History Never Stops...Learning Never Stops
Also visit our museums to explore local history through exhibits, tours and more!
Educational Programs & Classes
Programs,
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Pisanki: Egg Decorating Class
Sunday, April 5, Noon $10 members, $12 Public Register for this popular spring class by calling 507.454.2723 ext. 0 or stopping in the History Center. Pisanki is a traditional form of decorating Easter eggs from Poland, Ukraine and other eastern European countries. Blown eggs are drawn on using melted wax with a special tool called a Kitska. Eggs are dipped in a series of natural dyes between applications of wax. Finally, the wax is melted off to reveal a colorful design. Learn about the various symbols and traditions of designs and the history behind the art of decorating eggs for Easter! All the supplies are included and each participant leaves with their own creation. Fist Fights, Ironclads, Eggs and Pickles: A History of Winona’s Mayors with Mark Peterson, April 23, 7 p.m., History Center, Free. Join Winona’s current Mayor, Mark Peterson on an entertaining journey through the history of Winona’s May- ors, their storied lives and adventures. Refreshments will be served. Food For Thought: A Lunchtime Learning Series
Learn on your lunch hour! The Food For Thought learning series takes place at the Winona County History Center. Programs begin at 12:05 p.m. and last approximately one hour (unless otherwise noted). Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch. A beverage is served. More Coming Soon!
Book Chat
Book Chat is free and open to the public. Participate in great discussions about the themes in each month’s book. All books selected are available in paperback or at the Winona Public Library. Held monthly on the 4th Wednesday in the Briarcombe Room at the History Center. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, February 26, 12:05 p.m., Free Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong. (from Amazon book description) Evidence of V: A Novel in Fragments, Facts and Fictions with Sheila O’Connor, March 25, 12:05 p.m., Free. Sheila O’Connor will be at this month’s Book Chat to talk with attendees more about her latest book that tells the riveting story of V, a talented fifteen-year-old singer in 1930s Minneapolis who aspires to be a star. Drawing on the little-known American practice of incarcerating adolescent girls for “immorality” in the first half of the twentieth century, O’Connor follows young V from her early work as a nightclub entertainer to her subsequent six-year state school sentence for an unplanned pregnancy. As V struggles to survive within a system only nominally committed to rescue and reform, she endures injustices that will change the course of her life and the lives of her descendants. The book is inspired by O’Connor’s research on her unknown maternal grand- mother and the long-term effects of inter-generational trauma. (from Amazon Book description) The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen, April 22, 12:05 p.m., Free. We will discuss the book and its themes, which gives an intimate look at the twin nightmares of slavery and Civil War. A powerful and unforgettable story of a woman who risked her own freedom to bring freedom to mil- lions of others, The Secrets of Mary Bowser celebrates the courageous achievements of a little known but truly inspirational American heroine. (from Amazon book description) A Page in History
Learn more about the culture, history, and stories behind some of the Page Series performances with this partnership programming with the Page Theatre. A Page in History: Danú, Thursday, February 27, 3 p.m. History Center, Free Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today. Their standing room only concerts throughout Ireland are true events featuring high-energy performances and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire. Learn about Irish music group Danú and their 25-year history of performing around the globe. The group will introduce themselves, their instruments -- including flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, and bouzouki -- and offer a sneak peek of their Page Series performance at this fun demonstration and artist talk. A Page in History: SPEAK, Tuesday, March 24, 12:05 p.m., History Center, Free. As part of the Driftless Dance Festival, learn about two historically male-dominated and marginalized forms of dance, Kathak and Tap. We will hear about how these forms con- verged through the female- led production of SPEAK. Learn more about the festival at pagetheatre.org. |
Ecological History Lecture Series
in Partnership with Winona State University, March 25 - April 21
The Winona County Historical Society (WCHS) and Winona State University (WSU) were awarded a Heritage Partnership grant from the Minnesota Historical Society to digitize and preserve an 1862 transcription of an 1855 land survey and two botanical specimen books collected by two WSU students of Dr. John M. Holzinger’s in 1899 and 1912.
Along with digitizing these unique resources, the grant included funding to hire St. Mary’s University Geospatial Services to reconstruct a map of the vegetative communities in the city of Winona based on the 1855 land survey and other available data; we anticipate the final map project to be available for public use by late summer of this year (2020).
