Check out all the fun activities, engaging programs, classes and exhibits offered by WCHS!
Also visit our museums to explore local history through exhibits, tours and more!
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Programs and Classes |
Food For Thought Series |
Celebrating its 20th Year!Learn on your lunch hour! The Food For Thought learning series takes place at the Winona County History Center. Programs, Films, and Book Chats begin at 12:05 p.m. and last approximately one hour (unless otherwise noted). The 4th Wednesday of each month, a book is discussed by the FFT Book Chat group, but all are welcome to partake. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch. A beverage is served. All are free and open to the public.
Book Chat Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra and John Cullen,
June 27, 12:05 p.m. The Swallows of Kabul is a dazzling novel written with compassion and exquisite detail by one of the most lucid writers about the mentality of Islamic fundamentalists and the complexities of the Muslim world. Yasmina Khadra brings readers into the hot, dusty streets of Kabul and offers them an unflinching but compassionate insight into a society that violence and hypocrisy have brought to the edge of despair. (Amazon book description) Book Chat All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, July 25, 12:05 p.m. From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the stunningly beautiful instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. (Amazon book description) Film & Exhibit Tour, Spirit of Winona: The Watkins Company, August 1, 12:05 p.m. The Watkins Company is famous for their household products for cooking, cleaning and personal care. It all started in 1868 in J.R. Watkins’ kitchen. That was 150 years ago this year! Local cable company, HBC, did a segment of their series The Spirit of Winona on the Watkins Company and family. The series is in our archives and we thought it was a great time to get them out and tell this amazing story of Winona’s past. After the film we invite you for an exhibit tour of our Watkins exhibit area in the main exhibit hall. Book Chat The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, August 22, 12:05 p.m. An ardent activist, champion of political reform, novelist, and progressive journalist, Upton Sinclair is perhaps best known today for The Jungle — his devastating exposé of the meat-packing industry. A protest novel he privately published in 1906, the book was a shocking revelation of intolerable labor practices and unsanitary working conditions in the Chicago stockyards. (Amazon book description) |
Programs and
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Back Roads County Bus Tour Part 3: Southeast Winona County
Saturday, August 11; 8 a.m. -3:30 p.m. Leaving from Winona Middle School Lot Join the Winona County Historical Society on Saturday, August 11th as we continue our exploration of Winona County. This year we will be touring the southeast portion of our county with stops at a number of interesting sites. The first stop will be in Dakota at the photography studio of Bob Hurt. Bob is an architect turned aerial photographer who has taken some of the most amazing images of southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin. Bob will give a brief history of Dakota and then we will have a chance to see his artwork. After driving through Dresbach our second stop will be the River View Winery on Co. Rd 1 near La Crescent (wines pictured left). At the winery we will learn about their operation and even though it’s a bit early (always five o’clock somewhere) we can have a taste of their wine. Next we go on to Southwind Orchard where even though it is a few weeks before harvesting, we will learn about apple growing. Next we go on to Hegge Haven (pictured right) where we will tour their facilities and have a box lunch. Hegge Haven is a vacation rental by owner on 20 acres on a ridge between La Crosse and Winona that includes a large colonial house and other buildings. After lunch we go to Witoka to visit the art studio of Billy X. Curmano. Billy is a performance artist that has been active for many years and probably best known for swimming the Mississippi River, being buried alive and sleeping on a bed of nails, among other things. Before returning to Winona we will make a quick stop to tour the Bunnell House. It’s going to be a full day, but fun and educational. The bus will leave the Winona Middle School Lot (not the History Center) at 8:00 a.m. and if there is a second bus it will leave an hour later at 9:00 a.m. The first bus should return about 3:30 and the second at 4:30. The cost of the tour including lunch and refreshments will be $55 for members and $65 for non-members. Call or stop in at the History Center to sign up. Seats will fill fast! |
Classes |
TAOFF Wood Carving Demonstration
Saturday, July 21; 1-3 p.m., Winona County History Center, Free Led by Richard Tendick, this free demonstration in conjunction with the Art of Fine Furniture, will highlight traditional and rotary carving techniques and will also explore what makes something heirloom quality through the interpretation of design, detail, skill, quality, execution, and the level of personal connection to the item created. All skill levels are welcome to the demonstration. Richard Tendick is a studio furniture maker and artist from Lakeville, Minnesota. He is the editor of American Woodworker, creates custom hand tools and won the 2017 Best Carving at the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild show. Please register in advance by calling 507-454-2723 or email educator@winonahistory.org This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & culture heritage fund. Pioneer School Summer Day Camps July 25 & 26 (Few Spots left) or July 30 & 31 (FULL), 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; $50 or $45 for members, pre-registration required Two sessions are offered in the McCarthy-Gainey Schoolhouse, at the Rural Heritage Museum in St. Charles, where students 1st - 8th grade have class, play games, make crafts and learn some pioneer skills! The WCHS' Pioneer School program has been a summer day camp favorite for over 30 years. A local licensed teacher, with help from Winona State Elementary Education majors, teach lessons, play games, create crafts and more in an authentic one room schoolhouse. Students are to be dropped off and picked up at the Rural Heritage Museum on the Winona County Fairgrounds in St. Charles each day. Please bring a lunch, and remember just like in pioneer times there is no refrigeration. All supplies and costumes are provided and there is a modern restroom. Pre-registration is required by calling or stoping in the History Center, 507-454-2723 ext. 0. |
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History on the River |
History on the River, our educational cruises, will be back for another season in 2018! Join us out on the river on either the Cal Fremling or Winona Tour Boat, both leaving from the Winona Levee. Cruises are on Thursday evenings, and are 90 minutes long with a program and sightseeing time. A rotating variety of refreshments are included with each cruise as well.
Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to the listed departure time on the schedule below. Please note the changing departure times as we near the end of the season when the sun sets earlier. Parking is available near the Levee off Johnson St. and Walnut St. as well as on Cal Fremling Drive. The Cal Fremling (CF) is docked near Johnson St., and the Winona Tour Boat (WTB) is near Walnut Street.
Tickets are sold in advance at the History Center or by calling 507.454.2723 ext. 0. Tickets are $27 for non-members and $22 for WCHS members. Save with our pick 3 option, and go on your choice of any 3 History on the River cruises for $75 for non-members or $60 for our members.
Weather related cancellations will be determined 4 hours prior to departure time and are decided by the captain. We will go in rain. Plan that the cruise will go unless you get a call from us. If a cruise is cancelled due to weather or river conditions, ticket holders can choose another cruise or can be issued a refund, otherwise cruise tickets are non-refundable. Any cancelled cruise topics are not rescheduled.
2018 Schedule
Cal Fremling - CF; Winona Tour Boat - WTB; Family Friendly - FF (These programs are great for adults, but kids 10 years and older would also have a blast!)
June
14, 7:00 - George Byron Merrick: Steamboat Pilot with Robert Taunt, CF
21, 7:00 - Big River Stories with Reggie McLeod and Pam Eyden, CF
28, 7:00 - Lock and Dam Adventure with Aaron Repinski, WTB, FF
July
12, 7:00 - French and Metis Communities on the Upper Mississippi with Jane Peck and Mary Antoine, CF
19, 7:00 - Rock Art, Mounds, and Mississippians: Archaeology between Winona and Trempealeau with Ernie Boszhardt & Danielle Benden, CF FULL
26, 7:00 - Fish of the Upper Mississippi Refuge with Ranger Edward Lagace, WTB, FF
August
2, 7:00 - Winona Rock n’ Roll History with Jeanie and the Dreamers, CF FULL
9, 7:00 - History of Aviation in Winona with George Bolon, CF
16, 7:00 - Old-Time Folk Music with the Dust Settlers, CF
23, 6:30 - Winona’s Brewing History with Island City Brewery, CF
30, 6:30 - Winona’s Railroad History Along the River with Erik Brom, WTB
September
6, 6:00 - Kashubian Polish Workers of the Lumber Mills with Tim Breza, CF
13, 6:00 - Eagles on the Upper Mississippi River with Becky Summerfield, National Eagle Center, CF, FF
20, 5:30 - The River in Written Word with Ken McCullough and Emilio DeGrazia, CF
27, 5:30 - Boathouse Communities of Winona with Aaron Repinski, WTB
Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to the listed departure time on the schedule below. Please note the changing departure times as we near the end of the season when the sun sets earlier. Parking is available near the Levee off Johnson St. and Walnut St. as well as on Cal Fremling Drive. The Cal Fremling (CF) is docked near Johnson St., and the Winona Tour Boat (WTB) is near Walnut Street.
Tickets are sold in advance at the History Center or by calling 507.454.2723 ext. 0. Tickets are $27 for non-members and $22 for WCHS members. Save with our pick 3 option, and go on your choice of any 3 History on the River cruises for $75 for non-members or $60 for our members.
Weather related cancellations will be determined 4 hours prior to departure time and are decided by the captain. We will go in rain. Plan that the cruise will go unless you get a call from us. If a cruise is cancelled due to weather or river conditions, ticket holders can choose another cruise or can be issued a refund, otherwise cruise tickets are non-refundable. Any cancelled cruise topics are not rescheduled.
2018 Schedule
Cal Fremling - CF; Winona Tour Boat - WTB; Family Friendly - FF (These programs are great for adults, but kids 10 years and older would also have a blast!)
