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Programs and Classes |
Food For Thought |
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 The Maid’s Version by Daniel Woodrell, June 28, 12:05 p.m.
Alma DeGeer Dunahew, the mother of three young boys, works as the maid for a prominent citizen and his family in West Table, Missouri. Her husband is mostly absent, and, in 1929, her scandalous, beloved younger sister is one of the 42 killed in an explosion at the local dance hall. Who is to blame? Mobsters from St. Louis? The embittered local gypsies? The preacher who railed against the loose morals of the waltzing couples? Or could it have been a colossal accident? (Amazon.com book description.) Book Chat The Buddha in the Attic, by Julie Otsuka, July 26, 12:05 p.m. This story is about of a group of young women brought from Japan to San Francisco as “picture brides” nearly a century ago. In eight unforgettable sections, The Buddha in the Attic traces the extraordinary lives of these women, from their arduous journeys by boat, to their arrival in San Francisco and their tremulous first nights as new wives; from their experiences raising children who would later reject their culture and language, to the deracinating arrival of war. (Amazon.com book description.) Program Wenonah Canoe: Celebrating 50 Years, with Mike Cichanowski, August 16, 12:05 p.m. Mike Cichanowski was born to paddle. He grew up on the banks of the Mississippi River, where he cultivated a love for the water and an insatiable curiosity to explore it. First with his father’s canoe. Later, with wood-strip canoes he built as a teenager. Fiberglass models soon emerged from the family garage. The roots of those same designs are still evident today in some of Wenonah’s most iconic canoes. Learn more about the company’s history from Mike and check out Wenonah #1 hanging above the Slaggie Family Lobby. Book Chat A Long Way Home, by Saroo Brierly, August 23, 12:05 p.m. At only five years old, Saroo Brierley got lost on a train in India. Unable to read or write or recall the name of his hometown or even his own last name, he survived alone for weeks on the rough streets of Calcutta before ultimately being transferred to an agency and adopted by a couple in Australia. Eventually, with the advent of Google Earth, he had the opportunity search his home country and with his memory triggered, he sets off to find his family. (Amazon.com book description.) Upcoming Food For Thought Book Chat books are: Beside a Burning Sea by John Shirs in September and the November/December chat will be held November 29, book TBA. |
Evening Programs |
Remembering Emil Liers and His Otters, June 27, 7 p.m. at the History Center
Emil was an icon for Winona County. His famous otter farm that was at his home in Homer has been featured in film documentaries and books about otters. He was the first to successfully breed and raise otters in captivity and even trained them to do tricks. We will show some footage of the films he was featured in and learn more about Emil and the success of his otters. This program is in partnership with the Sons of Norway. Due to limited seating tickets will be available first to WCHS and Sons of Norway members May 1, and then, to the general public June 1 to guarantee a seat. This program is free, but a free will donation is encouraged at the program. Refreshments will be served. Wales: The History, Culture and Language, August 8 , 7 p.m. at the History Center On Tuesday, August 8 at 7 p.m. Hywel Taff Roberts will give a presentation on his homeland; Wales, the History, Culture and Language. During the late 1700s and early 1800s many hundreds of Welsh settled in western Minnesota, Lime Springs, Iowa and Mineral Point Wisconsin. For over a hundred years their history was forgotten because all the records were in the Welsh language. The history has been published into English in 2015. Taff has recently started a company, Wild Wales Tours & Walkabouts, taking North Americans over to Wales on small bus tours and Walkabouts to connect with the Welsh people, culture and history. He has just returned from his first two trips. |
Classes |
Bunnell House Historic Skill Sundays! Every Sunday during the House's season at 2 p.m.
