Winona County Historical Society

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) | Minnesota
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 | Minnesota
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.
