Hello

   The Winnebago Area Museum began as an outgrowth of the 1976 Bicentennial celebration for the nation. State Bicentennial monies were available for heritage projects in Minnesota at this time.

     Interested citizens realized there was a need for a museum. They wrote a grant and applied for funding. The group received $4000 that was to be matched. A fundraising committee was started, and the group began planning a museum. The Museum was set up to be an educational source for the prehistoric artifacts and historical material.

     A building located behind the Muir Library was purchased, demolished and a new museum building was planned for the site. The fundraising committee raised $50,000 for the building fund. Many community members donated time and materials to make the project a reality. Winnebago contractor Burton C. Pettit and his crew constructed the building.

     The community supported this new venture and was very generous with sharing family heirlooms and artifacts to help tell the story of the area. It was in this way the permanent collection was formed.

     The Winnebago Area Museum was dedicated in 1977. After the building had been paid in full, it was sold to the city for $1. The city provided a small budget to the museum that has been tended by a loyal volunteer group for the past 32 years. The community has continued their support with gifted items to the museum throughout the years.

     Several years ago, the museum board began seeking a solution for their storage problem. Many avenues were explored. A fundraising campaign was held for construction of a new building, but this proved too expensive when the bids were read.

     The solution to storage and acquiring a Main Street location came about when a light manufacturing set of buildings on Main Street became available for purchase. The museum board purchased the four connected buildings, which included a large basement area. There is no city involvement at this time, and it is a privately held collection with memberships available.

     The display space in these buildings has been renovated and new displays are continually being added. We invite you to visit and Take a Step Back In Time!