An important component of this project is creating educational opportunities for our community; therefore, the grant includes funding to support a lecture series featuring ecological experts. All lectures are open and free to the public and refreshments are provided.
Wednesday, March 25, 6:00 p.m.
Minnesota’s Driftless Area: A Biodiversity Hotspot with Hannah Texler at Winona County History Center, Wanek Hall.
Hannah Texler is a plant ecologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Ms. Texler oversees the work of the plant ecologists and botanists for the Minnesota Biological Survey program and is the project manager for the new statewide Minnesota Ecological Monitoring Network.
Tuesday, March 31, 6:00 p.m.
Seeds for Seven Generations with Diane Wilson at Winona State University, Stark Hall, Room 103.
Diane Wilson is a Dakota writer whose memoir, Spirit Car: Journey to a Dakota Past (Borealis Books) won a 2006 Minnesota Book Award and was selected for the 2012 One Minneapolis One Read program. Wilson is the current Executive Director for Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) and former Executive Director for the Dream of Wild Health farm in Hugo, MN. She is a Mdewakanton descendent and enrolled on the Rosebud Reservation.
Wednesday, April 8, 6:00 p.m.
A View from the Minnesota Woods with Eli Sagor at Winona County History Center, Wanek Hall.
Eli Sagor is an Extension Specialist for the Cloquet Forestry Center at the University of Minnesota and the Program Manager for the Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative.
Monday, April 13, 6:00 pm
Oak Savanna and Woodland: Using the Science of Disturbance Ecology and Silviculture to Help Restore Unique Driftless Area Ecosystems with Gregory Edge at Winona State University, Stark Hall, Room 103.
Greg Edge is a Forest Ecologist/Silviculturist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Edge has lived and worked in the Driftless Area for over 28 years.
Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 p.m.
Learning from the Indigenous Roots of Sustainable Forestry in the USA: Promoting Sustainability, Community Healing, and Partnerships with Michael Dockry at Winona State University, Science Laboratory Center (SLC), Room 120.
Dr. Dockry is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation with traditional territories around Lake Michigan and a reservation in central Oklahoma. Dr. Dockry is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota.
This project was 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.
in Partnership with Winona State University, March 25 - April 21
The Winona County Historical Society (WCHS) and Winona State University (WSU) were awarded a Heritage Partnership grant from the Minnesota Historical Society to digitize and preserve an 1862 transcription of an 1855 land survey and two botanical specimen books collected by two WSU students of Dr. John M. Holzinger’s in 1899 and 1912.
Along with digitizing these unique resources, the grant included funding to hire St. Mary’s University Geospatial Services to reconstruct a map of the vegetative communities in the city of Winona based on the 1855 land survey and other available data; we anticipate the final map project to be available for public use by late summer of this year (2020).
An important component of this project is creating educational opportunities for our community; therefore, the grant includes funding to support a lecture series featuring ecological experts. All lectures are open and free to the public and refreshments are provided.
Wednesday, March 25, 6:00 p.m.
Minnesota’s Driftless Area: A Biodiversity Hotspot with Hannah Texler at Winona County History Center, Wanek Hall.
Hannah Texler is a plant ecologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Ms. Texler oversees the work of the plant ecologists and botanists for the Minnesota Biological Survey program and is the project manager for the new statewide Minnesota Ecological Monitoring Network.
Tuesday, March 31, 6:00 p.m.
Seeds for Seven Generations with Diane Wilson at Winona State University, Stark Hall, Room 103.
Diane Wilson is a Dakota writer whose memoir, Spirit Car: Journey to a Dakota Past (Borealis Books) won a 2006 Minnesota Book Award and was selected for the 2012 One Minneapolis One Read program. Wilson is the current Executive Director for Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) and former Executive Director for the Dream of Wild Health farm in Hugo, MN. She is a Mdewakanton descendent and enrolled on the Rosebud Reservation.
Wednesday, April 8, 6:00 p.m.
A View from the Minnesota Woods with Eli Sagor at Winona County History Center, Wanek Hall.
Eli Sagor is an Extension Specialist for the Cloquet Forestry Center at the University of Minnesota and the Program Manager for the Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative.
Monday, April 13, 6:00 pm
Oak Savanna and Woodland: Using the Science of Disturbance Ecology and Silviculture to Help Restore Unique Driftless Area Ecosystems with Gregory Edge at Winona State University, Stark Hall, Room 103.
