Current Events
Looking for things to do in Rochester? The History Center offers a variety of events all year round throughout Olmsted County. All events are listed at Central Standard Time (CST) unless otherwise stated. As a non-profit, our events are only possible with the support of the community! If you would like to sponsor an event, call the History Center at 507-282-9447, or contact us by email.
For members tickets, please keep in mind that your discount only applies to the same number of tickets that your membership applies to. For example, if you have an Individual membership, you may get one ticket at the discounted rate. All other tickets should be purchased at the full rate. If you have the Individual Plus membership, you are welcome to purchase two tickets at the discounted rate and all other tickets should be purchased at the regular rate. Thank you.
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History
Center Events
Center Events
Mayowood
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Events
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2026 Events Coming
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1950s West Coast Swing @ HCOC)
March 1st, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmAs we move into the 1950s, the dance floor transformed along with the music. West Coast Swing emerged as a sophisticated evolution of the Lindy Hop, designed to be danced to the slower, bluesier, and eventually rock-and-roll rhythms that were taking over the airwaves. We invite you to step into the Nifty Fifties with us! Join our specialized lessons to master the West Coast Swing.
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)
Mayo Clinic Lecture Series:
"A Reputation for Caring: How Mayo Clinic Became Known in the World"
March 5th, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pmThe Mayo brothers welcomed the opportunity to serve patients from around the world while seeking to protect their name from “quacks and fakers” who sought to exploit it. Through the years, Mayo has often been in the headlines for important medical discoveries—and has also popped up in movies, TV shows and social media in a unique blending of fact, fiction and fun. Join us for a short film and in welcoming W. Bruce Fye as he dives into the reputation of Mayo Clinic and the attributes and values that have caught and maintained the world's attention.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1960s Night Club 2-Step @ HCOC)
March 8th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmAs our series progresses into the 1960s, we trade the formal "hold" of ballroom dancing for the free-spirited energy of the nightclub scene. Triggered by the massive success of Chubby Checker’s "The Twist" in 1960, the dance floor became a place of individual expression. We invite you to join us as we explore these iconic 1960s movements. Our lessons focus on the rhythm, the social history, and the pure fun of the decade that broke all the rules.
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)
Saturday Storytime
With Craft & Snack
March 14th, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 amGather the little ones and join us at the History Center for a morning of imagination and creativity! We are hosting a special FREE Storytime session designed for families to enjoy together with a light snack to keep our young explorers energized and a hands-on craft activity!
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1970s Hustle @ HCOC)
March 15th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmThe Hustle became the definitive dance of the decade. The Hustle allowed dancers to show off intricate hand-work and dramatic spins to a steady four-on-the-floor beat. We invite you to step into the world of the 1970s and master the movements that defined an era of glitter and groove! Our lessons explore the smooth steps of the Hustle and the social fun of '70s club culture.
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)
The Story of the Stoppels:
A Story of Immigration
Exhibit Opening & Lecture
March 19th, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:30 pmLife for the Stoppels from Germany was incredibly difficult; and their first winter was spent in a hand-dug cave in the side of a hill to survive the brutal Minnesota cold. Over time, that survival turned into prosperity. They built a thriving farmstead, including the iconic barn and house that still stand today as a testament to their labor and success. History is a continuous thread of resilience and migration, so with our newest exhibit, we bridge the gap between the mid-1800s and the present day as we explore the German immigrant experience through the lens of George Stoppel and the modern success story of Pete Schuller who will discuss his early life in a European refugee camp and the challenges of navigating a post-war landscape.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
All-Inclusive Lessons Pass
March 22nd, 2026
12:00 am - 12:00 amDance 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 the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. Lessons begin February 8, 2026, and run through April 19, 2026.
This special all-inclusive lessons pass allows you to take part in all eleven dance lessons! No experience or partner required!
$55 non members / $30 HCOC member and USA Dance member
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
All-Access Pass
March 22nd, 2026
12:00 am - 12:00 amDance 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 the Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026. Lessons begin February 8, 2026, and run through April 19, 2026.
This special all-access pass allows you to take part in all eleven dance lessons PLUS the spectacular Grand Dance Celebration on April 25, 2026! No experience or partner required!
$75 non-members / $40 HCOC members and USA Dance members
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1980s Salsa Rueda @ HCOC)
March 22nd, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:00 pmOriginating in Cuba but finding a massive following in the U.S. club scene during the '80s, the Salsa Rueda is a circular social dance where pairs of dancers follow the synchronized calls of a "leader." It’s high-speed, involves constant partner switching, and emphasizes the joy of the group over the individual. We invite you to experience the vibrant pulse of the 1980s! Come master the calls of the Salsa Rueda and explore the pop-culture movements that defined a decade of neon and rhythm.