Try your hand at tin punching and create an ornament. Test your sewing skills by learning embroidery on a hankie. Amaze your friends with a favorite Victorian toy by designing your own Thaumatrope! On the last Sunday of each month we will offer a tour of the Herb Garden and participants will paint their own pot to plant and take home an herb of their own. House admission and a small extra supply fee applies. Please sign up in advance by calling the History Center. Learn more Class Schedule ($2-$5 class fee is charged when you arrive- please sign up in advance): July 2 - Tin punching July 9 - Embroidery July 16 - no class (go to the Fair!) July 23 - Thaumatrope July 30 - Herbs August 6 - no class (Fur Trader camp that Saturday!) August 13 - Tin Punching August 20 - Embroidery August 27 - Herbs Herb Garden Tour and Activity, Last Sunday of June, July and August, 2 p.m. - Tour the Bunnell herb garden and paint a pot to plant an herb to take home! Fur Trader’s Camp, Saturday August 5, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Ranger, Ed Lagace, will have a full campsite set up and will have various demonstrations for visitors as he reenacts the life of the Metis fur trader for the day. Pioneer School Sessions, July 24 -25 and July 31 - August 1, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day Two sessions of the 2-day Pioneer School Day Camp are offered this summer at the Gainey Schoolhouse on the Fairgrounds in St. Charles. The site is home to our Rural Heritage Museum and students, 1st - 8th grade, experience life as a pioneer kid 100+ years ago through activities, games, crafts, and more. All supplies are included but we ask you bring a lunch, and just like pioneer times, there is no refrigeration. Costumes are offered, but students are welcome to wear their own. Licensed teacher, Mrs. Van Cleave, with Winona State University Elementary Education majors will teach lessons and offer many fun pioneer activities each day. Call or stop in the History Center to register and get more information. 507.454.2723 ext. 0. Cost is $45 for WCHS members, $50 for non-members. The Art of Fine Furniture Workshops and Programs, throughout June and July Learn more and register online for these amazing free experiences. Keep scrollin' along to learn more about the exhibition. www.theartoffinefurniture.com |
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History on the River |
History on the River, our educational cruises, are back for another season! Join us out on the river on either the Cal Fremling or Winona Tour Boat this season, 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. 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. Watch for construction at the levee this summer, but you will have access to the levee docks. 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. Cruise topics are not rescheduled.
2017 Schedule
June
15, 7:00 - Steamboating History of the Upper Mississippi with Robert Taunt, CF SOLD OUT
In Character as a 19th century steamboat captain, Taunt tells the tales of the countless steamers that travelled the Upper Mississippi, with a focus on Winona’s busy port. In conjunction with Winona’s Steamboat Days!
22, 7:00 - Fiddlin’ History on the River with Betsy Neil, CF SOLD OUT
Music teacher, Betsy Neil brings aboard some great fiddle music as well as the stories behind some of the river tunes played over the decades…and centuries!
29, 7:00 - Bygone Brewing (with sampling) with Is. City Brew Masters, WTB 1 ticket left!
Winona’s own local brewers will be aboard to talk about brewing practices, Winona’s brewing heritage, and they are brining samples! (bring your ID)
July
6 - No Cruise – Enjoy the MN Orchestra free concert at Lake Park w/MBF
The Minnesota Beethoven Festival hosts the Minnesota Orchestra at Lake Park. No cruise tonight. Happy 4th of July!
13, 7:00 - John Latsch: The Man and His River with Mary Farrell, CF
A unique chance to view the local documentary about the man we all must thank for the many recreational spaces he provided, including, the River Refuge which he frequented the most. Q and A with filmmaker Mary Farrell.
20, 7:00 - GRSF: A look into Shipwrecked! and the Iliad, CF
Great River Shakespeare festival folks join us on the river to share more about this season’s performances that feature water…and some interesting history.
27, 7:00 - Exploring the Refuge and its History with Ranger Ed Lagace, WTB
Ranger Ed will take us on the backwaters for a closer look at the Refuge, its wildlife, and history. If the river allows we will stop and explore an Island or two.
August
3, 7:00 - Winona’s Lumber Industry with Mr. W.H. Laird (Ray Felton), CF
Get to know a great Winona philanthropist and the business that gave him the means to give so much to Winona. Ray will portray local lumber baron, William Harris Laird.
10, 7:00 – A Look at the Levee: Past, Present, and Future with Keith Nelson, CF
Winona’s Public Works Director will tell us about Winona’s levee, and the process of keeping the river out of Winona.
17, 7:00 - Jazz on the River with Les Fields and the Turkey River All-Stars, CF SOLD OUT
Jazz literally played a major role in the history of the river and its recreational pastimes. From the Houseboat Hoboes band to the grand riverboat excursions in the early 20th century, these guys will play tunes to take you back to those raucous river days.
24, 6:30 – Winona Port Operations with Dan Nisbit, CF
Join the President of CD Corp on a river view tour of Winona’s industrial port.
31, 6:30 - Winona’s Boathouse Heritage, WTB
Get up close and learn more about Winona’s unique and interesting houseboat heritage. We will explore the various communities along our stretch of the Mississippi.
September
7, 6:00 - Mississippi Gold Star Paddle with Jim Crigler, CF
This spring and summer, Vietnam veteran, Jim Crigler is taking a canoe down the length of the Mississippi to thank the Gold Star families along the way, and to raise awareness of those that made the ultimate sacrifice of giving up a loved family member to war. Learn about his adventure and the American Huey 369 project.
