If you're looking for an educational, engaging, and affordable attraction in Rochester, the History Center has you covered! Our exhibits explore the extraordinary and everyday stories of Olmsted County and Rochester and the people who live here.
New Exhibit (opened in May 2025):
The Zumbro River Fiber Arts Guild
Celebrating 50 years of Fiber Arts and Artists in the Zumbro River Valley.
This exhibition celebrates the stories of members of the guild, their textile work, and its impact on their lives. Some learned textile arts as children from a relative, or through 4-H programs. Others learned them later in life, honing their skills after joining the guild. Some pursue textiles as art, others for mental health, entertainment, or for fun. For all, they play an important role in their lives. Over the decades the members of the guild have built a thriving and enduring community supporting not only their members but sharing textile arts throughout the region. Told through members’ voices and their work, this exhibit explores the role of textile arts in the region and recent times.
Featured Exhibit
A Lasting Legacy: The Story of the Mayo Family
Discover the stories of the members of the Mayo family and how their lives and achievements affected Rochester, Minnesota.
Across the Decades
Visit the timeline of Olmsted County, Minnesota and the United States, through growth, community and conflct.
The Rich Agricultural History of Olmsted County
This captivating exhibit delves into the heart of our community, highlighting the vital role farming has played in shaping Olmsted County.
A Lasting Legacy: The Story of the Mayo Family
Discover the stories of the members of the Mayo family and how their lives and achievements affected Rochester, Minnesota.
Olmsted County Through Time
The history of Olmsted County spans thousands of years. Travel through this history with the stories and artifacts in the Olmsted County Exhibit. Journey from the prehistoric period, with its cephalopods and woolly mammoths, to the present, learning about the Native peoples, early European settlers, and surveying. The Olmsted County Exhibit tells the story of our community’s land and people.
I WANT YOU: Olmsted County Service During World War II
In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, America joined the Allies in World War II to combat Germany, Japan, and Italy. Countless men either enlisted or were drafted into the armed forces. The exhibit features the stories of men and women from Olmsted County who served their country.
Origins of Olmsted County: The Land for Enterprise
Learn how Olmsted County enticed settlers and what benefits the county offered. The exhibit includes a hands-on section where you can handle items early settlers brought with them when moving to Minnesota. Along with Olmsted County, learn about the numerous treaties that shaped the state of Minnesota.
Get to Know a Township: Cascade
The building blocks for democracy can be linked to our townships in Olmsted County. Discover the unique story of both Cascade and Haverhill and the dispute they shared in 1870.
The Legacy of Gold Cross Ambulance
The exhibit highlights John Perkins and some of the innovative technology (AED) that John pioneered into Gold Cross use during their long history. Gold Cross was prominent in the state of Minnesota with locations in Rochester, Owatonna, Mankato and Duluth.
Traveling Exhibits
The History Center schedules a range of traveling exhibits. Each one can be exhibited from several weeks to several months at a time. Check back to see any upcoming traveling exhibits.