History Center of Olmsted County

History Center of Olmsted County Explore, Examine, and Experience history in our exhibits, archives, and events.

Learn about Farm to Kids with Local FEAST editor Marlene Petersen. During this special presentation on June 23rd at 7pm....
06/15/2026

Learn about Farm to Kids with Local FEAST editor Marlene Petersen. During this special presentation on June 23rd at 7pm. You’ll learn about her upcoming children's book, Veggie Santa, inspired by a real-life program that’s getting healthy food from MN farms to its youngest eaters, all while eating cupcakes and veggies!

FREE admission, all ages welcome!

The Declaration of Independence made the adoption of an American flag necessary. Previously, each colony or special inte...
06/14/2026

The Declaration of Independence made the adoption of an American flag necessary. Previously, each colony or special interest had its own flag.

On that 14th of June, Congress made the Flag Resolution of 1777, stating: “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white on a blue field …” The official announcement of the new flag was not made until Sept. 3, 1777.--www.almanac.com

📷Newspaper clipping from the Rochester Post Bulletin, Monday, June 14, 1965:
"Flag Day Commemorated Here; Flags are flying today throughout Rochester in commemoration of Flag Day. Above, Miss Carol Ann Wallace, left , regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution; Mrs. J. M. Gross, executive director of the YWCA and Jack Uhlenhopp, executive director of the YMCA, raise the new flag on the staff in front of the YM-YW Building. The huge flag was presented to the YM-YW by the DAR in memory of a late member, Mrs. Bunn T. Willson, who was secretary of the formation committee of the YWCA at the time of its organization here in 1919."

Fun with the Roosters Base Ball Club of Rochester, MN! Players from the Roosters vintage base ball team will share the f...
06/13/2026

Fun with the Roosters Base Ball Club of Rochester, MN! Players from the Roosters vintage base ball team will share the fascinating history of the game as it was played in the 1890s—long before the days of gloves and gear. After the lecture join them on the field to try it yourself! June 18th, 7pm.

FUN FOR ALL AGES!
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members. olmstedhistory.com/events

Our resident Exhibit Coordinator, Chris Delisle had big ambitions! His ultimate goal of gaining attention for our BBQ on...
06/13/2026

Our resident Exhibit Coordinator, Chris Delisle had big ambitions! His ultimate goal of gaining attention for our BBQ on the Farmstead made him choose a bold move to drum up excitement for this amazing event on June 20th! Chris decided to climb aboard the infamous Snappy Chicken to point out some pertinent information. Did anyone happen to catch a glimpse of him up there before gravity won?
Realty Growth Inc- Commercial Real Estate, Service Pros Plumbing & Heating, The Waters on Mayowood, Snappy Signals, Flapdoodles Ice Cream, SMOAK BBQ

From our collection. Sunbonnet; Woven straw with white cotton lawn fabric. Hand stitched. Paper lining. Worn by Mrs. J.H...
06/12/2026

From our collection. Sunbonnet; Woven straw with white cotton lawn fabric. Hand stitched. Paper lining. Worn by Mrs. J.H. (Emily / J. Wooldridge) Fawcett."

Emily J. Wooldbridge was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Marion when 11 years old and then to a farm near Pleasant Grove. She stayed on that farm until she met and married John H. Fawcett in 1867. They purchased the store in Marion and lived there until 1900 when they retired and settled in Stewartville. Emily Fawcett died in 1928 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

Since the first button was sold in 1983, Rochesterfest has been defined by those who built it. Join us on June 16th at 7...
06/12/2026

Since the first button was sold in 1983, Rochesterfest has been defined by those who built it. Join us on June 16th at 7pm, as we learn from the planners and volunteers during a panel discussion about the history and evolution of Rochester's favorite summer celebration. While you are here, be sure to check out the Rochesterfest items we will have on display.

$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members. olmstedhistory.com/events

As you drive past the History Center, you’ll definitely spot our eye-catching Snappy Chicken, keeping watch to remind ev...
06/11/2026

As you drive past the History Center, you’ll definitely spot our eye-catching Snappy Chicken, keeping watch to remind everyone about the upcoming BBQ on the Farmstead scheduled for June 20th! Don't miss out on the fun—you can find all the details and event information at olmstedhistory.com/events.
A huge thank you to Realty Growth Inc- Commercial Real Estate and Snappy Signals!

Reminder that the Rochester Public Library Bookmobile is on the HCOC property until 11:30 this morning. They will retur...
06/11/2026

Reminder that the Rochester Public Library Bookmobile is on the HCOC property until 11:30 this morning. They will return on June 25th, 2026, from 9am - 11:30am. Be sure to stop into the History Center while you are here for our FREE Summer Admission thanks to Think Mutual Bank

Step into history at Mayowood, one of Rochester’s most popular attractions. Built in 1910 by Dr. Charles H. Mayo and his...
06/11/2026

Step into history at Mayowood, one of Rochester’s most popular attractions. Built in 1910 by Dr. Charles H. Mayo and his wife Edith, this 38-room home is largely furnished as it was during the family’s time here, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and legacy of the Mayo family. Each year, thousands of visitors come to Historic Mayowood to experience its stories, architecture, and beautiful setting, register for your tour today at olmstedhistory.com/events

Doc Predmore is still vaccinating animals even with rain. He's out back by the pavilion on our property.
06/10/2026

Doc Predmore is still vaccinating animals even with rain. He's out back by the pavilion on our property.

Address

1195 W Circle Dr SW
Rochester, MN
55902

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15072829447

Website

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