• Winona Area Kitchen Table Wrap Party & Documentary Film Screening

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Join Engage Winona as they wrap up the Winona Area Kitchen Table project with a special documentary premiere highlighting the conversations, connections, and impact made along the way. 📅 Wednesday, July 22 🕔 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (Program begins at 5:30) 📍 Winona County Historical Society, 160 Johnson St. 🎟️ Free and open to everyone […]

  • Winona Walking Tours: Historic Churches

    Recurring
    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Step back in time and discover the stories behind Winona's remarkable houses of worship during Winona Walking Tours: Historic Churches. Join a Winona County Historical Society guide on Saturday or Sunday for a 60-minute walk exploring some of the city's most historic churches. From soaring spires to devastating fires, you'll learn about the architects, congregations, […]

  • Winona Walking Tours: Historic Churches

    Recurring
    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Step back in time and discover the stories behind Winona's remarkable houses of worship during Winona Walking Tours: Historic Churches. Join a Winona County Historical Society guide on Saturday or Sunday for a 60-minute walk exploring some of the city's most historic churches. From soaring spires to devastating fires, you'll learn about the architects, congregations, […]

  • Workshop: “How to be OK when things are not OK”

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    When life feels unsteady, how do we stay grounded? “How to Be OK When Things Are Not OK” is a workshop designed to gently explore that question. Together, we’ll look at practical ways to build personal resilience, so you can continue to show up for yourself and your community. It’s about recognizing that our capacity […]

  • Cole Redhorse Taylor: Leger Art Debut & Conversation

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Join us at the Winona County Historical Society for a community meal and conversation with artist Cole Redhorse Taylor. He’ll debut a new ledger artwork inspired by a historic piece being returned to the Dakota community, honoring ongoing efforts to build meaningful relationships between Winona and Dakota people. Taylor, a Prairie Island Dakota artist, blends […]

  • Mayfly Declines & Pesticide Impacts on the Upper Mississippi

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    River lovers, science nerds, and curious minds… this one’s for you 🌊 The Winona Will Dilg Chapter of the Ikes invites you to a deep dive into what’s happening beneath the surface of the Upper Mississippi. Join us at the Winona County Historical Society for a fascinating talk from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources scientist […]

  • “Art Inspired by the Archives” – Gallery Opening

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    What happens when we breathe new life into history? Art Inspired by the Archives invites community members inside the Winona County Historical Society’s collections—where a single object can spark something entirely new. The word “inspire” comes from the Latin inspirare, meaning “to breathe into.” And that’s exactly what these artists have done. Drawing from the […]

  • Trail Running Film Festival

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    The Trail Running Film Festival is rolling back into Winona for a night that trades pavement for pine needles and screens for soul. 🌲🎬 Celebrate running as something bigger than miles and medals. It’s a shared language, a quiet rebellion, a way to chase down your boldest ideas and see what happens when you catch […]

  • “Murder in the Vault: Secrets of the Past” presented by Theatre du Mississippi

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    🔎🕯️ Murder at the History Center… and you’re on the case. Step into a night of intrigue, deception, and drama at the Winona County Historical Society. The victim? The archivist, who has quite literally “become history.” The suspects include a director, janitor, collections manager, intern, board member, or volunteer. Someone’s hiding something. 🗓 Doors at […]

  • Vintage Valentines Drop-In Museum Makers Class

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Drop in anytime between 3 and 6 p.m. for our Museum Makers Valentine Workshop at the History Center! Create up to three vintage-style valentines using provided supplies, with help from class leaders offering inspiration, ideas, and a dash of Valentine history. From handwritten love notes of the 1400s to ornate Victorian cards, valentines have a […]

  • “Murder in the Vault: Secrets of the Past” with Theatre du Mississippi

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    🔎🕯️ A Murder Most Historical… 🕯️🔎 Step into a night of intrigue, deception, and drama at the Winona County History Center on Friday | 6:30–9:30 PM. History has a deadly secret, and it is up to you to uncover it. 📜 The crime: The archivist has mysteriously “become history.”🎭 The suspects: A museum director, janitor, […]

  • Opening Reception: “Driftless: A Curated Exhibit”

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Join River Arts Alliance for the opening of Driftless: A Curated Exhibit—art inspired by the one-of-a-kind landscapes of the Driftless region along the Mississippi. Enjoy light refreshments and explore work selected from artists across Minnesota and the surrounding area. The exhibit runs December 6, 2025 – February 27, 2026 at the Winona County History Center. […]

  • Voices From the Past Cemetery Walk 2025: Disasters! (Indoor Accessible Performance)

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    ✨ Step back in time with the Winona County Historical Society’s annual Voices from the Past! ✨ This year’s theme highlights the strength and resiliency of Winona County communities who lived through floods, fires, storms, and illness. Local community members bring their stories to life in this favorite fall tradition. 🍂 📅 Thursday, Oct. 2 […]

  • Business & Immigrant Story: Project Fine

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    The Sandbar Storytelling Festival continues its Business and Immigrant Stories of Winona series, highlighting the businesses and organizations that help shape our community. Tonight, Fatima Said, Executive Director of Project Fine, will guide a thoughtful panel discussion featuring the personal and inspiring journeys of immigrants who have made Winona their home.

