Winona County Historical Society

Winona County Historical Society The Winona County Historical Society operates The Winona County History Center in downtown Winona, MN.
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Winona County History Center museum and archives admission is $5 adults, $3 students, free for WCHS members, children 7 and younger, students doing research projects (archives open by appointment ONLY!). The Art Gallery and Museum Shop are always free to explore! WCHS museums are also Blue Star Museums offering free admission to military members and their families May 15 - Labor Day annually.

Today is Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates Black freedom, resil...
06/19/2026

Today is Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates Black freedom, resilience, and excellence. But learning and sharing these stories shouldn't happen only one day a year.

Winona County History Center's new River Gallery highlights workers on the River, including Jackson and Maria Houser. Visit our blog to learn about the Houser family's life in a post–Civil War world, or stop by the River Gallery to hear how the Housers and other Black community members helped shape Winona and greater Minnesota.

https://winonahistory.org/the-houser-family-and-black-heritage/

06/18/2026

Our Voices is a mentorship and advocacy organization in Winona, MN, de… Ahniya Morgan needs your support for Support Our Voices: Empower Black Youth in Winona

06/17/2026

Other museums say “don’t touch the fossils!”

We say, “last one to touch the cephalopod has to dust the archives!!”

These replica fossils in The River Gallery help hands-on and visual learners interact with the ancient creatures in what was Minnesota’s shallow inland sea.

The Polish National Alliance Baseball Team of Winona in 1946. This team came together in 1935 sponsored by the Polish Na...
06/17/2026

The Polish National Alliance Baseball Team of Winona in 1946.

This team came together in 1935 sponsored by the Polish National Alliance, which helped bring young Polish men together to play sports. The PNA played their first game in Eau Claire, Wisconsin against the Higley Grocers in June of 1935. The season had its ups and downs with wins, losses, and even a severe injury to first baseman Walter Palbicki. Despite the challenges, the PNA team earned a spot to play for the city title in October 1935.

1946 Team Pictured:

Top row: Mike Cieminski, Bill Wiezorek, Roy Lord, Walt Palbicki, Bob Schumack, John Cierzan, Joe Drazkowski, Dick Czaplewski, and Max Molock.

Bottom row: Dick Renk, Elmer Gabrych, Rusy Podjaski, Bob McGill, Bob Rachler, Lambert Kowalewski, Roy Gabrych and bat boy Ken Kropidlowski.

The Mississippi River has long been a source of life, connection, and opportunity for the communities along its banks—in...
06/16/2026

The Mississippi River has long been a source of life, connection, and opportunity for the communities along its banks—including here in Winona County.

At Saturday’s River Gallery Open House, the River once again brought people together. Visitors explored stories of the river’s environment, the diverse cultures that call it home, remarkable individuals who shaped its history, and the many ways people continue to connect with the river today.

The day also brought a wave of emotions for WCHS staff, members, and supporters. There was pride in seeing years of hard work come to life and gratitude for the many community contributors who helped make the project possible. It was also a bittersweet occasion as we say farewell to our Director, Carrie Johnson, whose leadership played an important role in bringing this vision to life.

Through every high and low, one thing remained clear: the strong turnout reflected a community that cares deeply about its history, its river, and its future. Thank you to everyone who joined WCHS and helped make the event such a success.

We'll see you in Phase 2!

06/15/2026

🚢 Pickwick Mill is heading to Winona Steamboat Days on June 20!

We'll be selling raffle tickets and Pickwick Mill merchandise while sharing information about the mill and our ongoing preservation projects.

🎟️ $10 tickets for our popular 50/50 raffle (3 winners)
🎟️ $5 tickets for our prize raffle
🥇 $1,000 • 🥈 $500 • 🥉 $250

Over the last few years, our 50/50 winners have won between $700 and more than $1,000 each!

Stop by our booth, support local history, and say hello!

06/12/2026

Check out the exhibits makeover during The River Gallery Open House on Saturday, June 13th from 10am - 4pm at the Winona County History Center. Admission is free!

The bright faces of the future at the Dublin School, District No. 43, near St. Charles, Minnesota (date unknown).Picture...
06/12/2026

The bright faces of the future at the Dublin School, District No. 43, near St. Charles, Minnesota (date unknown).

Pictured: Front row L-R: Marlene Mueller; William Heim; Roger Harcey; Clara Mueller Back row L-R: Anthony Heim Jr.; Joyce Harcey; David Heim; Patricia Norton, teacher

Address

160 Johnson Street
Winona, MN
55987

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15074542723

Website

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