history. Her talents, insights and humor will be missed as she moves to Duluth, Minnesota to be closer to family.
Judy has been a leader in the community for decades, working on many boards and commissions. We thank her for sharing her talents and dedication. Thanks Judy!
While serving as Winona’s City Manager, Judy Bodway was instrumental in helping WCHS purchase the land needed to build the Laird Norton Addition on the History Center. She and the Port Authority negotiated the sale with Winona County to allow the addition project to move forward.
Judy worked for the City of Winona for 31 years and became the City Manager in 2011. In her retirement, she joined the WCHS board in 2016 and served as board president 2019 - 2021 and vice-president for part of 2022. She has been a wonderful leader and supporter of local history. Her talents, insights and humor will be missed as she moves to Duluth, Minnesota to be closer to family.
Judy has been a leader in the community for decades, working on many boards and commissions. We thank her for sharing her talents and dedication. Thanks Judy!