WINONA, Minn. – Winona County historians are looking for $2.3 million to upgrade heating and air conditioning systems and exhibits at their downtown museum. A launch party Friday will kick off the fund drive, said Carrie Johnson, executive director. The need for better humidity and temperature controls for the musm’s collections and exhibits was realized a year ago, Johnson said. The museum is in an armory buiit in 1915, when artillery was horse-drawn. The society used grant money to study the structure’s environmental needs. The new fund-raising kick-off will be 7 to 10 p.m., Friday, at the museum at 102 Johnson Street. It’s free with music, drinks, food and floor prizes.
Main exhibit room. In a cavernous 1915 armory where National Guard soldiers once stabled their horses.
Johnson. Historical Society director since 2021.