June
14, 7:00 - George Byron Merrick: Steamboat Pilot with Robert Taunt, CF
21, 7:00 - Big River Stories with Reggie McLeod and Pam Eyden, CF
28, 7:00 - Lock and Dam Adventure with Aaron Repinski, WTB, FF
July
12, 7:00 - French and Metis Communities on the Upper Mississippi with Jane Peck and Mary Antoine, CF
19, 7:00 - Rock Art, Mounds, and Mississippians: Archaeology between Winona and Trempealeau with Ernie Boszhardt & Danielle Benden, CF FULL
26, 7:00 - Fish of the Upper Mississippi Refuge with Ranger Edward Lagace, WTB, FF
August
2, 7:00 - Winona Rock n’ Roll History with Jeanie and the Dreamers, CF FULL
9, 7:00 - History of Aviation in Winona with George Bolon, CF
16, 7:00 - Old-Time Folk Music with the Dust Settlers, CF
23, 6:30 - Winona’s Brewing History with Island City Brewery, CF
30, 6:30 - Winona’s Railroad History Along the River with Erik Brom, WTB
September
6, 6:00 - Kashubian Polish Workers of the Lumber Mills with Tim Breza, CF
13, 6:00 - Eagles on the Upper Mississippi River with Becky Summerfield, National Eagle Center, CF, FF
20, 5:30 - The River in Written Word with Ken McCullough and Emilio DeGrazia, CF
27, 5:30 - Boathouse Communities of Winona with Aaron Repinski, WTB
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Fundraisers and Special Events |
Voices of the Winona Armory Community Conversation
Thursday, July 26, 1 p.m. Winona County History Center
Do you have memories of the Winona Armory? The Winona County Historical Society invites you to be part of a special project this summer called Voices of the Winona Armory, bringing together veteran and civilian voices in conversation to share personal experiences of the armory and help create an interactive exhibit.
The WCHS is looking to hear stories from Winona-area residents who spent time in the Armory either as part of the National Guard or as a civilian enjoying an activity there. A special event and conversation will be held on Thursday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at the Winona County History Center, where stories and memories will be recorded in the old armory space.
The armory has a rich history in Winona as a center of both wartime training and community fun, dating from World War I to the 1960s, where veterans prepared for service and civilians gathered for dances, events, and other activities. The Winona County Historical Society acquired the building in the early 1970s and turned it into the WCHS’ main museum and headquarters. The main hall of the armory now holds the history of Winona County and many features of the original armory remain, it being the WCHS’ largest artifact as well. Stories from the July event will become part of an interactive video and exhibit that will open inside the Armory space at the History Center in November, to coincide with Veterans Day.
Reach out to museum educator Jennifer Weaver at educator@winonahistory.org or 507-454-2723, ext. 3, to RSVP and for more info - or to pass along names of folks the WCHS should contact.
This project is part of ongoing efforts to bring together civilians and veterans in shared community spaces to hear each others’ stories and experiences. It emerged out of the popular Veterans’ Voices conversation series hosted at the Center this spring by the Minnesota Humanities Center.
The project is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Humanities Center, and is a collaboration among the Winona County History Center, Engage Winona and Wenonah Creates.
Voices From the Past Cemetery Walk
October 13 and 14 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Noon - 3 p.m.; Indoor performance of sites on Thursday, October 11, 7 pm. at the History Center.
$10 Adults, $5 Students, $3 youth 7 and younger. Admission is taken at the gate/door. Experience history brought to life with community actors during your guided journey through Winona's beautiful historic arboretum cemetery, Woodlawn! The Voices from the Past is celebrating 20 years! For 2018 we will be featuring "picks from the past" twenty years of the walk. Stay tuned for more as we approach October. Want to volunteer? Let us know! Call or email us today and we will send you more information.
The Christmas House Tour
Sunday, December 2, 3 - 8 p.m., ticketed.
It is a Christmas House Tour year! This 30+ year tradition has become an every other year event, and we are excited to showcase some amazing Winona homes and a church for 2018. We thought the event was going to have its last year at year 30 as it became increasingly hard to find homes for the tour. It was met with great disappointment from the public, and so to ease the demand of homeowners, but not to end the popular fundraiser event, we decided to offer the Christmas House tour on even numbered years. Save the date for Sunday, December 2! Watch for more information in November.
Thursday, July 26, 1 p.m. Winona County History Center
Do you have memories of the Winona Armory? The Winona County Historical Society invites you to be part of a special project this summer called Voices of the Winona Armory, bringing together veteran and civilian voices in conversation to share personal experiences of the armory and help create an interactive exhibit.
