Welcome to the Winona County History Center

Welcome to Winona County Historical Society!

Our city and county derived their names from “Winuŋna” (wee-NEW-nuh), a Dakota descriptive word meaning “first-born who is a daughter.” Over the centuries, writers recorded the name as Wenonah, Weenona, and Wynona. Others called this area as “Wabasha’s Prairie,” “The Island City,” or “Keoxa.” The trail of names and spellings hints that this place along the Mississippi River means many different things to many different people. We invite you to discover what it means to you.

Pictured above: Noteworthy moments in Winona County’s history frame the figure of the Dakota woman Winuŋna, the area’s namesake. Located in the Winona County History Center.

History Center

HIGHLIGHTS

Winona County Historical Society's Haunted History Walking Tour at Woodlawn Cemetery

Only in October!!!

Here’s some history highlights happening ONLY in October (don’t miss them!)

Outdoor Voices from the Past Cemetery Walk

Indoor Voices from the Past Site Performance

Haunted History Walk Woodlawn Cemetery

Haunted History Walk Downtown

Kashubian Vampires Talk

(Pictured: A young actor in Woodlawn Cemetery during the Voices from the Past Cemetery Walk.)

Participate

IN HISTORY

FREE
Museum
Admission

Days 2024

Explore History Center Exhibits for Free!

History Is
PRESENT

Active

Learning

Respectful Representation

Transformative Storytelling

Inclusive Collaboration

Responsible Stewardship

Artistic rendering of Winona County History Center Exhibits Hall

Winona County Historical Society Capital Campaign 2024

Together, we will build a cultural destination that not only stimulates economic growth but also provides a space where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate the diverse tapestry of the human past. We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey towards a brighter and more inspired future.

Historic city of Winona map from Winona County Historical Society archives

Become a Member

Members support the work of WCHS and also enjoy these great benefits:

  • Receive 6 issues of The Argus bimonthly newsletter filled with articles, features, & news.
  • Enjoy free admission to WCHS museums & archives
  • Claim discounts in the History Center Shop, facility rentals, event & class tickets.

Support WCHS

Your donations support WCHS staff, exhibit updates, facility maintenance, artifact preservation, and local history sharing with the community and visitors. We exist thanks to you! Thank you for your generosity!

Historic cash register from Winona County Historical Society collections
Winona County Historical Society

Check Out Our Blog

Keep up with everything history on the Winona County History Center blog! Be one of the first to see museum updates, project progress, and event announcements.

Shop Local

The Winona County History Center’s gift shop offers Winona gear, books, apparel, toys, Watkins products, and local artisan items like stained glass, pottery, bath products, jewelry and more! WCHS members enjoy special discounts on purchase.

Items in Winona County History Center gift shop
Historic newspaper from Winona County Historical Society archival collections

Society E-NEWS

Learn about what we’ve been up to in 2024!