Greg Edge is a Forest Ecologist/Silviculturist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Edge has lived and worked in the Driftless Area for over 28 years.
Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 p.m.
Learning from the Indigenous Roots of Sustainable Forestry in the USA: Promoting Sustainability, Community Healing, and Partnerships with Michael Dockry at Winona State University, Science Laboratory Center (SLC), Room 120.
Dr. Dockry is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation with traditional territories around Lake Michigan and a reservation in central Oklahoma. Dr. Dockry is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota.
This project was 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.
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History on the River
History on the River educational cruises, will be back for another season this summer! 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 variety of refreshments are included with each cruise as well.
Tickets are sold in advance at the History Center or by calling 507.454.2723 ext. 0. 2020 tickets will go on sale May 1 for WCHS members and May 4 for the public. They are $27 or $22 for members; Pick 3 packages are $75 or $60 for members. Tickets are non-refundable unless the cruise is cancelled by WCHS (see weather below).
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.
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.
Weather related cancellations will be determined 4 hours prior to departure time and are decided by the captain. We will go in rain and flood waters rarely affect the cruises. 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.
2020 Schedule
Key: CF - Cal Fremling ; WTB - Winona Tour Boat; FF - Family Friendly (great for children 8 and older too).
Times listed are DEPARTURE times, boarding begins 15 minutes prior.
Tickets go on sale May 1 for members and May 4 for the public.
June
11 - H3O Jazz Trio, 7 p.m., CF
Enjoy local jazz artists as we cruise the Mississippi River.
18 - Great River Shakespeare Festival Preview, 7 p.m., CF
Hear from GRSF crew about this year’s festival and its performance preparations.
25 - Good to Go, Folk Music, 7 p.m., WTB, FF
"Good to Go" is made up of Terry Gray on guitar and Beth Oness on fiddle.
Both from the local area, Beth is a writer, teacher, and musician who also plays and sings with "Magpie Revival.” Terry works part time and plays and sings in a duo, "Right Side Up.” Using the fiddle to weave in and out, accenting the guitar and vocals, their music includes acoustic folk, rock, country/gospel, and American roots. A perfect fit for this great musical area.
July
9 - Magpie Revival, 7 p.m., CF
Join the Magpies for some fun old-time, folk, rock and soul music. The group features the talents of Kathy Siefert, Sheila McDermott Allard, Elizabeth Oness, and Kristen Young.
16 - “Multicultural Winona: Music of the Qeej” with Yong Nhia Lor, 7 p.m., CF
Professional Qeej player, Yong Nhia Lor will share the sounds of the traditional Hmong Qeej. The Qeej is a free-reed mouth organ made of reeds. The Hmong language is very tonal, and words can be made with the unique instrument to tell stories.
23 - Jeani and the Dreamers, 7 p.m., CF
A local favorite, we will be Rockin’ Winona with Jeani and the Dreamers!
30 - “Brewing Between the Bluffs: Minnesota and Wisconsin Breweries from 1850-1990” with Doug Hoverson, 7 p.m., WTB
Doug is associate editor of American Breweriana Journal, an award-winning homebrewer, and a certified beer judge. He is also the author of Land of Amber Waters The History of Brewing in Minnesota and The Drink That Made Wisconsin Famous
Beer and Brewing in the Badger State.
August
13 -”The Geologic History of the Driftless Area” with Dylan Blumentritt, Winona State University Geoscience Department, 7 p.m., CF
Learn more about our region and who it became the beautiful region we know today. Dylan has his BA, Gustavus Adolphus College, PhD & MS University of Minnesota Surface Processes, Hydrology, Paleolimnology and is an Assistant Professor at Winona State University.
20 - Jeani and the Dreamers, 6:30 p.m., CF
A local favorite, we will be Rockin’ Winona with Jeani and the Dreamers!
27 - Lock and Dam Adventure, 6:30 p.m., WTB, FF
This popular topic explores the Mississippi River’s Lock and Dam system with an up-close look at 5A.
September
10 - “Songs of the River” with The Bell House Band, 6 p.m., CF
This Winona Folk Trio features the talents of Bob Stuber, Connie Dretske, and Jim Armstrong as they perform songs related to the river.
17 - “Owl Detectives” with the International Owl Center, 5:30 p.m., CF, FF
Learn to identify and call to our local owls.
