Winona County Historical Society

Sandbar Storytelling Festival: Project FINE Immigrant Stories
2025-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
Please join Sandbar Storytelling Festival at the History Center again as Fatima Said, Executive Director of Project FINE, introduces us to some of the most fascinating, and many times heart-wrenching, stories of immigrants from around the world who have landed in Winona. You will hear their stories, some through language interpreters, of how they left their home countries and came to the United States for a better and safer life for their families. Project FINE (Focus on Integrating Newcomers through Education) has been serving refugees and immigrants in Winona County and the surrounding area since 1990. Hear the personal and inspirational stories of immigrants who have chosen to call Winona home.
This event is free and open to the public. However, the Wanek Room only holds 80 people. So, arrive early to get a seat! Refreshments will be served.

Dick Lano Photography Show Opening Reception
2025-09-14 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
Join us for the opening reception of the new exhibit Minnesconsin: Dick Lano’s Photography of the Winona Area in the 1970s on September 14 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Winona County History Center.
Minnesconsin is a state of mind that spans a river like a bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. Richard (Dick) Lano was born and raised in Winona and moved his family across the river to Bluff Siding, WI in the 1970s. They built a home in Chicken Valley and he operated a photography studio there. Enjoy a themed selection of his work in this new exhibit.

Sister Sands of Time Crafting Event
2025-09-13 12:30 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
Following a catered lunch, Spillway Fellow Nicky Buck will offer a crafting event that merges the limestone sands of sister bluffs He Mni Can (Barn Bluff) and Heyaka Cokaya Owanka (Sugar Loaf).
RSVP here!

Dakota-led Community Crafting Circle
2025-09-12 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
Members of the Honoring Dakota Project will offer nature-based community crafting circle for children and adults that highlight our connections to land and water in this region.
RSVP here!

Meet the Bunnells: The Children
2025-09-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Bunnell House, 36016 Old Homer Road Homer, MN, Homer, Minnesota, 55987
During “Meet the Bunnells: The Children,” a knowledgeable speaker will offer you an encounter the young Bunnells against the backdrop of their 19th-century home. Willard and Matilda Bunnell had three sons and five daughters. The children lived out their early years on a frontier homestead along the Mississippi River in Homer, MN — a challenging time and place for families. Lafayette never had children, and Willard’s line ended with these children. Therefore, no one with the name Bunnell is a direct relative of this particular Bunnell family.
Program space is limited. Seating preference is given to season pass holders and registered guests. Call 507-454-2723 ext. 0 to sign up!
General Admission: $5 Adults, $3 Students, Members Free
Admission + Meet the Bunnells Season Pass: $15 per person or free for WCHS members. Purchase at the door, at the WCHS Tickets Desk, or by phone. Show receipt of your purchase for entry.

Bunnell House Self-Guided Tour
2025-09-05 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-16 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-15 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-26 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-25 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-28 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-27 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Bunnell House, 36016 Old Homer Road Homer, MN, Homer, Minnesota, 55987
Self-guided explorations into the world of the Bunnell family are offered monthly June – September at the historic Bunnell House in Homer. Be welcomed with an introduction and then explore the three floors of this unique historic home at your own pace. Admission paid at the door, free for WCHS members.
Built about 1850, the home is made of pine with a limestone foundation. The style is often described as Rural or Steamboat Gothic. It was a private residence until acquired by the Winona County Historical Society in 1954. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Meet the Bunnells: Matilda
2025-08-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Bunnell House, 36016 Old Homer Road Homer, MN, Homer, Minnesota, 55987
In “Meet the Bunnells: Matilda,” a knowledgeable speaker will opens up the world of Matilda Bunnell against the backdrop of her historic home. Matilda was the daughter of a family that farmed and was part of the fur trade industry. She was known to speak several languages. She married Willard and ventured west all while growing a family of her own. She is also described as a gentlewoman that kept a fine house but could also easily use a shotgun.
Program space is limited. Seating preference is given to season pass holders and registered guests. Call 507-454-2723 ext. 0 to sign up!
General Admission: $5 Adults, $3 Students, Members Free
Admission + Meet the Bunnells Season Pass: $15 per person or free for WCHS members. Purchase at the door, at the WCHS Tickets Desk, or by phone. Show receipt of your purchase for entry.

