History Center of Olmsted County

Join us December 13, 2025 to learn about classic German traditions surrounding St. Nikolaus. It's a fun-filled day for all ages, featuring festive crafts, delicious cookies, and much more! St. Nikolaus himself may drop by for a visit. olmstedhistory.com/events

We are more than just exhibits! We offer unique gifts and treasures that are sure to please any history buff. We offer vintage Rochester items, Minnesota keepsakes, children's toys and books, tee shirts, a full array of books by local authors and so much more!

On Veterans Day, all veterans receive FREE admission to the History Center. We are especially proud to feature our new exhibit, "War Stories of Olmsted County."

It was a fantastic, creative day at the History Center! Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Zumbro Valley Fiber Arts Guild felting demo. Join us November 15 from 12 -4pm for our next amazing demo.

Calling all active duty #military! If you are looking for family fun ideas this summer, you can visit The History Center of Olmsted County for free as part of the Blue Star Museums program. #HCOC is continuing a tradition of empowering families of those that serve.

Bring the entire family out for a fun afternoon at the History Center! Join author Patricia Bauer and illustrator Dave Geister, creators of the wildly popular Making Minnesota activity book on April 19, 2025 from 1pm-2:15pm.

Join us in welcoming local author Amy Jo Hahn as she shares stories of influential women who shaped Rochester. 7pm Thursday March 27, 2025, at the History Center.

Historic Mayowood, opens April 2, 2025! A tour of Mayowood is to experience the personal lives of Dr. Charlie Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, and his son, Dr. Chuck Mayo, and gives visitors an opportunity to celebrate their amazing achievements in medicine and human service.

Bubbles the Goldfish will be here from Goldfish Swim School with a fun interactive program to educate children on the importance of water safety! Join us on April 5th, from 10-11am for storytime and crafts with Bubbles the Goldfish while snacking on...what else, Goldfish Crackers

Visit our exhibit on US nurses in WWII during Women's History Month and be sure to join us for an evening learning about the Women Airforce Service Pilots and the important role they played in winning the war on Thursday, March 13th, 2025 from 7pm - 8:30pm.

Join us on March 27, 2025 at 7pm in welcoming local author Amy Jo Hahn as she shares stories of influential women who shaped Rochester. Learn about their contributions and legacies as she brings to life the history of the city's most important women. olmstedhistory.com/events

Which is your favorite fashion era? The period from the 1770s to the 1870s is incredibly rich in fashion history. Join us for a Fashion Show Fit For A Queen on March 9, 2025 at the Rochester Event Center. Information and registration at olmstedhistory.com/events.

Join us on March 29th from 10am - 11:30am at the History Center of Olmsted County for a Women's History celebration! Kelley and Emily will be performing LIVE, telling the stories of some incredible local women! #hcoc #rochmn

Get ready for some Irish magic! Join us for this fun family event on March 15th from 10am - 11:15am where we will learn local history regarding St. Patrick and the Irish in MN, followed by a family art project based on historic Celtic design. #hcoc

Join us at the History Center on February 27th, 2025 from 7pm - 8:30pm with Forestry Extension Professor and Educator Angela Gupta from the University of Minnesota in a discussion regarding forestry in Southern Minnesota. Learn how trees and forests have changed over time. #hcoc

The inspiration for this year’s fashion show is the excess and frivolity of the Queen Marie Antoinette era. Join us at the Rochester Event Center on March 9th, 2025 for decadent desserts and A Fashion Show Fit for a Queen! olmstedhistory.com/events

Join us March 29, 2025 from 1pm - 2:15pm in welcoming Andrea Gilats as she shares her journey into old age, as she shares her new book, "Radical Endurance: GROWING OLD IN AN AGE OF LONGEVITY". #authortalk #hcoc #historycenterofolmstedcounty

Join us at the #History Center for an evening learning about the Women Airforce Service Pilots and the important role they played in winning the war on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, from 7pm - 8:30pm. FREE for members and $5 for non-members #WASP #HCOC #historycenterofolmstedcounty

Jacob Ginter around 1900 who specialized in locks and keys with his #blacksmith shop located on the east corner of Main and First Street in #Chatfield, MN. #hcoc #historycenterofolmstedcounty

It's that time of year again! Join us for sleigh rides at the Ralph Stoppel Farmstead on Salem Road SW behind the History Center of Olmsted County on February 15, 2025 from 10 - 4pm.  Free will donation with all proceeds donated to the Special Olympics.