Winona County Historical Society’s 91st Annual Meeting

The Winona County Historical Society (WCHS) is hosting the 91st Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at the Winona County History Center. WCHS members are invited to attend the business meeting followed by “Winona’s Boathouses” with Reggie McLeod. Learn about the history of boathouses in Winona over the last 50 years. Editor and publisher for Big River Magazine, Reggie has been telling engaging and informative stories about the Mississippi River for decades. His vast work was recognized by the National Rivers Hall of Fame in 2023. Then, enjoy a dessert reception in the Slaggie Family Lobby and time to visit with fellow members.

This summer, the History Center will be opening the new River Gallery. A completely new exhibit encompassing level 2 of the main exhibit hall. It is part of a larger exhibit update project that is scheduled to be completed by mid-2027. “We are so excited to be opening this new experience and other exhibits this year!” says Museum Educator, Jennifer Weaver, “It is a huge task, and many amazing people are involved, including members, and we are looking forward to celebrating this big step for the museum.” During the dessert reception members can join Jennifer and other staff members for a sneak peek at the construction progress.

The Winona County Historical Society, founded in 1935, is a private non-profit educational institution, with a mission to be dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition, and interpretation of materials that document the history of Winona County.

WCHS hosted meetings and had some artifacts on display at the Winona County Courthouse in its early days. During the 1940s collecting amped up to create a museum at Winona State University. Later, WCHS and its collection moved to the second floor of the Lumberman Building across from the Winona Public Library. In the meantime, historic houses, churches, and even a steamboat were historic places owned and operated by WCHS throughout the County. As the organization grew, the 1915 Armory building became available. WCHS moved into The Armory in 1973.

The Society currently operates three museums. The Winona County History Center in downtown Winona houses the main museum facility, Laird Lucas Library and Archives, Society offices and program and event spaces. The Bunnell House is in Homer, and the Rural Heritage Museum is on the Winona County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.

In 2010, the Laird Norton Addition was added to the historic Armory, and the Society rebranded the main museum location as the Winona County History Center. The modern addition was built by HGA (Hammel, Green, and Abrahamson of Minneapolis) with architects Joan Soranno and John Cook. The addition won several design and architecture awards, including  an AIA Minnesota Honor Award. Established in 1954, the AIA Minnesota Honor Awards recognize outstanding built projects within Minnesota by Minnesota architects.

Not a member of the Winona County Historical Society? It is a great time to join!
Find more at winonahistory.org and on social media @winonacountyhistory, or call 507-454-2723.