Born in St. Louis, the home state of Sam Clemens, T.S. Eliot, and Tennessee Williams, Lee Hendrix was enthralled by the Mississippi River at a young age. In 1972, he boarded his first towboat as a deckhand, slinging mops and lifting heavy rigging, and by 1976 he achieved his first license. Over the course of […]

This tour is now SOLD OUT! Thank you for supporting local history! _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Discover the early history of downtown Red Wing by exploring its alleyways with GCHS! Look for remnants that tell a colorful story about this city’s past and learn how the downtown area has changed over time. Lace up your walking shoes and […]

This tour is now SOLD OUT! Thank you for supporting local history! _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Explore Red Wing’s Oakwood Cemetery with GCHS and learn more about Red Wing’s past. Walk through one of the cemetery’s most historic sections as we visit the final resting place of some of the most notable names in Red Wing. You will […]

Come celebrate spooky season at the Goodhue County History Center! You are in for a treat with an afternoon of fun, family-friendly activities! Learn about Halloween traditions, make your own pumpkin lantern, and more. Costumes are encouraged and all kids will receive a goody bag to take home! Plus, join our Community Show-and-Tell by bringing […]

EVENT CANCELLED: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the speaker had to cancel his History Break presentation on October 15th. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you are interested in this topic, Steve Gardiner's book, Historic Bridges of Southeast Minnesota is available in the museum gift shop. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Minnesota is often called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, […]

Join GCHS and the Red Wing American Legion Post #54 as we honor our local veterans. This event will feature a round table discussion with members of the Red Wing Legion and will highlight new oral history interviews in the museum’s collection. Between 2024 and 2025, twenty oral history interviews were completed in a collaboration […]

Help GCHS preserve and tell LGBTQIA+ History in Goodhue County! All are welcome for this special event, which will feature light refreshments, a notes of support community collage, a queer memorial, and a special exhibit from the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) about their Greater Minnesota Two-Spirit & LGBTQIA+ History Map. We are seeking items related […]

Join us in celebrating 20 years of the beloved play Church Basement Ladies with the playwrights themselves--Red Wing's own Jim Stowell and Jessica Zuehlke! Hear the story of how this beloved musical comedy was born—the inspiration, characters, humor, and heart that made it a national favorite!   What to Expect: Entertaining stories from the creators […]

Did you know that November is National Native American Heritage Month? Next month we are excited to celebrate and learn with the Native American Student Association (NASA) from Red Wing High School during our Free Family Fun Day! Join us for activities including, star quilt coloring, a scavenger hunt, and story time! About the Native […]

  Join Dacia Lussier, Dakota Language Specialist, for a History Break about Prairie Island’s efforts to revitalize the Dakota language in their community! Nape-kičhiyuzapi, Wašiču ia Dacia Lussier emakíayapi, Dakota ia Oyáte aš’a win emakiyapi ye. Oyáte mitháwa kiŋ Bdéwakaŋtunwaŋ k’a Wakpekute ewíčhakiyapi. Tiŋta Wita oyaŋke hečhiya taŋhaŋ wahi. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Greetings, My name is Dacia […]