Let's Learn TOGETHER!

In a fast-paced world, it's not always easy to have means or opportunity to enrich one's life with continuing education. The History Center can be a powerful tool for learning and understanding not only your community, but also the world.

The History Center can offer a unique and engaging learning experience that can be incredibly beneficial for both children and adults.

Our programs, exhibits and events can connect abstract concepts to real-world examples. For instance, a child can see a fire truck during a special storytime presentation and understand not only how big it is, but how they are used and their importance in everyday life. An adult can examine historical artifacts and learn about the people who created or used them through expert lectures and inspiring presentations.

Fieldtrips help students of today see how historical events apply to their daily lives.

Visiting the History Center can inspire students to learn more about a particular subject or topic, increasing their motivation in education. Our field trips are uniquely catered to the needs and expectations of our visitors and feature many engaging learning options for audiences of virtually all ages. Our creative fieldtrips encourage students to ask questions, analyze information, and form their own opinions. 

Our programs and lectures are accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, making learning opportunities more inclusive.

The History Center often host speakers from various fields, exposing audiences to different perspectives that foster critical thinking. Our in-depth programs serve as community hubs that promote a sense of belonging and connection. Most of our programs and lectures are often offered online so everyone may take part in an environment that suits them best and never miss out on what is important. These educational presentations are recorded by HCOC and available for future reference.

The Archives are a valuable educational resource for anyone interested in Olmsted County.

The History Center Research Center is available for anyone researching local and county history topics including genealogy and family history, agricultural and family farms, businesses, architectural and house histories, and more. The Research Center encompasses the Willson Library and the Wicklund Archives and is home to an array of materials that document the history of Olmsted County and Southeastern Minnesota more broadly. Researchers are welcome to use resources that are readily available in the library or request other resources stored in the climate-controlled Archives. Our archivist is a great and knowledgeable guide during your visit.

We use the Stoppel Farmsteads and historical properties for an array of educational opportunities. 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the George Stoppel Farmstead is a unique structure which preserves a slice of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Composed of the main house, barn, smokehouse and many hand-dug caves, the site tells a unique story about early American immigration, settlement, and the changing landscape of Olmsted County. The History Center is also home to The Ralph Stoppel Farmstead, maintained by Mechanical History Round Table, site of the annual Days of Yesteryear event, bringing mechanical history to life every August. The farmsteads, the Dee Cabin, the Hadley Valley Schoolhouse and an 1860s base ball field provide a tangible connection to the past with multiple educational opportunities. Our beautiful gardens not only provide food for the community, but they also provide historical medicines and herbs. Our unique property can spark anyone's imagination by linking the past through meaningful and thought-provoking methods, inspiring children and adults to understand different cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

By supporting the History Center of Olmsted County, you support our mission to give people of all ages and backgrounds access and opportunity to learn about the past through interpretive programs and exhibits, research, publications, and events.

We at the History Center of Olmsted County thank you for your continued support which allows us to connect people with continued education.

Please visit our website at https://olmstedhistory.com/ to stay updated on all of our educational programs and events.

Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season full of peace, joy, and lots of learning!