“[Winona County] is one of the richest counties in historical content…. [M]uch valuable fact is being lost with the passing of the last generation, and a need for urgency of action in preserving that which is yet possible is felt.”

WCHS Founder Mildred Sebo, Winona Republican-Herald, February 6th, 1935

Perhaps it was the urgency reflected in Mildred’s words that started the Winona County Historical Society (WCHS) off with such a bang in 1935. Over 250 people joined the organization in the first official year. They were among some of the first “heroes for history” in Winona County. Their support as Society members showed their commitment to preserving history, their understanding of what history has to teach us, and their vision for Winona County’s future.
It’s important for you to be part of the vision for the future too. In this way, history will live on to gift its never-ending lessons to yet another generation. Here’s five reasons why membership with Winona County Historical Society as important in 2025 as in 1935:

Membership bridges generations

From early on, the WCHS depended on collaboration between elders and youth. The 4-H youth development club in particular resolved to help the Society gather stories and artifacts for the WCHS museum (Winona Republican-Herald 20 March, 1935). Membership today offers the same chance for elders to mentor young people and involve them in history. Invite your children or grandchildren to the History Center to enjoy your membership with you. What your kids learn from you in the museum space shapes their futures and the people they will influence in their own lives.

Membership fosters community

Even if members don’t share the same backgrounds, they rally around history. This camaraderie unites WCHS members to accomplish a common goal: history for everyone. Reliable membership funds keep educational opportunities free for all visitors. The generous efforts of paying members allow those who can’t afford memberships the chance to benefit from programming.

Additionally, members promote community creators. Artists gain visibility through WCHS Museum Makers classes, and participants get hands-on experience with traditional crafts. Other creators feature in the History Center Gift Shop, with various items for sale like jewelry, woodwork, quilt-craft, apparel, and photography.

Membership opens the museum doors

Like membership fees in 1935, dues today go towards the operation of the Society facility. In fact, membership is in the top three income sources for WCHS! Climate control, lights, and repairs all cost money. Members literally “keep the lights on,” so WCHS knows it can continue to reach the public with the county’s fascinating history.

Membership cares for collections & visitors

Membership supports our historic collections too! Because of you, we can hire a small but professional museum staff to track and care for artifacts. This in turn creates a safe space for your collections (many members choose to donate treasured family heirlooms to the History Center, both for object care and public learning experiences).

Visitor experience is another facet of the museum that your membership guarantees. Professional staffing brings you fresh content and artifact interpretation, ensuring that every visitor who enters the museum leaves interested and informed.

Membership signals that history is important

Members bring their own network to a historical organization. If you promote WCHS to the people you know, you contribute to exponential growth! Also, many of our best volunteers come to us through other WCHS members. We depend on our members to share their expertise, whether in trades, funding connections, service work, or other areas. Our gifts and talents are better together!

Members are also advocates. When decisions need to be made, it’s members who stand up for history in the public sphere. Your membership signals to city and county leaders that Winona County’s collective stories are important to its people. As we build a future together, members’ voices matter in creating a community with character and a place where these diverse histories belong.

What you can do

It’s simple! Be a hero for history and become a member during the WCHS May Member Drive. Join as a new member, renew at a higher level, or upgrade to autopay, and you 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 (winner announced June 2nd).

To purchase a membership, call 507-454-2723 ext. 0, visit the History Center Info Desk, or join online at winonahistory.org/membership. You can sign up on May Membership Mondays too! On May 5th, 12th or 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., swing into the History Center to get a membership. Then enjoy a cup of coffee and a Bloedow’s donut on us!