Cherishing Memories at HCOC

In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose touch with the people and places that shaped who we are. But then you see a picture, hold a family heirloom, or pass by the old neighborhood, and the memories come flooding back. 

Memories can provide solace in a time of transition or difficulty.

Earlier this year, a Rochester native who had moved away became a regular at the History Center archives. She was researching the home and neighborhood she grew up in as she helped her mother move and prepare for the next chapter of life. The memories provided solace in a difficult time of transition.

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.