24 - Exploring Winona’s Boathouse Communities 5:30 p.m., WTB
Winona is famous for its unique boathouse communities. Explore these unique river homes along the backwaters of the Mississippi.
New this year, the City of Winona is offering special Polish heritage programs on the first Thursday each month of this season in celebration of Winona’s Kashubian Capitol Celebration 2020. Proceeds will benefit WCHS, but tickets for these special cruises are separate from the History on the River cruise tickets and can be purchased through KCC2020.org.
Polish Workers: The Builders of Winona
When: Thursday June 4
Where: WSU Dock at Levee Park
Cost: $30 per person (through KCC2020.org)
Cash Bar and Hors D'oeuvres served by Ground Round
The Polish in Winona: New World, New Ways
When: Thursday July 2
Where: WSU Dock at Levee Park
Cost: $30 per person (through KCC2020.org)
Cash Bar and Hors D'oeuvres Served by Group
Polish Hometown Heroes
When: Thursday August 6
Where: WSU Dock at Levee Park
Cost: $30 per person (through kcc2020.org)
Cash Bar and Hors D'oeuvres served by Ground Round
Fighting Poles
When: Thursday September 3
Where: WSU Dock at Levee Park
Cost: $30 per person (through KCC2020.org)
Cash Bar and Hors D'oeuvres served by Ground Round
Tickets are sold in advance at the History Center or by calling 507.454.2723 ext. 0. 2020 tickets will go on sale May 1 for WCHS members and May 4 for the public. They are $27 or $22 for members; Pick 3 packages are $75 or $60 for members. Tickets are non-refundable unless the cruise is cancelled by WCHS (see weather below).
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.
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.
Weather related cancellations will be determined 4 hours prior to departure time and are decided by the captain. We will go in rain and flood waters rarely affect the cruises. 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.
2020 Schedule
Key: CF - Cal Fremling ; WTB - Winona Tour Boat; FF - Family Friendly (great for children 8 and older too).
Times listed are DEPARTURE times, boarding begins 15 minutes prior.
Tickets go on sale May 1 for members and May 4 for the public.
June
11 - H3O Jazz Trio, 7 p.m., CF
Enjoy local jazz artists as we cruise the Mississippi River.
18 - Great River Shakespeare Festival Preview, 7 p.m., CF
Hear from GRSF crew about this year’s festival and its performance preparations.
25 - Good to Go, Folk Music, 7 p.m., WTB, FF
"Good to Go" is made up of Terry Gray on guitar and Beth Oness on fiddle.
Both from the local area, Beth is a writer, teacher, and musician who also plays and sings with "Magpie Revival.” Terry works part time and plays and sings in a duo, "Right Side Up.” Using the fiddle to weave in and out, accenting the guitar and vocals, their music includes acoustic folk, rock, country/gospel, and American roots. A perfect fit for this great musical area.
July
9 - Magpie Revival, 7 p.m., CF
Join the Magpies for some fun old-time, folk, rock and soul music. The group features the talents of Kathy Siefert, Sheila McDermott Allard, Elizabeth Oness, and Kristen Young.
16 - “Multicultural Winona: Music of the Qeej” with Yong Nhia Lor, 7 p.m., CF
Professional Qeej player, Yong Nhia Lor will share the sounds of the traditional Hmong Qeej. The Qeej is a free-reed mouth organ made of reeds. The Hmong language is very tonal, and words can be made with the unique instrument to tell stories.
23 - Jeani and the Dreamers, 7 p.m., CF
A local favorite, we will be Rockin’ Winona with Jeani and the Dreamers!
30 - “Brewing Between the Bluffs: Minnesota and Wisconsin Breweries from 1850-1990” with Doug Hoverson, 7 p.m., WTB
Doug is associate editor of American Breweriana Journal, an award-winning homebrewer, and a certified beer judge. He is also the author of Land of Amber Waters The History of Brewing in Minnesota and The Drink That Made Wisconsin Famous
Beer and Brewing in the Badger State.
August
13 -”The Geologic History of the Driftless Area” with Dylan Blumentritt, Winona State University Geoscience Department, 7 p.m., CF
Learn more about our region and who it became the beautiful region we know today. Dylan has his BA, Gustavus Adolphus College, PhD & MS University of Minnesota Surface Processes, Hydrology, Paleolimnology and is an Assistant Professor at Winona State University.