14, 6:00 – Mississippi River Archeology with Andy Bloedorn, CF
WCHS curator, Andy Bloedorn, explores how archeologists use what they find to piece together the lives of the very early peoples who lived in our region so long ago. In celebration of Archeology Week!
21, 5:30 – The Will of Dilg and the Will of Latsch with Mike Kennedy, CF
Join Mike Kennedy for a discussion of the two men, Will H. Dilg and John A. Latsch, on the WSU Cal Fremling, in the middle of the Mississippi River that they both loved. The willpower of Will Dilg allowed him to found the Izaak Walton League of America in 1922 and use its resources and membership to have the U.S. President and Congress purchase and set aside a quarter million acres (261 miles) of the Upper Mississippi River for a permanent Wildlife Refuge. The last Will and Testament of John Latsch was proof of the lifelong love of the people and places around Winona that fueled his philanthropic gifts of land and money for the protection of outdoor recreation areas. Both men wanted to provide spaces for the youth of future generations to enjoy and learn about our connectedness to and protection of “the great outdoors”.
28, 5:30 - Lock and Dam Adventure, WTB
Learn more about the Lock and Dam system, and, if able, we will go through the lock process at 5A.
Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to the listed departure time. 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. Watch for construction at the levee this summer, but you will have access to the levee docks. 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. Cruise topics are not rescheduled.
2017 Schedule
June
15, 7:00 - Steamboating History of the Upper Mississippi with Robert Taunt, CF SOLD OUT
In Character as a 19th century steamboat captain, Taunt tells the tales of the countless steamers that travelled the Upper Mississippi, with a focus on Winona’s busy port. In conjunction with Winona’s Steamboat Days!
22, 7:00 - Fiddlin’ History on the River with Betsy Neil, CF SOLD OUT
Music teacher, Betsy Neil brings aboard some great fiddle music as well as the stories behind some of the river tunes played over the decades…and centuries!
29, 7:00 - Bygone Brewing (with sampling) with Is. City Brew Masters, WTB 1 ticket left!
Winona’s own local brewers will be aboard to talk about brewing practices, Winona’s brewing heritage, and they are brining samples! (bring your ID)
July
6 - No Cruise – Enjoy the MN Orchestra free concert at Lake Park w/MBF
The Minnesota Beethoven Festival hosts the Minnesota Orchestra at Lake Park. No cruise tonight. Happy 4th of July!
13, 7:00 - John Latsch: The Man and His River with Mary Farrell, CF
A unique chance to view the local documentary about the man we all must thank for the many recreational spaces he provided, including, the River Refuge which he frequented the most. Q and A with filmmaker Mary Farrell.
20, 7:00 - GRSF: A look into Shipwrecked! and the Iliad, CF
Great River Shakespeare festival folks join us on the river to share more about this season’s performances that feature water…and some interesting history.
27, 7:00 - Exploring the Refuge and its History with Ranger Ed Lagace, WTB
Ranger Ed will take us on the backwaters for a closer look at the Refuge, its wildlife, and history. If the river allows we will stop and explore an Island or two.
August
3, 7:00 - Winona’s Lumber Industry with Mr. W.H. Laird (Ray Felton), CF
Get to know a great Winona philanthropist and the business that gave him the means to give so much to Winona. Ray will portray local lumber baron, William Harris Laird.
10, 7:00 – A Look at the Levee: Past, Present, and Future with Keith Nelson, CF
Winona’s Public Works Director will tell us about Winona’s levee, and the process of keeping the river out of Winona.
17, 7:00 - Jazz on the River with Les Fields and the Turkey River All-Stars, CF SOLD OUT
Jazz literally played a major role in the history of the river and its recreational pastimes. From the Houseboat Hoboes band to the grand riverboat excursions in the early 20th century, these guys will play tunes to take you back to those raucous river days.
24, 6:30 – Winona Port Operations with Dan Nisbit, CF
Join the President of CD Corp on a river view tour of Winona’s industrial port.
31, 6:30 - Winona’s Boathouse Heritage, WTB
Get up close and learn more about Winona’s unique and interesting houseboat heritage. We will explore the various communities along our stretch of the Mississippi.
September
7, 6:00 - Mississippi Gold Star Paddle with Jim Crigler, CF
This spring and summer, Vietnam veteran, Jim Crigler is taking a canoe down the length of the Mississippi to thank the Gold Star families along the way, and to raise awareness of those that made the ultimate sacrifice of giving up a loved family member to war. Learn about his adventure and the American Huey 369 project.
