Remembering Vietnam

A new exhibit case and project at the Winona County History Center, Reception on Nov. 9,4-6 p.m.

The Vietnam War had a big impact across the nation, and on Winona County even from over 8000 miles away. The Winona County Historical Society’s collections already feature Winonans in WWI and II, and even the Gulf War, but the WCHS was missing the story of Winona Vietnam veterans. Tomas Tolvaisas, History Professor at Winona State University, saw this as well, and spearheaded a summer project to gather veteran’s memories and objects. Thanks to his work and the participating Vietnam veterans, the historical record is no longer missing this important piece of local history. Check out the exhibit case and thank area veterans at a special opening reception on November 9 from 4 – 6 p.m. Because most of the artifacts are on loan, this exhibit will only be open until February 26, 2017.

WCHS hopes the items in this case will encourage veterans and others to will or donate some of their war related artifacts to the WCHS for future generations to learn from. Collecting artifacts and the memories they can share from those that used or made them is an ongoing endeavor for WCHS.

Log onto www.winonahistory.org or call 507.454.2723 for more information.

The Winona County History Center is a member of River Arts Alliance. For information about the benefits of membership, go to riverartsalliance.org/join.