STARTING OUR NEXT CENTENNIAL​

The Transformation is beginning

“As the History Center of Olmsted County enters its 100th year, there is a compelling need to enhance the organization’s capability and capacity to serve our community.​

​The functions of the History Center…and our finances…have been appropriately focused for many years on our archives, exhibits, and educational programs. To address the needs of our thriving county and grow our value to the community, we now need to direct attention to the rejuvenation of our physical campus.​

​While the initial focus of our capital campaign is the crucial restoration of our three Stoppel Farmstead buildings that are on the National Registry of Historic Places, our campaign will also support the expansion and rejuvenation of our history center and the remainder of the campus. The campaign will result in a campus that supports the full range of archival and educational programs and entertain community activities that help make Olmsted County exceptional.​

​The History Center serves as a vital component of our thriving county and as an important resource to the county’s residents and the more than 3 million annual visitors to Rochester. We are honored to serve as the designated archival foundation of Olmsted County.”

Dr. Mark Warner
President History Center Board

“Renovations and expansion efforts at the History Center of Olmsted County are poised to significantly enrich the visitor experience by growing opportunities for education, engagement, and community connection.

The increased museum space will allow more comprehensive and dynamic exhibits, offering deeper insights into the rich history of Olmsted County. Updated and rotating exhibits will bring history to life for visitors of all ages.

Renovations to the archival library will increase efficiency and ease of research for both academic and personal use. The widely used collection of documents, photos, publications, etc. will be easier to access and store properly.

Newly added classrooms will provide dedicated areas for educational programs, workshops, and community events. These spaces will support school field trips, adult learning, and hands-on activities, creating a more immersive and participatory experience.

Enhancements to the outdoor environment – such as improved walking paths, interpretive signage, and gathering areas – will encourage exploration of the center’s historic buildings and grounds. These updates will make the outdoor spaces more accessible and enjoyable year-round, offering a seamless blend of natural beauty and historical storytelling.

Together, these improvements will ensure that the History Center remains a vibrant inclusive, and inspiring destination for all.”

Valerie Wassmer
Executive Director and Education Director

Key Goals

  • Increase community engagement
  • ​​​Grow school and community education offerings
  • Increase revenue
  • Expand and grow our core mission
  • Achieve an integrated and connected campus
  • Promote new activities
  • Support our existing user groups

Target Audience

  • Adult learners
  • Tourists and Visitors
  • Children and Families 
  • Students K-12
  • Academics and researchers

George Stoppel Farmstead

Phase 1 of our master plan includes restoration of all three of the Stoppel Farmstead's historical buildings, historically accurate landscaping with a beautiful outside space, and a playground.  We have been awarded an $833,000 grant from the Jeffris Foundation if we raise $1,677,000 (1:2 match) by June 30, 2026.  This matching amount may include money pledged over a 3-year period (funding completed by June 30, 2028).

The Phase 1 total amount of $2,500,000, added to nearly $1,000,000 that was previously raised, will completed revitalization of this historic site.

The History Center and Village

Phase 2 of our master plan, which will overlap with Phase 1, will revitalize and expand our current history center facility.  It will add remarkable landscaping, walking paths, and linkage with other important historic structures on our 54-acre campus.  It also will provide additional outside improvements to support a broad range of external activities on our campus to increase our value to the Olmsted County community and our educational programs.

The Phase 2 total amount of $7,500,000 will complete restoration of our entire campus and provide extraordinary opportunities for residents of our county and its visitors to learn about the evolution of our region, our county communities, and the vital contributions of Olmsted County to southeast Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, the nation, and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of HCOC’s master plan?

The master plan is a long-range vision to re-imagine HCOC’s entire 54-acre campus. The plan includes conceptual plans and priorities for existing and new features to improve our visitor’s experience, modernize and expand our History Center, and increase the educational value of our entire 54-acre campus.

What is the difference between an annual and capital gift to HCOC?

Your annual gift (given during the annual appeal or any time you choose during the year) helps HCOC meet its mission through our annual operations. A capital gift is used specifically for long-term needs such as restoring the George Stoppel Farmstead (barn, smokehouse, stone house, and caves), the History Center Facility, and the campus.

Why are we having a Capital Campaign?

The historic structures on the Stoppel Farmstead urgently need major repairs according to a Historic Structures Report and our consulting historical architects at Miller Dunwiddie.

  • Water, wind, and pests wear away the old-world stone masonry, foundations, plaster walls, windows, wood shingle roof, and other historic materials with each passing season.
  • Regular public access is key to saving any historic building. Restoring the farmstead will allow us to invite the community to safely explore and learn about these rare farm structures.

We have until June 2026 to match an $833,000 challenge grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation (Janesville, Wisconsin), by matching it on a two-to-one basis ($1,667,000 for the campaign to raise).

Why should I consider a donation?

Preservation of our history is key to understanding the issues faced by our predecessors and gain guidance for our future.  Whether it is through preservation of historic structures or our county's past history through archived documents and records, we can have a profound impact on the future of our county communities.  Your donation will allow us to have the facilities that we will use to develop and implement educational programs for adults, children, and families.   These experiences will allow us as a county to evolve and remain a creative, thriving culture as our communities change in the future.