14, 6:00 – Mississippi River Archeology with Andy Bloedorn, CF
WCHS curator, Andy Bloedorn, explores how archeologists use what they find to piece together the lives of the very early peoples who lived in our region so long ago. In celebration of Archeology Week!
21, 5:30 – The Will of Dilg and the Will of Latsch with Mike Kennedy, CF
Join Mike Kennedy for a discussion of the two men, Will H. Dilg and John A. Latsch, on the WSU Cal Fremling, in the middle of the Mississippi River that they both loved. The willpower of Will Dilg allowed him to found the Izaak Walton League of America in 1922 and use its resources and membership to have the U.S. President and Congress purchase and set aside a quarter million acres (261 miles) of the Upper Mississippi River for a permanent Wildlife Refuge. The last Will and Testament of John Latsch was proof of the lifelong love of the people and places around Winona that fueled his philanthropic gifts of land and money for the protection of outdoor recreation areas. Both men wanted to provide spaces for the youth of future generations to enjoy and learn about our connectedness to and protection of “the great outdoors”.
28, 5:30 - Lock and Dam Adventure, WTB
Learn more about the Lock and Dam system, and, if able, we will go through the lock process at 5A.
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Fundraisers and Special Events |
Voices From the Past: Cemetery Walk - Winona at Play
Evening Indoor performance Thursday, October 5, 7 p.m. at the History Center; Cemetery Walk October 7 and 8, groups leaving every 15 minutes, Noon - 3 p.m. (about a two-hour experience)
The Voices From the Past Cemetery Walk Committee is working on the 2017 walk and are looking for sports memorabilia and uniforms, plus stories and memories to possibly be incorporated. Also, would you like to act, guide, bake, sell tickets, direct parking, help with set-up and take down, etc.? Contact us at 507-454-2723 or email info@winonahistory.org and we will get you in touch with the appropriate committee members. Thank you! Stay tuned for more about the event this fall!
Exploring the Back Roads of Winona County Tour is set for August 19!
Sign up now for the “Exploring the Back Roads of Winona County Tour” on Saturday, August 19th. Once again the Society will be touring the back roads but this year we are heading west.
Our first stop will be the Rollingstone Luxembourg Heritage Museum in Rollingstone where we will learn about the unique history of this community. Next we will travel overland passing at least one of Winona County’s famous round barns before passing through Altura, Elba and then on to the Marnach House. Since the Marnach House is 1.5 miles back in the woods we will (weather permitting) take a tractor pulled wagon ride back to the site. The home was built by Luxembourg immigrants and is similar to their home they left in Europe. Next will be a program on the history of Whitewater State Park and the German POW camp that was there during WWII. Lunch will be provided by the Cabin Coffee Co. of St. Charles. After lunch we will tour the Rural Heritage Museum on the grounds of the County Fair and a chance to see the new building the Society built. Following the RHM we will head to Utica and tour the old Utica school and Presbyterian Church across the street. Back on the bus to Stockton and a rare opportunity to tour a 1930 private railroad car built by the Pullman Car Company. It has a great history that includes presidential families and even Willie Nelson. It has been owned by Jon Nienow since 1993. The tour will conclude with a tour of the Holy Angels Novitiate on Stockton Hill, originally the St. Peter Martyr Priory and Novitiate when it was constructed in 1949.
We are planning for two buses with the first bus leaving at 8:00 and returning at 4:30. The second bus will leave at 9:00 and return at 5:30. The cost of the tour including lunch and refreshments is $55 for members and $65 for non-members. Call or stop in to the History Center to sign up. Seats are already filling fast.
Evening Indoor performance Thursday, October 5, 7 p.m. at the History Center; Cemetery Walk October 7 and 8, groups leaving every 15 minutes, Noon - 3 p.m. (about a two-hour experience)
The Voices From the Past Cemetery Walk Committee is working on the 2017 walk and are looking for sports memorabilia and uniforms, plus stories and memories to possibly be incorporated. Also, would you like to act, guide, bake, sell tickets, direct parking, help with set-up and take down, etc.? Contact us at 507-454-2723 or email info@winonahistory.org and we will get you in touch with the appropriate committee members. Thank you! Stay tuned for more about the event this fall!
Exploring the Back Roads of Winona County Tour is set for August 19!
Sign up now for the “Exploring the Back Roads of Winona County Tour” on Saturday, August 19th. Once again the Society will be touring the back roads but this year we are heading west.