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)
As the snow melts and the first hints of green appear, it’s time to get your hands in the dirt and prepare for your spring garden! We are excited to partner with Master Gardeners for a practical, seasonal lecture designed to give your garden the best possible start. The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Program is a cornerstone of horticultural education in our state. Since 1977, these dedicated volunteers have shared research-based gardening knowledge with their communities, helping Minnesotans grow everything from sustainable prairies to bountiful vegetable patches. Whether you have a sprawling farm or a single balcony planter, come learn how to make 2026 your most successful growing season yet!
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a morning dedicated to the "herstory" of Olmsted County! We are thrilled to invite you to a special community gathering for a meaningful presentation that blends local legacy with a bit of morning indulgence. We will be serving a variety of local pastries and coffee to enjoy while we listen to Kelley and Emily of Wining About Herstory Podcast as they share stories of the influential women in our community. We are also bringing together some of our favorite local vendors to make the morning extra sweet!
$8 for non-members. $5 for HCOC members.
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(1990s Salsa & Line Dancing @
Northrop Community Education Center)
March 29th, 2026
11:00 am - 2:00 pmWe invite you to experience the vibrant pulse of the 1990s! With the popularity of both Salsa and Line Dancing, we couldn't pick just one dance style to celebrate. Come for one style, or stay for both. In this extended lesson, we'll start by learning the classic rhythms of Salsa from which so many variations emerged, like the Salsa Rueda you learned in the previous week. Then we'll move onto the iconic steps of line dances. Fueled by the "New Country" movement and hits like Billy Ray Cyrus's "Achy Breaky Heart," line dancing exploded in the early '90s. It wasn't just for honky-tonks anymore; millions joined in making synchronized group dancing a cornerstone of '90s social life. Please note that our '90s era lessons will be held at the Northrop Community Education Center.
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)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(2000s Contemporary @ HCOC)
April 4th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmAs we entered the 2000s, the world of dance shifted toward deeply emotional and fluid storytelling. Contemporary dance became a dominant force breaking away from the rigid structures to prioritizing artistic expression and the "story" behind the movement. Step into the expressive world of the 2000s! Join us as we explore the fluidity and emotion of Contemporary dance in a welcoming, community environment.
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)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(2010s Hip Hop @ HCOC)
April 12th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmIn the 2010s, Hip Hop became more than a genre—it became a universal language. Influenced by urban street styles but refined on global stages, this era emphasized power, precision, and personal swagger. Come feel the beat of the 2010s! Join us as we master the high-energy moves and infectious rhythms of modern Hip Hop in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
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)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(2020s Viral Dances)
April 19th, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pmThe 2020s ushered in a unique era of dance, driven largely by short-form video and global digital challenges. Unlike the ballroom crazes of the past, these dances are characterized by "arm-ography," expressive footwork, and a heavy dose of personality. Join us from TikTok to the Dance Floor.
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)
Dancing Through the Decades:
HCOC's Eras Tour
(Grand Dance Celebration @ Chateau Theatre)
April 25th, 2026
6:00 pm - 10:00 pmJoin us for our spectacular final dance celebration, the exciting culmination of eleven weeks of dance lessons all leading up to one unforgettable evening. Come dressed in your favorite decade’s best and step into a night filled with rhythm, style, and community spirit.
Enjoy a live professional dance showcase and a lively community dance featuring music from the past 100 years. The evening also includes a relaxed social hour, historical displays, refreshments, and a photographer on site to capture the memories. Whether you’re dancing, watching, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, this celebration is the perfect finale to our shared dance journey.
Finale only: $15 members / $25 non-members
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time
FULL WEEK ages 6 - 10
July 20th, 2026
9:30 am - 11:30 amJoin us for five days at the History Center Summer Camp. It is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects!
$65 for non- members. $50 for HCOC members (5 days)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time
FULL WEEK Ages 11 - 15
July 20th, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pmJoin us for five days at the History Center Summer Camp. It is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects!
$65 for non- members. $50 for HCOC members (5 days)
The History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects!
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)
The History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects! Join us for one day or all five.
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)
The History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects!
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)
The History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects! Join us for one day or all five.
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)
The History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects! Join us for one day or all five.
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)
The History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects!
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)
The History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects!
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)
The History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects!
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)
The History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects!
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)
The History Center Summer Camp is an interactive educational program designed to introduce students to everyday life in the 19th century through hands-on learning experiences. All activities are led by experienced staff in a safe, supportive environment and are tailored to each age group. Daily programs include, 1800s farmstead chores (e.g. grinding corn to feed the chickens), a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse, and fun arts and crafts projects!
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)