Dr. Mark Warner will be presenting a special program for the next Mayo Clinic Lecture Series that includes a film showing of "An Adventure in Medicine: The Story of the Mayo Brothers". The film is followed by a dedicated time for discussion on the foundational principle of the Mayo Clinic, "the needs of the patient come first".

$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.

Join us at the History Center of Olmsted County on January 15, 2026, for a fascinating panel presentation revealing vital, often-overlooked contributions of local women during WWII. Coralee Grebe, Sean Kettelkamp, and Virginia Wright-Peterson will share their experiences finding, writing, and, in some cases, performing powerful stories of courage, innovation, and persistence.

$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.

Faces & Places Exhibit Opening Celebration!
Help us celebrate our 100th anniversary with the opening of our Faces & Places exhibit, which highlights the key people and various buildings that housed the Historical Society of Olmsted County. Learn about and get involved in the process of letter press printing as we create posters for our centennial year.  
Come celebrate our history and get creative with us!

We are thrilled to invite you to the FREE grand opening of our latest and most exciting exhibit at the History Center on January 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Stop out and explore the fascinating history of IBM and its impact on technology, innovation and our community. This exhibit is the result of extensive research and collaboration, showcasing how a single company helped transform our region into a hub of ingenuity. You won't want to miss this deep dive into the stories, machines, and people that defined an era of progress. Mark your calendars for an evening of history and innovation!

We are pleased to announce the next fascinating film and lecture in our ongoing series exploring the history of the Mayo Clinic! This special presentation, titled "Healing Hands: The Sisters of St Francis and Mayo Clinic," will be delivered by the distinguished Sister Tierney Trueman on January 8, 2026, at 7pm. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insight into the foundational and enduring role of the Sisters of St. Francis in the history of the Mayo Clinic.

$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.

Step back in time and share the love! We invite you and your special sweethearts to join us for a charming afternoon of crafting and history on February 7th, 2026, from 2pm - 4pm at the History Center. Design and assemble your very own vintage-style valentine to give to your favorite person. This family-friendly event offers a wonderful way for all ages to get creative and celebrate the tradition of handmade tokens of affection. Whether you're making a card for a friend, a family member, or a special someone, this heart-filled afternoon is sure to please! 

$5 for participants. FREE for HCOC members.

Join us for a cozy winter event benefiting a fantastic cause! Mechanical History Round Table is once again hosting a fun-filled afternoon complete with sleigh rides, sweet treats, and a warming bonfire at the Ralph Stoppel Farmstead! Bring your sweetie and whole family out on Valentines Day, February 14th, 2026, from 10am - 4pm, all donated proceeds go to support the Special Olympics! Come make some memories while making a difference! We can't wait to see you there!

Bring your loved ones for a "heart-filled" morning as we share delightful Valentine-themed tales perfect for young listeners and the young at heart. It’s a wonderful way to start your holiday with some free, family-friendly fun with crafts and a snack.

Dance through the decades with the History Center of Olmsted County as we celebrate our centennial with our own Eras Tour! Join us for weekly dance lessons in styles from different decades - all building to a grand dance celebration on April 25, 2026. No experience or partner required!
Get your ticket soon, as you will not want to miss out on all the fun.

$10 non-members / $5 HCOC members and USA Dance members (one lesson)

Complete schedule