Our History and Organization

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. In 2006, the Olmsted County Historical Society began doing business as the History Center of Olmsted County (HCOC).

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 Mansion.