Our free programs are on Mondays beginning at 6:30 PM -
see our current schedule below.
If cancellation is required an announcement will be made on
WILW 96.3FM and Facebook.
OUR MISSION
Winchester Academy’s mission is to enrich the community by providing free, intellectually stimulating, informative, and engaging programs.
- 2026 Fall Series -
September 14, 2026
6:30 pm
Waupaca Area Public Library Meeting Rooms
9/11 at 25: A Historian
Remembers and Reflects
Christopher Kolakowski is Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. The September 11, 2001 attacks on America marked a watershed moment in world history with after effects visible today.
This presentation will explore the day, various ways it was experienced around the country, and how the presenter has interpreted it at various museums.
Time permitting, there will also be an open discussion.
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Dr. Robert Wubben sponsored this program.
September 21, 2026
6:30 pm
Waupaca Arts Hub
515 School St., Waupaca
Meet Bach’s Oboe
Stacey Berk is Professor of Oboe and MusicTheory/Composition at UW–Stevens Point. Step into the fascinating world of the Baroque oboe and discover the instrument behind some of Johann Sebastian Bach's most expressive music. In this engaging lecture-demonstration, Stacey Berk shares her journey learning to play this beautiful yet challenging instrument and her exploration of the vibrant world of early music. Along the way, you'll discover the art of making Baroque reeds, the process of building a Baroque oboe d'amore, and hear these remarkable instruments brought to life through live demonstrations. Whether you're a musician, a Bach enthusiast, or simply curious about historical instruments, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the sounds, craftsmanship, and performance traditions of the Baroque era.
Diane Forsythe is our program sponsor.
September 28, 2026
6:30 pm
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Waupaca Area Public Library Meeting Rooms
Findng Fact-Based Journalism
in a Polarized World
Jim Malewitz is managing editor of Wisconsin Watch, where he oversees the statewide nonprofit newsroom. He has spent nearly his entire career in nonprofit public affairs journalism. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and Politico Magazine.
Where can people turn for trustworthy information in a polarized world with shrinking local news options? Jim’s talk explores a community-centered model of journalism that listens to residents and investigates solutions to the challenges they face.
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This program is sponsored by Jerry & Karen Lyons
October 12, 2026
6:30 pm
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Waupaca Area Public Library Meeting Rooms
Beyond the Headlines:
A Scientist's View of Bird Flu
Thomas Friedrich, PhD, grew up in Wauwatosa idolizing Robin Yount and Carl Sagan. He always wanted to be a scientist of some kind, focusing on physics before becoming interested in infectious diseases while reading Laurie Garrett’s The Coming Plague in college. He is now a professor of virology at UW-Madison where he teaches students about global health, HIV/AIDS, and emerging infectious diseases. Friedrich will present what we currently know about bird flu viruses circulating in dairy cattle and explain how virus jump species, and how scientists assess whether viruses pose a pandemic risk.
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This program is sponsored by Mark Flora and Sally Stevens