The WCHS is looking to hear stories from Winona-area residents who spent time in the Armory either as part of the National Guard or as a civilian enjoying an activity there. A special event and conversation will be held on Thursday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at the Winona County History Center, where stories and memories will be recorded in the old armory space.
The armory has a rich history in Winona as a center of both wartime training and community fun, dating from World War I to the 1960s, where veterans prepared for service and civilians gathered for dances, events, and other activities. The Winona County Historical Society acquired the building in the early 1970s and turned it into the WCHS’ main museum and headquarters. The main hall of the armory now holds the history of Winona County and many features of the original armory remain, it being the WCHS’ largest artifact as well. Stories from the July event will become part of an interactive video and exhibit that will open inside the Armory space at the History Center in November, to coincide with Veterans Day.
Reach out to museum educator Jennifer Weaver at educator@winonahistory.org or 507-454-2723, ext. 3, to RSVP and for more info - or to pass along names of folks the WCHS should contact.
This project is part of ongoing efforts to bring together civilians and veterans in shared community spaces to hear each others’ stories and experiences. It emerged out of the popular Veterans’ Voices conversation series hosted at the Center this spring by the Minnesota Humanities Center.
The project is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Humanities Center, and is a collaboration among the Winona County History Center, Engage Winona and Wenonah Creates.
Voices From the Past Cemetery Walk
October 13 and 14 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Noon - 3 p.m.; Indoor performance of sites on Thursday, October 11, 7 pm. at the History Center.
$10 Adults, $5 Students, $3 youth 7 and younger. Admission is taken at the gate/door. Experience history brought to life with community actors during your guided journey through Winona's beautiful historic arboretum cemetery, Woodlawn! The Voices from the Past is celebrating 20 years! For 2018 we will be featuring "picks from the past" twenty years of the walk. Stay tuned for more as we approach October. Want to volunteer? Let us know! Call or email us today and we will send you more information.
The Christmas House Tour
Sunday, December 2, 3 - 8 p.m., ticketed.
It is a Christmas House Tour year! This 30+ year tradition has become an every other year event, and we are excited to showcase some amazing Winona homes and a church for 2018. We thought the event was going to have its last year at year 30 as it became increasingly hard to find homes for the tour. It was met with great disappointment from the public, and so to ease the demand of homeowners, but not to end the popular fundraiser event, we decided to offer the Christmas House tour on even numbered years. Save the date for Sunday, December 2! Watch for more information in November.
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Exhibits and Openings |
The Art of Fine Furniture, Now - August 10
Founded in 2013 The Art of Fine Furniture is an annual exhibit featuring the creations of professional and hobbyist studio furniture makers with our community curator Jamie Schell. TAOFF also offers free educational and inspirational workshops and discussions to encourage professionals and aspiring amateurs alike to think deeper about the works they create and to push themselves to create new extraordinary works. TAOFF is made up of pieces of studio furniture that invite, and excite ones curiosity to explore the inner mysteries and workings of the pieces in the exhibit and the time honored skills kept alive with each piece. Opening Reception is scheduled for Saturday, June 16, 1 - 3 p.m. Meet and visit with the artisans and craftmen and craftswomen who created the pieces in this year's exhibition.
Brewing up the Past: History of Winona’s Beer Industry, August 16 - January 20, 2019
Cheers! This historic skill is taking on a whole new life again, and we are excited to share the story of beer brewing history in Winona County. This new exhibit at the Winona County History Center will explore the various breweries, brewers and the business of beer throughout our local past. Join us for an Opening on Thursday August 16 at the History Center followed by a special historical trivia night at Island City Brewing!
Founded in 2013 The Art of Fine Furniture is an annual exhibit featuring the creations of professional and hobbyist studio furniture makers with our community curator Jamie Schell. TAOFF also offers free educational and inspirational workshops and discussions to encourage professionals and aspiring amateurs alike to think deeper about the works they create and to push themselves to create new extraordinary works. TAOFF is made up of pieces of studio furniture that invite, and excite ones curiosity to explore the inner mysteries and workings of the pieces in the exhibit and the time honored skills kept alive with each piece. Opening Reception is scheduled for Saturday, June 16, 1 - 3 p.m. Meet and visit with the artisans and craftmen and craftswomen who created the pieces in this year's exhibition.
Brewing up the Past: History of Winona’s Beer Industry, August 16 - January 20, 2019
Cheers! This historic skill is taking on a whole new life again, and we are excited to share the story of beer brewing history in Winona County. This new exhibit at the Winona County History Center will explore the various breweries, brewers and the business of beer throughout our local past. Join us for an Opening on Thursday August 16 at the History Center followed by a special historical trivia night at Island City Brewing!