Up next:

September 6 – Meet the Bunnells: The Children

Museum Makers Class: Beginning Stitching and Embroidery
2025-08-04 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-03 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
Beginning stitching and embroidery? Learn seven common stitches and practice them during this new Museum Makers Class at Winona County History Center! Create a beautiful floral design using your new skills, and utilize them at home to patch clothing or add custom details to apparel, bags, kitchen towels, and more. This class is led by WCHS member, Mary Nelson, of Mary’s Custom Quilting.
This class has two time offerings to pick from, August 3 and August 4, each 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Winona County History Center. The cost is $30 for WCHS members, $40 public. Best for ages 12 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All supplies are provided and yours to keep. Limited to 10 people per class.
Space is limited, so please register and pay in advance by calling 507-454-2723 ext. 0 or stopping in the History Center (open daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Class fees are nonrefundable unless canceled by WCHS. Learn more and plan your visit at winonahistory.org or call 507-454-2723.

Meet the Bunnells: Lafayette
2025-07-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Bunnell House, 36016 Old Homer Road Homer, MN, Homer, Minnesota, 55987
A knowledgeable speaker introduces you to Lafayette, brother of Willard Bunnell in the “Meet the Bunnells: Lafayette” program. Lafayette fought in the Mexican war of 1846 to 1848, the California Indian War of 1851, and the Civil War during which he became a surgeon in the 36th Wisconsin Infantry regiment. He wrote two books, one about the area around Winona and one about Yosemite. He lived in the Bunnell house after Willard and Matilda died and gave lectures about his adventures in the parlor.
Program space is limited. Seating preference is given to season pass holders and registered guests. Call 507-454-2723 ext. 0 to sign up!
General Admission: $5 Adults, $3 Students, Members Free
Admission + Meet the Bunnells Season Pass: $15 per person or free for WCHS members. Purchase at the door, at the WCHS Tickets Desk, or by phone. Show receipt of your purchase for entry.
Up next:

August 16 – Meet the Bunnells: Matilda
September 6 – Meet the Bunnells: The Children

The Story of Bay State Milling
2025-07-17 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
Winona County Historical Society brings you Local History Talk: The Story of Bay State Milling. Dustin Sanborn, operations manager for Bay State Milling, will explore the history of and operations at the Winona site since 1899. Learn about the varieties of flour produced here, which include traditional bakery, whole wheat, rye, organic and specialty. The importance of quality products has been a guiding ambition for over 100 years at Bay State Mill.
This program is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. In partnership with Sandbar Storytelling Festival.

Meet the Bunnells: Willard
2025-06-28 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Bunnell House, 36016 Old Homer Road Homer, MN, Homer, Minnesota, 55987
Learn about the turbulent life and times of Willard Bunnell through the “Meet the Bunnells: Willard” program. Willard Bunnell came to the area as treaties kept forcing Native tribes westward. The Bunnell House is the last home he built for his family in the new settlement he named Homer after where he was born, Homer NY. From stolen silver coins to the removal of Dakota people.
Program space is limited. Seating preference is given to season pass holders and registered guests. Call 507-454-2723 ext. 0 to sign up!
General Admission: $5 Adults, $3 Students, Members Free
Admission + Meet the Bunnells Season Pass: $15 per person or free for WCHS members. Purchase at the door, at the WCHS Tickets Desk, or by phone. Show receipt of your purchase for entry.
Up next:

July 26 – Meet the Bunnells: Lafayette
August 16 – Meet the Bunnells: Matilda
September 6 – Meet the Bunnells: The Children

