About

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 the Mayowood Historic Home.

Our Vision

To become a gathering place for the broader community that inspires and encourages the exploration of history.

Our Mission

Give people of all ages and backgrounds access and opportunity to learn about the past through interpretive programs and exhibits, research, publications and events.

Our vision and mission statements guide our efforts each and every day by outlining the History Center’s objective and purpose. We are committed to fulfilling these statements and providing the best possible value and experience to members and visitors alike.

Staff & Board Members

A strong and healthy board-staff partnership provides flexible and resilient leadership that contributes positively to the organization’s overall impact. Here at the History Center of Olmsted County we have regular check-ins between staff and board that allows for open and effective communication that promotes trust and respect. We have a strong working relationship that cultivates commitment. Our organization promotes a healthy relationship that enables growth and the ability to work through issues at every level.  

Staff

Wayne Gannaway
Executive Director
Brian Boettcher
Buildings and Grounds Manager
Darla Buss
Member Services Coordinator
Molli Funk
Interim Mayowood Historic Site Manager
Patrick Gannaway
Facilities and Grounds Coordinator
Krista Lewis
Archivist
Dan Nowakowski
Collections Manager
Valerie Wassmer
Education Director
Barb Whipple
Accountant

Board Members

Mark Warner
President
Ben King
Vice President
Dr. Paul Scanlon
Past President
Linda Willihnganz
Secretary
Katherine Lutzke
Treasurer
Dave Senjem
Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Representative
Kyle Benish
Jordan Cepress
Jean Marvin
Amanda Mikhail
Kerry Olsen
Dan Penz
Josefina Pozas
Christine Rule
Jim Suk
Samuel Wick

Employment & Internship Opportunities

We want you! If you have an interest in history and want to work hands on with museum and archival artifacts, check out our employment and internship opportunities below. Click on the links for position descriptions. Unless otherwise noted, please complete an application and email to: services@olmstedhistory.com.

or send by mail to:
History Center of Olmsted County
1195 West Circle Drive SW  
Rochester, MN  55902

The History Center of Olmsted County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

News & Information

Keep up-to-date with the latest news and information about the History Center of Olmsted County. Here you’ll find our newsletter and other History Center announcements, links to news articles and videos about us, as well as information about our business activities, including our annual report and transparency and financial disclosure.

News Links
Publications & Reports
Latest Posts

KAAL Profile

KAAL Profiles HCOC for Black History Month
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KIMT profile

Unpeeling the history of Rochester's Horse Thief Cave
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KTTC profile

Mayowood Mansion Reopens for Tours Ahead of Holidays
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KTTC profile

Future of Legends Bar and Grill building in question

Executive Director Wayne Gannaway lends some historical insights.

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KIMT profile

See how the History Center makes an impact on the community
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KTTC profile

History Center of Olmsted County’s Creepy Doll Contest returns
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KIMT profile

History Center holds "Tracks to the Future" event
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KSTP profile

So Minnesota: Mayowood Mansion in Rochester
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Rochester Post Bulletin profile

With grants, Olmsted County History Center seeks to reconstruct the past
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Rochester Post Bulletin profile

History Center app offers time-machine tour of Rochester's oldest buildings

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KTTC profile

Olmsted County History Center holds food tour to remember Stoppel family
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Wax Models Doctors at Mayo Clinic Used to Practice on Will Be on a Virtual Display

Learn about Mayo Wax Models and other upcoming virtual lectures at the HCOC!

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KSMQ R-Town ep. 1608

Danielle Teal sits with Wayne Gannaway from the History Center of Olmsted County to discuss how they're handling the pandemic.

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2021 Minnesota Book Award

Local author Virginia Wright-Peterson's latest book, A Woman's War, Too: Women at Work During World War II, has been selected as a finalist for a 2021 Minnesota Book Award!

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KIMT profile

The history of Inauguration Day throughout the years

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KSMQ Farm Connections ep. 1312

Executive Director Wayne Gannaway gives us some historical perspective.

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KTTC profile

Urban Legends of Olmsted County

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Rochester Post Bulletin profile

All dolled up at the History Center of Olmsted County

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KTTC profile

History Center of Olmsted County’s ‘creepy dolls’ are back to save Halloween

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Fall 2024 Newsletter

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2023 Annual Report

2023 Annual Report delivered at the Member Meeting May 23rd 2024
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Summer 2024 Newsletter

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History Center of Olmsted County Receives Jeffris Family Foundation Challenge Grant

The History Center of Olmsted County (HCOC) announces a $3 million capital campaign to restore the George Stoppel Farmstead, a rare, intact mid-1800s farmstead in Rochester built by German immigrant brothers. HCOC received a challenge grant of $833,000 from the Jeffris Family Foundation to spur on the campaign.
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Spring 2024 Newsletter

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Winter 2023 Newsletter

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Stoppel Farmstead Interpretive Plan

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County Board Cuts 2024

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Fall 2023 Newsletter

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Summer 2023 Newsletter

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2022 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report delivered at the Member Meeting May 18th 2023
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Spring 2023 Newsletter

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Winter 2022 Newsletter

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Summer 2022 Newsletter

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Fall 2022 Newsletter

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2021 Annual Report

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History Center 990 Tax Form

Even though tax-exempt nonprofits do not pay federal taxes, they do have to file an information form with the IRS. That form is called a 990. Having to file the 990 makes sure that nonprofits conduct their business in a way that is consistent with their public responsibilities.

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Scribe Newsletter 2022 Spring

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Scribe Newsletter 2021 Winter

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Scribe Newsletter 2021 Fall

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What Type of History Center Does A Growing County Deserve?

A Dispatch from the Director
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Scribe Newsletter 2021 Summer

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2020 Annual Report

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Scribe Newsletter 2021 Spring

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Scribe Newsletter 2020 Winter

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Scribe Newsletter 2020 Fall

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Scribe Newsletter 2020 Spring

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2019 Annual Report

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2018 Annual Report

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Moving Lives George Stoppel Farmstead

HCOC executive director Wayne Gannaway tells the story of the Stoppel brothers' journey to Rochester.
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Around the Home Podcast #34 ft. Abby Currier

Around the Home Podcast highlights different businesses and local stories in Rochester, MN. In this episode, they talk with Abby Currier, Community Engagement and Events Coordinator about the history of Rochester and what the History Center has been up to during COVID. 

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Becky Schlegel music video

The very talented Becky Schlegel filmed a music video on the HCOC grounds!

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