On Exhibit June 15 – September 25
By Jennifer Weaver, Assistant Director
Just in time for Winona’s Steamboat Days, over fifteen models of steamboats that once ran up and down the Mississippi River, many docking in Winona, will be on exhibit at the Winona County History Center. Fred Beseler brought these intricate works of art back to life through a detailed restoration process. The models ranging in size from a couple feet to over five feet will be paired with images of the real steamboats they reflect. Artifacts from the Wilkie Steamboat Museum will also be exhibited. The collection includes Robert Fulton letters, Currier and Ives lithographs, shipping forms, medals and the like. The Winona County Historical Society will also have select images from the Ralph DuPae steamboat photograph collection to view.
During the 1860s over a thousand steamboats docked in Winona in a season (remember the river was frozen for about half the year). Even thought these large beautiful paddle wheelers no longer visit our river town, we still celebrate their heritage. The exhibit will also highlight the history of Steamboat Days, our community’s summer festival celebration.
Learn even more by joining us for several related programs during the “Steamboat Models of the Mississippi” exhibition run.
- June 14, 5-7 p.m. – WCHS Member Exhibit Preview Reception
WCHS members are invited to a free reception to get a first look at the exhibit. - June 15, 9 a.m. -5 p.m. – Exhibit Grand Opening with gallery activities and crafts
Can you become a river boat Captain – take the test! Also make your own paper boat! - June 21, 7 p.m. – Steamboat Models and Memories with Fred Beseler
Fred Beseler from the LaCrosse County Historical Society brought the WCHS’ collection of model paddle wheelers back to life that are featured in the exhibit “Steamboat Models of the Mississippi”. Fred will lead us through their restoration and their history both as models and as real steamboats that once chugged up and down our stretch of the Mississippi. He will tell us the story of the man who created most of the models and their construction process.
Plan your visit at www.winonahistory.org or call 507-454-2723.
