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 When Breath Becomes Air, by Paul Kalanithi
April 25, 12:05 p.m. At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade’s worth of training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, and the next he was a patient struggling to live. And just like that, the future he and his wife had imagined evaporated. When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi’s transformation from a naïve medical student “possessed,” as he wrote, “by the question of what, given that all organisms die, makes a virtuous and meaningful life” into a neurosurgeon at Stanford working in the brain, the most critical place for human identity, and finally into a patient and new father confronting his own mortality. (Amazon.com Book Description.) Program - Anne Pellowski: Storyteller to the World, with Mary Farrell and Anne Pellowski May 9, 12:05 p.m. Anne Pellowski was raised by a farm family of Polish heritage in Trempealeau County, WI and was a voracious reader of books about other countries and believed she would someday travel to all those countries. She discovered her life’s vocation through her studies in languages and library science which led her to New York City where she pursued her career, first as the children’s librarian at the NYC Public Library, and later as founding director of the Information Center on Children’s Cultures for the United States committee at UNICEF. Through her work at UNICEF and other international agencies, she traveled to over 120 countries, assuring children had access to books in their native language by conducting workshops on cloth bookmaking and storytelling. She has also authored 20 books including the Polish American girl series. Since her retirement, she has lived in Winona, Minnesota and travels several times a year to places around the world leading workshops. Filmmaker Mary Farrell traveled with Pellowski to Kenya in 2014 and filmed her workshop and decided to share Pellowski’s story of courage and determination as an ambassador for cultural and international understanding. This film won the Peoples’ Choice Award at the Frozen River Film Festival! Book Chat A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson May 23, 12:05 p.m. The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way–and a couple of bears. (Amazon book description) Program, Bluff Country Co-op and the Importance of Local Agriculture with Melissa Gordon, June 6, 12:05 p.m. Bluff Country Co-op’s Marketing and Owner Services Manager will tell us all about how food co-ops work and how they work with local farmers. Melissa will explore the roles the co-op has in supporting local agriculture and why. Come learn more about where our food comes from locally and get a chance to see Rooted in the Land: Minnesota Women Farmers on exhibit through June 10. Some of the women farmers featured in the exhibit are going to try to make it too! 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) Read ahead! The July Book Chat book will be The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. |
Programs and
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Echoes of War
May 2 and May 9, 7- 9 p.m. at the History Center, Free, Open to Public Echoes of War is a series of public discussions that uses literary texts and personal stories to engage Veterans and members of the public in dialogue on the memory of war in personal and public history. Led by trained community Discussion Leaders, events will be held throughout 2017-18 in Northfield, St. Paul and Winona. These events are free and open to the public – materials and refreshments will be provided. The project is spearheaded by the Minnesota Humanities Center with local partnerships in the hosting communities. This project is made possible thanks to a “Dialogues on the Experience of War” grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. |
Classes |
Trash or Treasure Class
May 15, 1 - 3:30 p.m. at the History Center, Free, pre-registration required Join Sandy Erdman as she leads this engaging class through the ins and outs of identifying antiques and researching their rarity, value and demand. We love it when you think of donating your old objects to the museum; however, not everything is an artifact; but it doesn’t mean that old fur coat or set of china in your attic is not valuable in another way! When you think Trash or Treasure you can think of the items you may be getting rid of to downsize or the items you can find on road trips to garage sales, flea-markets and antique malls. Sandy will teach you how to be a better collector, and you will learn the best resources to become your own “appraiser”. Attendees should bring ONE small item or a photo of one item that will all be discussed as a group. You will learn to use price guides and what is becoming popular in 2018 to collect. Sandy will also have some great give-a-ways and gift certificates to area antique shops. Sandy Erdman is a certified appraiser and columnist/writer on Antiques & Collectibles and writes for the Rochester Post Bulletin and is from Rochester, Minnesota. This class is free but has limited space, so please register in advance by calling 507-454-2723 ext. 0 by May 12. |
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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. (Note: Tickets will go on sale May 1 for WCHS members and May 7 for the public.)
