Winter Learning Institute
Learn, create, and connect through hands-on experiences inspired by the past.
Registration opens November 6, 2025!
Warm up your winter with engaging, hands-on classes designed for adults!
Learn timeless skills such as baking pies and cookies, making butter, and cooking stew. Try your hand at sewing an apron or making a quilt, get an introduction to machine sewing, explore glass etching, and more.
If you’re a Millennial looking for a dose of nostalgia, step into an immersive RPG adventure inspired by the games and stories of your childhood (we won’t mention how many years it’s been since then!)
Each experience blends history, creativity, and modern practicality for an unforgettable learning adventure.
JUMP TO A DATE
JANUARY 17 |
JANUARY 24 |
JANUARY 31 |
FEBRUARY 7 |
FEBRUARY 14 |
FEBRUARY 21 |
Who are Winter Learning Institute classes for?
Winter Institute classes are designed for adults; however older teens (15+) are welcome to join in.
The Public Access RPG experience is best for those who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, with a minimum age requirement of 18.
Cancellation / Refund Policy
Cancellations made 2 weeks or more prior to the class are eligible for a refund minus a 10% administrative fee. Cancellations made less than 2 weeks prior to the class may not receive a refund, however we will gladly transfer the registration fee to another person in your place if you are unable to attend. Please contact the education office concerning any cancellation or refund needs.
Questions?
Contact Emily Byerly, Director of Education: e-mail ebyerly@stuhrmuseum.org or call (308) 385-5316.
JANUARY 17
Morning
Beginning Nålbinding
January 17 | 9 am – 12 pm
Nålbinding is a millennia-old craft originating in ancient Scandinavia, in which one sews loops around one thumb with a large bone or horn needle to create fabric. It is a precursor to knitting, with some stark differences. Don’t be daunted, nålbinding is easy to learn and easy to bring along on adventures! Students will learn the Oslo stitch, with an introduction to the Danish and Finnish stitches, and make a mug rug.
Instructor: Kelsey Q.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
Beginning Crochet
January 17 | 9 am – 12 pm
Have you dreamed of mastering the art of crochet, but you’re not sure where to start? Look no further! This class is designed to guide you through the basics, from holding a crochet hook to understanding different yarn types and learning various stitches. Let’s get those creative hands busy!
Instructor: Emma G.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
JANUARY 17
Afternoon
Beginning Knitting
January 17 | 1 – 4 pm
Knitting is a versatile handcraft that is gaining popularity again for making hats, mittens, sweaters, blankets, and more! This beginning class will introduce students to the knit and purl stitches, casting on, and casting off. Students will make a small wool “mug rug”. We will also discuss planning projects, different types of materials, and different kinds of needles. Students are welcome to bring their own size 8 needles if they own them.
Instructor: Kelsey Q.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
Public Access: An Adult RPG Experience
January 17 | 1 – 5 pm
Fifteen years ago, Deep Lake was your home. Now, in 2004, you don’t often dwell on the past, except for one small detail: TV Odessy, a public access channel that fascinated you in your youth. Everyone else seems to have forgotten it, but not you. And you’re determined to uncover the truth.
Join us for a fun and welcoming evening of role-playing games (RPGs) at Stuhr Museum! Whether you’ve played RPGs for years or are brand new to them, this session is designed for everyone. We’ll be diving into “Public Access,” a spooky-but-playful horror RPG that blends mystery, nostalgia, and just the right amount of weird.
You and your fellow players will step into the roles of curious investigators, trying to uncover the secrets of a long-lost TV channel from your childhood. Expect eerie moments, laughs, and a story that feels like a mix between a ’90s sleepover movie and a late-night ghost story.
This experience is intended for ages 18+. No prior RPG experience is needed—just bring your imagination and a sense of adventure!
Instructor: Emma G.
Member: $40 | Non-Member: $45
JANUARY 24
Morning
Glass Etching
January 24 | 9 am – 12 pm
In this class, we’ll explore a variety of etching techniques, including pattern development, shading, textures, and the use of different grits. You’ll also learn how to use chemical etching (Armor Etch) and see how etching can be applied to metal, plastic, or plexiglass. Additionally, we’ll cover how to use a Dremel tool to enhance your designs.
Instructor: Larry R.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
Learn to Sew a Vintage Apron
January 24 | 9 am – 12 pm
Learn about sewing and history as you create a 1940s-style apron using a reproduction pattern. This practical project is perfect for beginners and results in something you can enjoy using every day. You’ll practice skills such as sewing patch pockets and applying bias tape, and you’ll take home your own pattern to make as many aprons as you like!
