Operating an office from his residence,
Dr. Irwin Shepard was instrumental in the organization and rapid growth
of the NEA. Shepard brought
national prominence to Winona, Minnesota, which became "one of the
important postmarks" in the educational world.
Dr. Shepard came to Winona, in 1875,
as Principal of the Winona High School. A short three years later,
he was named Superintendent of the Winona
Public Schools. Only a year
later, Irwin became the fourth man to serve as Principal of Winona
Normal School, which later became Winona State University.
"Hundreds of millions of people have
been affected by those humble beginnings in Winona," said Keith Geiger
in 1994, then President of the NEA. A photograph of Dr. Irwin Shepard's
home is featured in the museum next to the lobby of the present NEA
headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Unfortunately, the 1880's era house
was destroyed by fire in January of 1994, taking with it a piece of
NEA, Winona, and Minnesota history. From these humble beginnings the
headquarters of the NEA is now an eight story building in Washington,
DC occupying an entire downtown city block just six blocks from the
White House.
Sources:
DuFresne, R. A. (1985). Winona State University: A history of one
hundred twenty-five years. Library of Congress
Edstrom, F. B. (1984, February 29). Irwin Shepard, educator. Winona
Area Post
Ruggles, C. O. & faculty. (1910). Semi-centennial historical
sketch and notes: Winona State Normal School. Winona: Jones &
Kroeger Co.
On
July 9, 1898, Dr. Irwin Shepard was elected the first Secretary of the
NEA. His home (pictured at left) located at 118 West Wabasha, in