Description:
Located in downtown Winona in the historic former National Guard Armory, (1915), the region’s largest museum presents the history of Winona County. Professionally constructed exhibits examine life in Winona as lived by both lumber baron and laborer.
The encircling balcony gallery -- once an exercise track -- houses the “County Time-Line” exhibit, which begins with the area’s unique geologic formation and a superb collection of Native Americana.
Our hands-on children’s exhibit, “Walking Through Time,” received an award from the American Association for State and Local History; children are invited to explore a cave, tepee and river steamboat.
Other main floor displays include vehicles, period rooms and thematic exhibits on industry, commerce and transportation.
Museum Shop
Open and airy, just off the lobby, shoppers can enjoy browsing locally made crafts and art, books, vintage toys and games, American Girl books and craft sets, candy, jewelry and much more. Members receive 10% off and 25% off during December!
Special Events
In addition to regular programs and workshops, the Winona County Historical Society also sponsors the Voices From the Past Woodlawn Cemetery Walk, the Christmas Candlelight House Tour, and Chocolate Shakespeare & Champagne. The Society also offers workshops and activities for adults and children alike.
Rental Spaces
The Classroom is available for use at the Winona County History Center, the room works great for meetings and activities for groups up to 50. Handicap accessible.
Wanek Hall can hold up to 150 people and includes use of the Little Family Terrace.
Call for pricing and more information.
Laird Lucas Memorial Library and Archives
The Winona County Historical Society Archives are located in the Laird Lucas Library on the lower level of the Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street in Winona, Minnesota. The library reading room can accommodate up to ten researchers at a time.
Recognized as one of the finest local archives in Minnesota, the Laird Lucas Memorial Library contains irreplaceable collections of manuscripts, documents and photographs. Professional historians, students and family researchers find this outstanding facility accessible to fill their needs for research, study and information. If you have ancestors from our area, you may discover your “roots” in this research center. We can provide you with information on how to trace your family tree or assist you with research in most areas of local history.
Research topics should be prepared in advance. Students should understand that our collections may not contain exactly the information required and should be prepared to modify, refine or narrow the scope of their project to make the best use of what is offered.
Stacks are closed to the public; staff archivists will bring materials to researchers as requested. While the staff will not supply or refine topics, they will help researchers identify potentially useful sources within the library.
Both photocopies and photo reproductions/enlargements are available for a charge. Microfilm reader-printer may be used with newspaper and census records stored on microfilm reels.
Our archivists are available to serve you on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. $5.00 Admission fee, except for students doing research. A research fee of $15.00 per hour is charged for mail, telephone or e-mail requests. e-mail us at archives@winonahistory.org