Participants should bring a working sewing machine, basic sewing tools, and have basic sewing knowledge. A supply list will be provided to registrants in advance.
Instructor: Anna E.
Member: $40 | Non-Member: $45
JANUARY 24
Afternoon
On the Homefront: Life in America During WWII
January 24 | 1 – 4 pm
While many men were away at war, women stepped into new roles, jobs, and responsibilities that were vital to supporting the war effort. Everyday life changed dramatically – fashion, food, and fitness adapted to meet the times, and women learned to balance factory work with family life. Through a mix of presentations and hands-on activities, you’ll explore what daily life was really like on the homefront during this transformative period in American history.
Instructor: Anna E.
Member: $50 | Non-Member: $55
Settler Saturday
January 24 | 1 – 4 pm
Spend the day in an authentic 1860s cabin, preparing a variety of historic foods and churning your own butter! Bring a mug or cup to enjoy drinks throughout the day, and feel free to dress in 1860s attire to make the experience even more immersive.
Instructor: Jaci W.
Member: $50 | Non-Member: $55
JANUARY 31
Morning
THE ART OF PIE BAKING
January 31 | 9 am – 12 pm
Learn to make a pie from scratch inside one of Stuhr Museum’s historic kitchens! Using 1890s-style recipes, you’ll prepare both the crust and filling before baking your creation in a wood-burning stove. Participants will make two classic styles of pie – one sweet (apple) and one savory (pot pie) – while enjoying the sights, smells, and warmth of 19th-century home cooking.
Instructor: Nancy B.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
Painting with Alcohol Ink
January 31 | 9 am – 12 pm
Alcohol ink is a vibrant fluid medium that can be used like watercolor, but with much more flexibility and freedom to work in realistic or abstract painting, even after it has dried. Applied to a smooth non-porous surface, it can be moved and manipulated with isopropyl alcohol and a variety of tools to create unique effects. It is an excellent medium for the beginning artist as well as the most advanced.
Instructor: Jacki H.
Member: $50 | Non-Member: $55
JANUARY 31
Afternoon
Pioneer Living
January 31 | 1 – 4 pm
Step back in time to explore the daily routines, challenges, and ingenuity of the pioneers who settled on the Nebraska Plains. In this immersive, hands-on workshop, participants will prepare traditional foods such as stew, corn gems, churned butter, and corn cob jelly—using authentic tools and methods from the past. You’ll also learn about the essential household tasks that kept pioneer homes running and gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of early settlers.
Instructor: Nancy B.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
Loom Beading
January 31 | 1 – 4 pm
In this class, you’ll learn to bead by hand using a loom, and you’ll even get to take your loom home to continue creating your own beaded masterpieces! Design patterns of your choice and bring them to life as bracelets, beaded appliqués, and many other creations.
Instructor: Emily B.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
FEBRUARY 7
Morning
Painting Birds in Watercolor
February 7 | 9 am – 12 pm
Throughout our history, ornithologists have relied on watercolor artists to illustrate their nature guides, biology books, and birding books. The medium lends itself well to these endeavors and has produced some of the most iconic and artistic images of birds around the world. The historical Audubon Society books are a classic example of this work. In this Audubon style, participants in this session will learn the techniques of basic sketch, washes, color ordering and mixing, dry brush, wet brush, and proper brush technique to create a small watercolor of their favorite bird in the allotted time of the session.
Instructor: Chris H.
Member: $50 | Non-Member: $55
Storing your family’s heirloom textiles
February 7 | 9 am – 12 pm
Learn how to properly store heirloom textiles, from folding quilts to hanging or boxing delicate garments like your grandmother’s dress. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll practice techniques that help preserve these special items for generations to come, so come prepared to practice what you learn!
Instructor: Alyssa S.
Member: $40 | Non-Member: $45
Recycled Papermaking
February 7 | 9 am – 12 pm
Explore the shift in the 1890s from linen-based paper to wood pulp, and learn traditional techniques to make paper from recycled materials. In this hands-on class, you’ll create your own handcrafted papers, with the option to add embellishments like pressed flowers. Each participant will also take home an informational packet detailing the processes, so you can continue making beautiful papers long after the class ends.
Instructor: Rita B.