The Story of Winona Farmers' Market
2025-06-19 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
Fresh food, fresh stories…. Join us for Local History Talk: The Story of Winona Farmers’ Market. Sandy Dietz and Sarah Schaub will talk on the history of the Winona Farmers’ Market and the impacts of the market on the local community and economy.
Sandy, along with her husband Lonny, own Whitewater Gardens Farm, a small family vegetable farm in the bluffs above the Whitewater Valley.
Sarah a 4th generation family farmer a is co-owner and co-operator of Valley Gardens LLC and works alongside her parents on their organic produce farm nestled in the beautiful Western Wisconsin bluff country.
This program is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. In partnership with Sandbar Storytelling Festival.

The Story of the Blue Heron Coffeehouse
2025-06-05 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
Coffee, anyone? Join us for Local History Talk: The Story of the Blue Heron Coffeehouse. The driving force behind the Blue Heron Coffeehouse has always been its passion for providing good food and service to the community. Larry Wolner will present on the family business which began in September 1998, directly across from Winona State University. Creating quality food products made from scratch using organically grown ingredients whenever possible has made it a destination.
This program is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. In partnership with Sandbar Storytelling Festival.

Member Drive Cash Prize Drawing
2025-06-02 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | MN
We’re holding our May Member Drive cash prize drawing on June 2nd! If you joined as a new member, renewed at a higher level, or upgraded to autopay (online only) in May 2025, you are eligible to enter the drawing for a $500 cash prize!
You do not need to be present to win, but we will be spinning the golden raffle wheel, announcing a winner, and celebrating with Bloedows donuts, lemonade, and a behind-the-scenes tour for members. Get to know the organization where you just renewed or joined! We’d love to get to meet you.
Get a membership by calling 507-454-2723 ext. 0, stopping in at Winona County History Center, or signing up online at winonahistory.org/membership. All autopay options are available online only.

May Membership Mondays
2025-05-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-05 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
We’re inviting you to May Membership Mondays! Join the Member Drive for Winona County Historical Society during Minnesota Museums Month (May). Swing into the History Center and sign up or renew your membership. Then join us for a cup of coffee and a Bloedow’s treat! Stop by May 5th, 12th and 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Anyone who becomes a new member, renews at a higher level, or upgrades to autopay will be automatically entered to win a cash prize! It’s a win-win—become part of our community and you could walk away with $500.
If you can’t make it to a Membership Monday, you can also purchase a membership any time in May by calling 507-454-2723 ext. 0, visiting the History Center Info Desk, or signing up online at winonahistory.org/membership.
Deadline: May 31st
Cash Prize Winner Announced June 2nd

Tracing Early African American Legacies in Minnesota
2025-04-03 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | MN
Genealogist Mica L. Anders presents Local History Talk: Tracing Early African American Legacies in Minnesota at the Winona County Historical Society. Learn about black local history from the Minnesota Territory years to the 1880s after the region became a state. This presentation brings to life the stories of communities and individuals who contributed to the Minnesota’s early development as homesteaders, barbers, shop owners, Civil War veterans.
This program is open to the public and light refreshments will be served. Any free-will offerings will benefit the WCHS and Residents Organizing Against Racism.

Vintage Valentines
2025-02-02 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
For this Museum Makers Class, stop in the History Center between 3 – 6 p.m. to create up to three vintage valentines! All supplies are included and class leaders will provide ideas, inspiration, and some history of valentines.
Valentine cards evolved from handwritten notes in the 15th century to ornate, mass-produced creations in the Victorian era, fueled by postal reforms and printing advances. Esther A. Howland become the “Mother of the American Valentine” for her 1840s commercial success in the U.S. with elaborate, laced designs.
This drop-in style class is $5 for members and $8 for the public. You can pay upon arrival. Groups are welcome, please give us a heads-up by calling 507-454- 2723 ext. 0 or 3. Open for all ages, but best for those 6 and older. Adults must accompany children.