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 (Note Tickets will go on sale May 1 for WCHS members and May 7 for the public.)
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
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
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. (Note: Tickets will go on sale May 1 for WCHS members and May 7 for the public.)
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 (Note Tickets will go on sale May 1 for WCHS members and May 7 for the public.)
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
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
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 |
Artist and Women Farmers Meet and Greet,
Saturday, June 2, 2 - 4 p.m.
Even though we had a great turnout for the April 14 opening reception, due to a winter storm rolling through the region many folks were not able to make it, so we have scheduled another opportunity to visit with Julie and some of the women featured in the exhibit! Light refreshments will be served and this special event will be free and open to the public. Also join in a related Food For Thought on June 6.
The 15th Annual Chocolate Shakespeare & Champagne!
FRIDAY, June 8, 7 - 9 p.m., History Center, $25 Members, $30 Public
Its the crystal anniversary of this fun WCHS fundraiser event and the Great River Shakespeare Festival! Join us for an elegant evening at the beautiful History Center and indulge in fine desserts from local establishments, bubbly Champagne with a fruit mimosa bar, get an exclusive preview of the 15th season of the Great River Shakespeare Festival performances and mingle with the cast and crew. Plus, bring your $Lincolns for chances to win the famous grand gift basket! Tickets will go on sale in May and can also be purchased at the door.
Saturday, June 2, 2 - 4 p.m.
Even though we had a great turnout for the April 14 opening reception, due to a winter storm rolling through the region many folks were not able to make it, so we have scheduled another opportunity to visit with Julie and some of the women featured in the exhibit! Light refreshments will be served and this special event will be free and open to the public. Also join in a related Food For Thought on June 6.
The 15th Annual Chocolate Shakespeare & Champagne!
FRIDAY, June 8, 7 - 9 p.m., History Center, $25 Members, $30 Public
Its the crystal anniversary of this fun WCHS fundraiser event and the Great River Shakespeare Festival! Join us for an elegant evening at the beautiful History Center and indulge in fine desserts from local establishments, bubbly Champagne with a fruit mimosa bar, get an exclusive preview of the 15th season of the Great River Shakespeare Festival performances and mingle with the cast and crew. Plus, bring your $Lincolns for chances to win the famous grand gift basket! Tickets will go on sale in May and can also be purchased at the door.
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Exhibits and Openings |
Rooted In The Land: Minnesota Women Farmers, Now - June 10
Local artist Julie Johnston has been traveling the region painting and interviewing women in the agricultural industries of our area. Meet these fascinating ladies through Julie’s artwork and also get a look into how the roles of women have changed on the farm over the decades.
Join us for an Artist and Women Farmers Meet and Greet, Saturday, June 2, 2 - 4 p.m. Even though we had a great turnout for the April 14 opening reception, due to a winter storm rolling through the region many folks were not able to make it, so we have scheduled another opportunity to visit with Julie and some of the women featured in the exhibit! Light refreshments will be served and this special event will be free and open to the public. Also join in a related Food For Thought on June 6.
The Art of Fine Furniture, June 16- 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!
Local artist Julie Johnston has been traveling the region painting and interviewing women in the agricultural industries of our area. Meet these fascinating ladies through Julie’s artwork and also get a look into how the roles of women have changed on the farm over the decades.
Join us for an Artist and Women Farmers Meet and Greet, Saturday, June 2, 2 - 4 p.m. Even though we had a great turnout for the April 14 opening reception, due to a winter storm rolling through the region many folks were not able to make it, so we have scheduled another opportunity to visit with Julie and some of the women featured in the exhibit! Light refreshments will be served and this special event will be free and open to the public. Also join in a related Food For Thought on June 6.
The Art of Fine Furniture, June 16- 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!