How does the Jeffris Foundation matching grant work?

HCOC must raise $1.7 million by June 30, 2026 to secure the $833,000 matching challenge grant.

  • Gifts must be designated for the restoration of the George Stoppel Farmstead.
  • Donors may pledge gifts using the Challenge Grant Pledge Form. To count towards the matching grant, pledges must be paid no later than June 30, 2028

Donations to the capital campaign that allow us to exceed our required $1,667,000 matching amount will be used for the next phase of our campus renewal, specifically modernization and expansion of our history center facility.

How can I donate?

Please review the payment options below. In addition to cash and credit card options (one-time or recurring gifts), we accept donations in many forms, including those of stocks and bonds, estate gifts, and directed gifts from foundations and donor-advised funds. We also accept pledges for donations. To match the Jeffris Family Foundation's offer, we accept pledges to support the campaign through June 30, 2028. We must receive the pledges before June 30, 2026, and final payment of the pledges must be received by June 30, 2028.

Which donor recognition opportunities do you offer?

The HCOC Board of Directors is developing a list of naming opportunities. As soon as these are approved, they will be added to this webpage. Gifts received before the naming opportunities are finalized may be applied to them retroactively.

I’ve heard the smokehouse was recently restored; what was involved in its restoration?

Restoration of the Stoppel smokehouse has been completed in June 2025. The cost was approximately $550,000. Craftsmen made major repairs to the stone foundation, structural supports, windows, siding, cave, and bell tower. Internal improvements and the implementation of educational displays will continue for the upcoming year.

What is the interpretive plan we hear about?

An interpretive plan is a strategic document intended to guide a museum or park in how they tell the story of a space, in our case, the George Stoppel Farmstead. The newly approved plan will be implemented in phases, beginning with interpretive signs located on the grounds and the development of tours. Later phases include educational programming and designing and implementing interactive exhibits.

How will HCOC support the new operating costs associated with the Stoppel Farmstead’s restoration?

Maintenance, staffing, programming, and utility costs will increase as buildings are restored and activated between 2026 and 2028, estimated at $75,000 annually. Expenses will be offset with revenue generated from admission and program fees, events, and rentals, as well as charitable support.

I have another questions, who can I contact?

Please contact Valerie Wassmer, HCOC Executive Director and Director of Education at education@olmstedhistory.com.  You may also call her at the HCOC office at (507) 282-9447.

 

 

Ways to give

Gifts of Cash by Check or Electronic Payment

You may contribute directly to the History Center of Olmsted County by check. Checks can be mailed to:

History Center of Olmsted County
1195 West Circle Drive SW
Rochester, MN 55902

You may also visit our History Center of Olmsted County website and donate or pledge your donation electronically (credit card, Venmo, or PayPal). We accept all major credit cards. 

In general, we prefer pledges that result in payment by June 30, 2028.  However, if you wish to have an extended pledge duration, please contact:

Valerie Wassmer, Executive Director
education@olmstedhistory.com
507-282-9447

Gifts of Stocks or Bonds

The History Center of Olmsted County will accept donations of stocks and bonds. Please direct your broker to contact the center's accountant, Barb Whipple (or an alternative), at accounting@olmstedhistory.com or 507-282-9447.

Gifts from an IRA — A Triple-Benefit to the Donor

If you are 70.5 years old or older, you may contribute to the History Center of Olmsted County directly from your IRA.

You may contribute up to $108,000 this year to your favorite charities through your IRA ($216,000 if filing jointly). This is known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). When you give in this manner, you avoid a taxable event — you would have to pay ordinary income taxes, had you withdrawn the funds and then contributed from your checking account.

If you are 73 years old or older, a charitable contribution from your IRA counts against a contributor's Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). A contribution from your IRA also assists the contributor by avoiding an increase in your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), which may conversely increase your Medicare premiums.  

For donors of a certain age, giving through your IRA is a tax-wise method of making a charitable contribution.

To contribute, direct your broker to contact the center's accountant, Barb Whipple (or an alternative), at accounting@olmstedhistory.com or 507-282-9447.

Donor Advised Funds and Family Foundations

The History Center of Olmsted County will accept grants from Donor Advised Funds. We also accept grants from family foundations.  

Your donor advised fund or family foundation will need the following information:

The History Center of Olmsted County
EIN: 41-0718368
1195 West Circle Drive SW
Rochester, MN 55902
507-282-9447
Contact:  Barb Whipple (accounting@olmstedhistory.com)

Wills and Estate Gifts

Including the History Center of Olmsted County into your will is simple. Rather than re-writing the entire document, you may simply attach a signed and notarized Codicil (aka-addendum) to your will that states:

"I hereby give, will, and bequeath $_____ to the History Center of Olmsted County."

Be sure to also include the following in the Codicil:  "History Center of Olmsted County (EIN: 41-0718368); 1195 West Circle Drive SW, Rochester, MN 55902."

Corporate Matching Gifts

Donors will be recognized for their total contribution if their employer has a matching gift program. Please check to see if your company sponsors a matching gift program.

For More Information

Please contact:

Valerie Wassmer, Executive Director
History Center of Olmsted County
education@olmstedhistory.com
507-282-9447