The Winnebago Area Local History Collection is owned and maintained by the Winnebago Community Historical Society and housed at the Winnebago Public Library, 210 N. Elida Street in Winnebago. The extensive collection of books, photographs, scrapbooks, memorabilia, and clipping files was established at the library in 1990 by Township Historian John D. Rowley. For many years, Winnebago Township owned the collection and assisted with its maintenance. In 2018, the Township transferred ownership of the collection to WCHS. Following an inventory and reorganization of the book collection, the history room was rededicated in October 2019 as the John D. Rowley Local History Room.

John and his assistants are working to digitize the photographs and memorabilia in the collection and to inventory and cross reference the extensive collection of family and organization files.

Access to the Collection
The John D. Rowley Local History Room on the library's upper level is normally open and staffed on Thursdays from 2 pm-4m. The collection can also be accessed by appointment. The WCHS Local History Reading & Display Area on the library's lower level has a reference collection that is accessible anytime the library is open.

Attention, Teachers
We can provide programming or materials for your classroom.

Donations
WCHS welcomes donations of materials related to the Winnebago area for the local history collection. We appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and assess potential contributions. Space considerations may limit our ability to accept certain items. 

Share Your Memories
We would love to videotape you as you share your Winnebago area memories.

CONTACT US
through Winnebago Public Library at 815-335-7050 or via email at [email protected].