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History Never Stops Capital Campaign and Laird Norton Addition Updates |
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In Winona County, history surrounds us. It isn't something of the past.... Its something for today.... Its something for tomorrow. History Never Stops!
It is our goal to make sure history is available each and every day in Winona County for our county residents and to the people visiting who may want to learn about their ancestors or the way of life in this special place.
Expanding our facility will allow us to provide space for artifacts, more exhibits to highlight rural and urban communities in Winona County and much needed space for educational programs. |
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Learn More!
Click on the items below to learn more and take a few minutes to watch the video produced by Peter Walsh for the History Never Stops Campaign to be shown at meetings, events, and various programs. It illustrates the needs of the Winona County Historical Society and its goals for the future and features great images of Winona County's past. If you, your family, or business would like a presentation about the project, please contact the Historical Society at 507-454-2723 ext. 1 or email info@winonahistory.org
Visit again for updates and images of the construction progress! |
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How it Started The Society was awarded with a check for $1.5 million by Chalan Colby, Laird Norton Family President, in June 2008 after raising the matching funds for this historic grant in just 10 months. The Laird Norton Company, which started their sawmill operation in Winona and is now headquartered in Seattle, Washington, wanted to leave a lasting gift to the Winona County community. In 2006 the descendants of the original founders sold the family business, which was the parent company of UBC, and at the time were approached by Society president and family member Laurie Lucas about leaving a legacy gift to the community where their company started. Lucas said, "This is where it all began and we are proud to be supporting an institution that preserves all our histories." |
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What’s Next
With about 80% of the funds raised we are well on our way. Steve and Barb Slaggie of Winona have challenged the members, businesses and supporters of the Society to raise another $1 million. When that goal is reached the Slaggie family will make a $250,000 donation to the project.
Construction of the addition is scheduled to start in late spring/early summer and will be completed for the Society's 75th anniversary celebrations in 2010. |
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The Addition
Established in 1953, Hammel Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA) provides a full range of services in the fields of architecture, engineering, and planning all over the U.S. They have two offices in Minnesota, in Minneapolis and Rochester. Joan Soranno, Design Partner who specializes in cultural and educational facilities, has designed an addition that will be an attraction itself and the new building will add the 21st century to the outstanding architecture list Winona is famous for. |
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"We are honored to have been selected to design the new addition to Winona County Historical Society," said Joan Soranno when first hired in the fall of 2007. "We are attracted by the unique challenges of this project. We will be creating a new facility while respecting the rich history and fabric of the city and county. It is our vision for the new building that it will add to the architectural legacy of Winona." |
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Community, Education Practice Group at HGA. This studio approach serves as an incubator for innovative design and fosters a close working relationship with each client. Among her notable design works are the recently completed Museum of the North at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks and the award-winning Bigelow Chapel in New Brighton, Minnesota. Joan Soranno received her architectural degree from the University of Notre Dame. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Architectural Record.
The Winona County Historical Society's Selection Committee made its recommendation to the full Board after a thorough process of reviewing the qualifications of many firms. In-depth interviews were held with four firms. The architectural finalists, all with offices in Minneapolis, were: James Dayton Design; Hammel Green and Abrahamson, Inc; Meyer Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd; and Julie Snow Architects. The WCHS Selection Committee was comprised of Society Board members, Peter Flick, Greg Gaut, Mike Kennedy, and Laurie Lucas together with WCHS Executive Director Mark Peterson. Martha Thorne, Executive Director of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, advised the committee on the selection process.
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With the Laird Norton addition the museum will not only meet our space needs, but will allow us to expand into a dynamic historical center with a community gathering place.
This $4.5 million project is the largest ever undertaken by a County Historical Society in Minnesota. |
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With the tremendous support of Winona County residents and friends the Society continues to add to the $3 million challenge grant in order to reach the project's final goal of $4.5 million.
Over 1000 generous supporters have contributed so far, including local businesses, Society members and non-members, the county townships, and from visitors from all across the U.S. as well as abroad.
THANK YOU!
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HGA Minnesota includes over 250 architects, engineers, specialists in sustainability, historic preservation, and other specialties. Joan Soranno with colleague, architect John Cook, have a design studio within the Arts, |
