Winona County Historical Society plans an annual year-end giving campaign that helps us to keep the lights on for another season of important work in history. In this post series, you’ll hear from WCHS staff members about why your giving is vital for this organization’s mission. We’re excited to partner with you again as we look to the future of our communities in Winona County.
Providing Professional Growth & Education
By Leanna Gerry, Research & Content Writer
As I sit with my coworker Lindsay in her curator’s office, a smile slides over my face. We’re talking about artifacts — the objects from our collections that help to tell the story of Winona County. Both on the edges of our chairs, we gesture, poke at her computer screen, brainstorm out loud. We’re so excited because we are neck-deep in the fascinating stories of our area’s past. We are young women in the 21st century, connecting to and learning lessons from events hundreds and even thousands of years ago.
What a gift it is that your support over the past year has allowed young professionals like us to grow in our roles! WCHS hosted over five interns in the last year who were able to get “hands-on” with history in the archives. They developed skills like transcription and accurate data entry. Some learned how to journey down the rabbit hole of research. All benefited from the mentorship of our seasoned staff members on the museum team. In my new role of Research & Content Writer, I have been able to dip my toes into all of these areas of learning, and most importantly for my personal goals, to write. What a joy to practice what I love in a professional setting with the goal of sharing it all with you.
None of our progress would be possible without your continued support and efforts that keep history lively for the next generation. We hope you will continue in your commitment to this cause for the young people to come!
