Learning Together at HCOC

In a fast-paced world, it' never 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 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 they are, 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.

The Archives are a valuable ed

resource for researchers, genealogists, and anyone interested in learning more about the history of 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 Tuesday through Saturday 9am -5pm.

Memories bring back warm affections of friends and family.

Recently at a program at the History Center’s George Stoppel Farmstead, a man in his 60s sat on the front stoop of the stone farmhouse. He wore a big smile. He shared that being at the farmstead took him right back to the farm he grew up on in Olmsted County. His memories brought back the hard work and warm affections of his friends and family.

Memories allow us to reconnect and provide opportunities for intergenerational sharing.

Did you know that people of all ages reconnect with their past at the History Center? At the exhibit opening of “Mosh Pits and Memories,” visitors who were fans or played in bands during the late 90s reminisced and reconnected. Many attendees brought their children and retired parents, sharing a touching intergenerational moment. It was a sense of homecoming.

Mosh Pits and Memories Exhibit Opening

We usually ask for donations to support the costs of preserving the artifacts, documents, and buildings in our care. And those costs are great. But as the end of the year approaches, take a moment to think about the value of helping people reconnect with their past. Memories connect us more deeply with our community and this place we call home.

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 to their cherished memories.

Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season full of peace, joy, and memory-making!

The Olmsted County Historical Society was established in 1926 by Burton Eaton and several other founding members with the intention of collecting and preserving the history of Olmsted County. Our first museum opened in the basement of the Rochester Public Library in 1940. In 1959, we moved into what had been the Bethel English Lutheran Church, but soon outgrew the space. We then built a new museum building on land purchased in southwest Rochester in 1972, where we have been collecting, preserving, and educating ever since.

The Olmsted County Historical Society dba History Center of Olmsted County is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization governed by members via a Board of Director. Each year we, together with our enthusiastic volunteers, provide presentations, educational and outreach programs, special events, museum exhibits, and more. We currently own and operate two historic buildings and two historic farmsteads, in addition to operating seasonal tours of Mayowood.