How much do I love that asterisk? A LOT. A weekend trip to southeastern Minnesota/southwestern Wisconsin brought this little gem into my life. Winona has a uniquely strong and tight-knit community of people of Polish—and in particular, Kashubian—descent. It's one of those idiosyncratic places where photos are identified with curling, yellow slips of paper held up by thumbtacks, where maps are hand-drawn and where there's no bureaucracy—just personality.
On the lower level, there are dolls, clothing, old tools and musical instruments, and lots of photos of the immigrants who founded the community.
There is a little annex off the main room where I lost my mind and all composure because of some textiles, as usual.
The museum was founded and is operated by Rev. Fr. Paul Breza, and so there is a distinct religious flavor to it. The second level of the museum is a repository for all sorts of artifacts from various churches throughout the Winona diocese. Fr. Breza has been collecting these things for years, and with the help of some local volunteers, some order is being established in this vast collection.
Butch, who was on museum watch duty, unlocked the (unheated) upstairs and gave me a tour. I think he must have gotten really cold. He hustled me along when I dawdled with my camera and after we came downstairs, another couple came in, and he didn't even tell them about the second level.
There's a two dollar entrance fee, which is well worth it, especially with the commentary that is provided. Personally, I think the ceiling of the gift shop alone is worth the price of admission.
Oh, and if you happen to be in town in September, the museum hosts Smaczne Jablka (Apple Day). They have some enticing advertisements for their raffle!
Um, thank you for this. I've been missing Winona lately and this will just have to do for now.
ReplyDeleteI loved that area of Winona, though for the four years I lived there I never went into the museum!
heheh okay, i keep wanting to giggle, but you've got something here! i think it's awesome that you headed south for some culture. and i think it's awesomer that you got so much out of it. way to be! way to explore! i will totally be there for apple days.
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