Downtown La Crosse's Hear, Here Project: A Journey of Voices

Step into the heart of La Crosse, WI with the Hear, Here project, where every corner has a story to tell – discover the city’s past in a way you’ve never heard before! 🌆🎧

Quick Summary

Discover La Crosse, Wisconsin‘s past through the unique Hear, Here oral history project.

Hear, Here blends local stories with global impact, starting from downtown La Crosse.
Explore the city with orange signs guiding you to audio tales of the area’s history.
What began in La Crosse has now inspired similar storytelling projects worldwide.

Hear, Here is a fun way to explore La Crosse, WI and learn the unique and meaningful stories of its residents. Digital artwork by Jack and Kitty Norton. — *Hear, Here is a fun way to explore La Crosse, WI and learn the unique and meaningful stories of its residents.* *Digital artwork by Jack and Kitty Norton.*

Discovering History Through Stories in La Crosse

Heyyo, It’s Kitty! 😸👋

I spent a large portion of my childhood in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where a lot of my extended family lives. I’ve always known I love this charming city for reasons beyond its beautiful scenery and fun shops!

Everywhere I turn there’s yet another reason to love La Crosse. 💖 We live less than a half an hour away from here in the lovely town of Winona, Minnesota. My hubby Jack and I love exploring what us locals call “LAX”.

What awesomeness am I showing you today? The Hear, Here project. Let’s go on a quick tour.

Imagine walking through downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, where every corner and building whispers a story.🚶🌆

That’s the magic of the Hear, Here project, which began in 2015 as a class initiative at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.🎙️ Fast forward to today, and it’s a community treasure, capturing the diverse voices and stories of the area.

Women of the Ho-Chunk Nation weave baskets with a unique story outside of Doerflinger's. Back in the day, this was one of the ways they helped to support their families. Such a cool story: in front of Howe’s Jewelers, 324 Main St. La Crosse, WI. 🎧 Digital artwork by Jack and Kitty Norton. — Women of the **Ho-Chunk Nation** weave baskets with a unique story outside of Doerflinger’s. Back in the day, this was one of the ways they helped to support their families. Location: in front of Howe’s Jewelers, 324 Main St. La Crosse, WI. 🎧 *Digital artwork by Jack and Kitty Norton.*

How It Works

Stroll around downtown and you’ll spot orange signs with the Hear, Here logo. 📍These aren’t just signs; they’re portals to the past. Dial the toll-free number, and voila! You’re listening to a story that happened right where you’re standing.

🎙️❤️ Love audio? You’re in luck! Hubs and I have a cute daily podcast exploring the places, faces, culture and cuisine of the Midwest. Come hang with us in the heartland!

From tales of local business owners to memories of long-ago residents, these stories bring the city’s history to life.

Why It Matters

Hear, Here isn’t just about retelling the familiar tales of notable figures like Nathan Myrick or the Hixons.

It digs deeper, uncovering the narratives of those often overlooked in history – from ethnic minorities to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a way to recognize and reflect on the diverse experiences that shape La Crosse. 💡

A young woman reads her poem about her Laotian mother's journey to La Crosse, and the connection she has to the river in her homeland and, now, the Mississippi River. Location: Riverside Park. 🎧 Digital artwork by Jack and Kitty Norton. — *A young woman reads her poem about her Laotian mother’s journey to La Crosse, and the connection she has to the river in her homeland and, now, the Mississippi River. Location: Riverside Park.* 🎧 *Digital artwork by Jack and Kitty Norton*.

More Than Just Local Lore

And this celebration of letting EVERYONE’S voice be heard, and fostering an environment of inclusion has gotten the attention of cities around the world.

What started in La Crosse has now spread its wings across the globe, with similar projects in Canada and Europe. It’s amazing how a local project has inspired a worldwide movement! 🌍

Love antiques? Read our related blog post about another Hear, Here story location: La Crosse Antique Center and Historic Downtown. 🌆 🎧

Not Just Listening – Sharing!

The beauty of Hear, Here is that it’s a two-way street. Heard a story that resonated with you? Stay on the line and share your own tale. 🗣️If it aligns with the project’s vision, your story becomes a part of La Crosse’s living history.

The project is now growing beyond downtown, reaching into the North Side of La Crosse. This area, with its own unique history and identity, adds even more layers to the city’s story.

Can’t make it to La Crosse? No worries! Access these stories online and embark on a virtual journey through the city’s past. 🌐📖

A young man recalls positive memories of the youth center where he spent a lot of time after school. In thanks, he fashioned a wooden table and donated it to them. Location: 1105 King St. La Crosse 🎧 Digital artwork by Jack and Kitty Norton. — *A young man recalls positive memories of the youth center where he spent a lot of time after school. In thanks, he fashioned a wooden table and donated it to them. Location: 1105 King St. La Crosse* 🎧 *Digital artwork by Jack and Kitty Norton.*

Summary: Hear, Here Project La Crosse, Wisconsin

La Crosse’s Hear, Here project is more than an oral history venture; it’s a celebration of community, diversity, and the power of storytelling. Whether you’re exploring the streets of La Crosse or listening from afar, these stories connect us to the heart and soul of the city. 🏙️🎧✨

Know Before You Go

Location: Look for bright orange signs with the Hear, Here logo (Downtown and North side of La Crosse)
How It Works: Dial the toll free number on the sign to listen to each location’s story (you can also access the stories online here. )