Let’s Celebrate!
Mark your calendars for March 6th from 7pm – 9pm to celebrate at the 90th Anniversary Fundraiser Party for Winona County Historical Society! Enjoy decadent desserts and a cash bar by Muddled Thyme. Find your link to local history while you bid at the auction, purchase a permanent bracelet at the “Get Linked” Bracelet Bar by Jovy Rockey Jewelry, compete for the Wine Ring Toss grand prize, or make the Donation Balloon Chain grow!
Cost (there is none!)
This event is free and open to the public. The 90th Annual Meeting of the Winona County Historical Society will be held March 6 at 6:00 p.m. before the party for members only. Not a member? It is always a great time to join.
Organization History
The Winona County Historical Society, founded in June 1935, was formed by people who shared a love of local history. Historical pageants were held at State Parks across Minnesota during the 1930s to celebrate the Minnesota Territorial Centennial. The success of the local pageants led to founding the Winona County Historical Society, whose first members met and displayed artifacts in the Winona County Courthouse. Mildred Sebo led local 4-H groups. She helped plan the historical pageants at Whitewater State Park during the 1930s. The pageants inspired Mildred and others to organize a local historical society. Over the decades, WCHS operated several historic sites and museums across the county. Winona’s 1915 National Guard Armory became WCHS headquarters in 1973. The grand opening of this museum took place on April 15. Due to bad weather Senator Hubert H. Humphrey gave a dedication speech over the phone. The organization’s growth prompted the creation of the Laird Norton Addition, completed in 2010. WCHS also owns and operates the Bunnell House in Homer and the Rural Heritage Museum in St. Charles. Today, WCHS continues to be a reason for people to gather, share, learn, and have some fun.