Member: $50 | Non-Member: $55
FEBRUARY 7
Afternoon
Creative Writing Workshop
February 7 | 1 – 4 pm
In this workshop you will explore methods and techniques to empower and inspire your creative writing abilities. The workshop will offer ways to find inspiration, organization of thoughts, developing a theme, practicing rhythm in writing, addressing writer’s block, and the power of being true to self through an artistic approach to writing. One of the goals of this workshop is to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to draft a piece of creative writing during the workshop whether poetry, prose, short story or pattern of thought writing that the participant can be proud to share with others to exemplify their writing craftsmanship and prowess.
Instructor: Chris H.
Member: $40 | Non-Member: $45
Beginning Machine Sewing
February 7 | 1 – 4 pm
Bring your own working sewing machine, and get ready to sew! No prior machine sewing skills are necessary; you will be learning how to sew in this class. By the end of the workshop, you will have something to show for your hard work!
Instructor: Alyssa S.
Member: $40 | Non-Member: $45
1890s Heritage Gardening
February 7 | 1 – 4 pm
Learn the history of gardening, including among the paleo people of the Central Plains, the Pawnee, Central Nebraska immigrants, and Victorian influences. In this hands-on class, you’ll create your own 1890s-style landscape design, develop a vegetable gardening plan with sources for heirloom seeds, and gain practical knowledge of non-chemical gardening practices you can apply this spring. Each participant will also take home an informational packet to continue learning and planning.
Instructor: Rita B.
Member: $40 | Non-Member: $45
FEBRUARY 14
Morning
THE ART OF PIE BAKING
February 14 | 9 am – 12 pm
Learn to make a pie from scratch inside one of Stuhr Museum’s historic kitchens! Using 1890s-style recipes, you’ll prepare both the crust and filling before baking your creation in a wood-burning stove. Participants will make two classic styles of pie – one sweet (cherry) and one savory (pot pie) – while enjoying the sights, smells, and warmth of 19th-century home cooking.
Instructor: Nancy B.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
Intermediate Crochet
February 14 | 9 am – 12 pm
This class is for students who know the beginning chain stitch and single crochet stitch and are ready to advance their skill set. You’ll learn a variety of stitches, including picot, chain gaps, lemon peel, and shell stitches. Practice your new skills by starting several small projects to take home, such as a star garland, dishrag, bookmark, and hand towel.
Instructor: Rita B.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
FEBRUARY 14
Afternoon
Advanced Crochet
February 14 | 1 – 4 pm
This class is for students who have learned the beginning chain stitch and single crochet stitch, and some intermediate- to advanced-level stitches. You’ll learn advanced stitches and techniques while creating a handbag or lap blanket using a variety of granny square patterns. Instructions will be provided to take home if your project isn’t finished during class.
Instructor: Rita B.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
COOKIES
February 14 | 1 – 4 pm
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll make three types of cookies from scratch, learning techniques that bring out the best flavors and textures. Work with the dough and watch it bake in the warmth of a wood-burning stove inside one of our historic kitchens. Enjoy the sights, smells, and fun of baking in a truly unique setting, and take home some new skills and knowledge to share!
Instructor: Nancy B.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
FEBRUARY 21
Morning
Glass Etching
February 21 | 9 am – 12 pm
In this class, we’ll explore a variety of etching techniques, including pattern development, shading, textures, and the use of different grits. You’ll also learn how to use chemical etching (Armor Etch) and see how etching can be applied to metal, plastic, or plexiglass. Additionally, we’ll cover how to use a Dremel tool to enhance your designs.
Instructor: Larry R.
Member: $60 | Non-Member: $65
Historical Dance
February 21 | 9 am – 12 pm
Sign up with a partner or come prepared to make a new friend on the dance floor! You’ll learn a variety of historical dances and discover the stories and traditions behind them in this fun, interactive class.
Instructor: Alyssa S.
Member: $40 | Non-Member: $45
FEBRUARY 21
Afternoon
CABIN QUILTING
February 21 | 1 – 4 pm
Learn fun quilting techniques inside an authentic 1860s cabin. See examples of historic quilts, then try your hand at new stitches – or practice the ones you already know – in a warm, immersive setting. You’ll even use period tools from the 1860s, like a hot iron heated on a wood-fired stove, to complete your project!
Instructor: Jaci W.
Member: $40 | Non-Member: $45
Family-Friendly Historical Drinks
February 21 | 1 – 4 pm
In the 21st century, we like fancy family-friendly drinks, but that’s nothing new. Discover how people in the 19th century refreshed themselves with favorites like lemonade, apple cider, and hot chocolate. Learn about the history behind these beverages, try your hand at period recipes, and enjoy tasting your creations at the end!
Instructor: Alyssa S.
Member: $40 | Non-Member: $45