Our first stop will be the Rollingstone Luxembourg Heritage Museum in Rollingstone where we will learn about the unique history of this community. Next we will travel overland passing at least one of Winona County’s famous round barns before passing through Altura, Elba and then on to the Marnach House. Since the Marnach House is 1.5 miles back in the woods we will (weather permitting) take a tractor pulled wagon ride back to the site. The home was built by Luxembourg immigrants and is similar to their home they left in Europe. Next will be a program on the history of Whitewater State Park and the German POW camp that was there during WWII. Lunch will be provided by the Cabin Coffee Co. of St. Charles. After lunch we will tour the Rural Heritage Museum on the grounds of the County Fair and a chance to see the new building the Society built. Following the RHM we will head to Utica and tour the old Utica school and Presbyterian Church across the street. Back on the bus to Stockton and a rare opportunity to tour a 1930 private railroad car built by the Pullman Car Company. It has a great history that includes presidential families and even Willie Nelson. It has been owned by Jon Nienow since 1993. The tour will conclude with a tour of the Holy Angels Novitiate on Stockton Hill, originally the St. Peter Martyr Priory and Novitiate when it was constructed in 1949.
We are planning for two buses with the first bus leaving at 8:00 and returning at 4:30. The second bus will leave at 9:00 and return at 5:30. The cost of the tour including lunch and refreshments is $55 for members and $65 for non-members. Call or stop in to the History Center to sign up. Seats are already filling fast.
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Exhibits and Openings |
Fur Trade In Minnesota, June 10 - August 13 Bunnell House
Discover an 1800s-era international industry along the Great Lakes and in Minnesota. This traveling exhibit, rich with activities and objects, shows how plentiful beaver and furbearers brought together native people, explorers, and international trade. At the Fur Post, see the goods from around the world that were traded for furs and crafts. See if you have the strength to be a Voyageur or skills to be a clerk. Try your hand at Ojibwe beadwork. Learn how furs were transformed into fashionable hats.
The Art of Fine Furniture 2017, June 17 - August 17 (extended a week!) Slaggie Family Lobby, History Center
We are getting excited to bring you the 5th annual Art of Fine Furniture! This popular exhibit is curated with new pieces each year by local studio furniture maker and artist, Jamie Schell. For 2017 we will take a look at inspiration. What inspires artists, craftsmen, buyers, designers, and you...what influences throughout history have impacted inspiration for design?
Save the date for the Opening Reception to be held Saturday, June 17 from 1 - 3 p.m. Many of the artists will be there to visit with and it is a festive time downtown with Steamboat Days in full swing too! More information about the artists, workshops and programs can be found at www.theartoffinefurture.com! Sponsored by Winona National Bank and funded in part by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the Minnesota Legacy Fund through SEMAC.
Then and Now: A Photographic Trip through Time, August 23 - January 14 Slaggie Family Lobby, History Center
Travel through time by way of a camera lens. We will showcase photographs from our collection and pair them with shots of the same subjects of today. The exhibit will feature images from throughout Winona County and will examine the people, places and events that have changed through time. The camera has been a great tool in documenting our world for over 200 years and so we have a vast look into our past from the 1850s to today. An opening reception will be held August 23 from 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Discover an 1800s-era international industry along the Great Lakes and in Minnesota. This traveling exhibit, rich with activities and objects, shows how plentiful beaver and furbearers brought together native people, explorers, and international trade. At the Fur Post, see the goods from around the world that were traded for furs and crafts. See if you have the strength to be a Voyageur or skills to be a clerk. Try your hand at Ojibwe beadwork. Learn how furs were transformed into fashionable hats.
The Art of Fine Furniture 2017, June 17 - August 17 (extended a week!) Slaggie Family Lobby, History Center
We are getting excited to bring you the 5th annual Art of Fine Furniture! This popular exhibit is curated with new pieces each year by local studio furniture maker and artist, Jamie Schell. For 2017 we will take a look at inspiration. What inspires artists, craftsmen, buyers, designers, and you...what influences throughout history have impacted inspiration for design?
Save the date for the Opening Reception to be held Saturday, June 17 from 1 - 3 p.m. Many of the artists will be there to visit with and it is a festive time downtown with Steamboat Days in full swing too! More information about the artists, workshops and programs can be found at www.theartoffinefurture.com! Sponsored by Winona National Bank and funded in part by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the Minnesota Legacy Fund through SEMAC.
Then and Now: A Photographic Trip through Time, August 23 - January 14 Slaggie Family Lobby, History Center
Travel through time by way of a camera lens. We will showcase photographs from our collection and pair them with shots of the same subjects of today. The exhibit will feature images from throughout Winona County and will examine the people, places and events that have changed through time. The camera has been a great tool in documenting our world for over 200 years and so we have a vast look into our past from the 1850s to today. An opening reception will be held August 23 from 4 - 5:30 p.m.