20 - Jeani and the Dreamers, 6:30 p.m., CF
A local favorite, we will be Rockin’ Winona with Jeani and the Dreamers!
27 - Lock and Dam Adventure, 6:30 p.m., WTB, FF
This popular topic explores the Mississippi River’s Lock and Dam system with an up-close look at 5A.
September
10 - “Songs of the River” with The Bell House Band, 6 p.m., CF
This Winona Folk Trio features the talents of Bob Stuber, Connie Dretske, and Jim Armstrong as they perform songs related to the river.
17 - “Owl Detectives” with the International Owl Center, 5:30 p.m., CF, FF
Learn to identify and call to our local owls.
24 - Exploring Winona’s Boathouse Communities 5:30 p.m., WTB
Winona is famous for its unique boathouse communities. Explore these unique river homes along the backwaters of the Mississippi.
New this year, the City of Winona is offering special Polish heritage programs on the first Thursday each month of this season in celebration of Winona’s Kashubian Capitol Celebration 2020. Proceeds will benefit WCHS, but tickets for these special cruises are separate from the History on the River cruise tickets and can be purchased through KCC2020.org.
Polish Workers: The Builders of Winona
When: Thursday June 4
Where: WSU Dock at Levee Park
Cost: $30 per person (through KCC2020.org)
Cash Bar and Hors D'oeuvres served by Ground Round
The Polish in Winona: New World, New Ways
When: Thursday July 2
Where: WSU Dock at Levee Park
Cost: $30 per person (through KCC2020.org)
Cash Bar and Hors D'oeuvres Served by Group
Polish Hometown Heroes
When: Thursday August 6
Where: WSU Dock at Levee Park
Cost: $30 per person (through kcc2020.org)
Cash Bar and Hors D'oeuvres served by Ground Round
Fighting Poles
When: Thursday September 3
Where: WSU Dock at Levee Park
Cost: $30 per person (through KCC2020.org)
Cash Bar and Hors D'oeuvres served by Ground Round
Fundraisers and Special Events
Open House Make-up on March 19 with Exhibit Opening
Thursday, March 19, 3 - 6 p.m. Winona County History Center, Free.
Due to a winter storm that brought about a foot of snow to the area on February 9, the WCHS Museum Open House was cancelled. On March 19, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. we will celebrate Spring and the opening of the traveling exhibit, Wildflowers of the Upper Midwest with an Open House featuring free admission, crafts, and treats. We would like to thank all the wonderful volunteers for all their work in preparation for the Open House and we hope you mark your calendars for February 7, 2021.
Thursday, March 19, 3 - 6 p.m. Winona County History Center, Free.
Due to a winter storm that brought about a foot of snow to the area on February 9, the WCHS Museum Open House was cancelled. On March 19, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. we will celebrate Spring and the opening of the traveling exhibit, Wildflowers of the Upper Midwest with an Open House featuring free admission, crafts, and treats. We would like to thank all the wonderful volunteers for all their work in preparation for the Open House and we hope you mark your calendars for February 7, 2021.
Shirley Mah Kooyman
85th Annual Meeting of the Winona County Historical Society
Tuesday, March 24, 7 p.m.; Winona County History Center, Members Only
Join fellow members for the 85th Annual Meeting of the Winona County Historical Society. In celebration of spring and the traveling exhibit, Wildflowers of the Upper Midwest, we will hear from Shirley Mah Kooyman, presenting, Spring Woodland Wildflowers, after a short business meeting. A dessert reception will conclude the evening.
Shirley is a botanist with a specialty in plant taxonomy (plant names & identification). She was the Adult Education Manager at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for over a decade. Shirley now works as a Plant Information Specialist at a native plant restoration company.
Tuesday, March 24, 7 p.m.; Winona County History Center, Members Only
Join fellow members for the 85th Annual Meeting of the Winona County Historical Society. In celebration of spring and the traveling exhibit, Wildflowers of the Upper Midwest, we will hear from Shirley Mah Kooyman, presenting, Spring Woodland Wildflowers, after a short business meeting. A dessert reception will conclude the evening.
Shirley is a botanist with a specialty in plant taxonomy (plant names & identification). She was the Adult Education Manager at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for over a decade. Shirley now works as a Plant Information Specialist at a native plant restoration company.
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Upcoming 2020 Special Events
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Get Involved! Become a Volunteer.