  • Business & Immigrant Story: Winona Farmers’ Market

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Sure! Here’s a smoothed-out version with a warm, engaging tone reminiscent of public radio: The Story of the Winona Farmers’ Market Join us for a special evening exploring the roots and ripple effects of the Winona Farmers’ Market. Local growers Sandy Dietz and Sarah Schaub will share the story of the market’s founding, its evolution […]

  • Friends of the Refuge Headwaters present “A Visit from Will Dilg”

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    This summer marks the 100th anniversary of one of the most remarkable conservation efforts in American history—a movement that began right here, along the banks of the Mississippi, here in Winona. Will Dilg was a summer resident who spent his days bass fishing from a humble boathouse. But in 1920, after the tragic drowning of […]

  • Cultural Connections: History of Newfoundland & its People

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada, with the Strait of Belle Isle separating the island of Newfoundland from the mainland of North America. Human habitation in the region dates back approximately 9,000 years. The province is also the closest landmass to where the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. Though deemed unsinkable, […]

  • Local History Talk: Tracing Early African American Legacies in Minnesota

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Unveiling Hidden Histories: Mica L. Anders Presents "Tracing Early African American Legacies in Minnesota" Join genealogist Mica L. Anders at the Winona County Historical Society for a captivating journey through time. Her presentation, "Tracing Early African American Legacies in Minnesota," delves into the untold stories of African American communities and individuals who shaped Minnesota's early […]

  • WCHS 90th Anniversary Party

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Founded in June 1935, the Winona County Historical Society emerged from the success of local historical pageants celebrating Minnesota’s Territorial Centennial. Early members, including 4-H leader Mildred Sebo, displayed artifacts at the Winona County Courthouse, driven by a shared passion for preserving local history. So come celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Winona County Historical […]

  • Museum Makers Class: Vintage Valentines

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Calling all love-struck crafters and history buffs! 💘 The Winona County History Center is hosting a delightful Vintage Valentine Workshop that will transport you back to the romantic roots of Valentine's card making. Workshop Highlights: - Led by expert craftswoman Lori Ortega - Design ideas and supplies provided - Perfect for budding artists aged 6 […]

  • Mystery at the Museum: The Dead of Winter

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Theatre du Mississippi and The Winona County History Center are excited to present “Murder at the Museum: The Dead of Winter.” This interactive theater event will be at the History Center, where you will play the investigator role. Attendees are invited to dress up, but it’s not required. Step back into the 1890s and interview […]

  • The WASPS of WWII & Ethel Meyer Finley

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Join the Winona County Historical Society for a free program on "The WASPs of WWII & Ethel Meyer Finley" in Wanek Hall at the Winona County History Center. Historian Frederick Beseler will share the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in World War II, with a focus on Minnesota members, including Ethel Meyer […]

  • WCHS Weekend Walking Tour: “Then & Now, 3rd St.”

    Recurring
    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Step back in time with a guided walking tour with the Winona County Historical Society! This season we are focusing on a different theme each month—this week, "Then & Now, 3rd St." People, architecture, and stories galore fill each engaging walk through areas of historic Winona, Tours are 60 minutes and begin and end at […]

  • WCHS Weekend Walking Tour: “Then & Now, 3rd St.”

    Recurring
    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Step back in time with a guided walking tour with the Winona County Historical Society! This season we are focusing on a different theme each month—this week, "Then & Now, 3rd St." People, architecture, and stories galore fill each engaging walk through areas of historic Winona, Tours are 60 minutes and begin and end at […]

  • Opening Reception: “Watershed”

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Watershed, a new, juried visual arts exhibition sponsored by River Arts Alliance (RAA) and open to artists living within 150 miles of Winona, MN, will run from August 23 to November 17, 2024, at the Winona County History Center’s Slaggie Family Lobby Art Gallery.

  • WCHS Weekend Walking Tour: “From Fires to Floods: Downtown Disasters”

    Recurring
    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    Step back in time with a guided walking tour with the Winona County Historical Society! This season we are focusing on a different theme each month—this week, From Fires to Floods: Downtown Disasters with Lacey Korb. People, architecture, and stories galore fill each engaging walk through areas of historic Winona, Tours are 60 minutes and […]

  • Partners in History Program: Peerless Chain Story

    Winona County History Center 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, United States

    The Sandbar Storytelling Festival local story series features the story of the Peerless Chain Company. Peerless, located on Winona’s east end, has been in business since 1917. The company started making tire chains and eventually expanded to industrial and hardware chains. In the early 2000s, the company began buying major competitors and today it is […]