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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Mayowood
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2025 Events Coming

Mayo Clinic Lecture Series: "Our Father Taught Us: A Journey Towards Teamwork"

December 4th, 2025
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Join us for another fascinating Mayo Lecture Series at the History Center on December 4, 2025, where we will feature a special film that takes you back to the childhood of Dr. Will and Dr. Charlie Mayo. Special guest speaker Kerry Olsen recounts an actual event where they joined their father on a difficult operation—a day when they learned the core values of compassion, teamwork and dedication that ultimately became the foundation of Mayo Clinic. Don't miss this!

$5 for non members. FREE for HCOC members

Nicholas David: Vinyl Release Concert

December 5th, 2025
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

After 5 years in the making, Nicholas David is celebrating his first vinyl release: More Than Music.

The St. Paul singer/songwriter has been making music from the heart for the heart for nearly 30 years. Like the mighty Mississippi River, David's musical journey rocks n rolls  like a cosmic current that's taken him coast to coast and across the pond. From NBC's THE VOICE where he met BILL WITHERS, sang with SMOKEY ROBINSON and finished 3rd PLACE on his season, to riding along the rock n roll highway with the ALLMAN BROTHERS sons!

Come celebrate an evening where dreams and reality mix into music.

For more info please visit www.thefeelin.com

A Quilting Demo

December 6th, 2025
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Join the talented Zumbro Valley Fiber Arts Guild as they host a demo dedicated to quilting! Come learn the art of this beautiful and historic fiber form, from piecing to finished design on December 6, 2025 anytime from noon to 4pm. It's a wonderful opportunity to be inspired by local artists!

$5 for all participants and FREE for HCOC members.

“A Mayowood Tradition: A 1951 Christmas Party” Historic Mayowood Specialty Tour

December 6th, 2025
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Step back into 1951 as costumed interpreters Dr. Chuck and Alice welcome you into their home for a nostalgic Christmas experience. Dressed in authentic period attire—along with select pieces of their original clothing on display—they guide you through a 60-minute, family-friendly tour filled with unique holiday stories not shared on the regular Christmas tour.

On the Specialty tour you will be transported to a December evening in 1951, just after the Mayo Fellows Chorus have finished their rounds through the city of Rochester. The house will be beautifully prepared for a festive holiday party, glowing with period Christmas lights as night settles in. Enjoy the warm ambiance of a live piano player (instrumental only) as you explore each room and experience the magic of the season illuminated at night.

$45 per person.

“A Mayowood Tradition: A 1951 Christmas Party” Historic Mayowood Specialty Tour

December 7th, 2025
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Step back into 1951 as costumed interpreters Dr. Chuck and Alice welcome you into their home for a nostalgic Christmas experience. Dressed in authentic period attire—along with select pieces of their original clothing on display—they guide you through a 60-minute, family-friendly tour filled with unique holiday stories not shared on the regular Christmas tour.

On the Specialty tour you will be transported to a December evening in 1951, just after the Mayo Fellows Chorus have finished their rounds through the city of Rochester. The house will be beautifully prepared for a festive holiday party, glowing with period Christmas lights as night settles in. Enjoy the warm ambiance of a live piano player (instrumental only) as you explore each room and experience the magic of the season illuminated at night.

$45 per person.

Storytime: A Fancy Nancy Holiday Party

December 13th, 2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Ooh la la! Join us for a FANCY NANCY HOLIDAY PARTY! Put on your sparkliest clothes, grab your boas, and get ready for an hour of exquisite (that's fancy for super fun) holiday activities! We'll have fancy crafts, marvelous treats, and an amazing storytime. It’s the perfect way to make the holidays extra glamorous!

St. Nikolaus Fest

December 13th, 2025
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Join us to learn about classic German traditions surrounding St. Nikolaus. It's a fun-filled day for all ages, featuring festive crafts, delicious cookies, and much more! St. Nikolaus himself may drop by for a visit if the boys and girls have been good all year. Come immerse yourself in history and holiday spirit.

$5 per child and $2 per adult. HCOC members FREE

“A Mayowood Tradition: A 1951 Christmas Party” Historic Mayowood Specialty Tour

December 13th, 2025
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Step back into 1951 as costumed interpreters Dr. Chuck and Alice welcome you into their home for a nostalgic Christmas experience. Dressed in authentic period attire—along with select pieces of their original clothing on display—they guide you through a 60-minute, family-friendly tour filled with unique holiday stories not shared on the regular Christmas tour.

On the Specialty tour you will be transported to a December evening in 1951, just after the Mayo Fellows Chorus have finished their rounds through the city of Rochester. The house will be beautifully prepared for a festive holiday party, glowing with period Christmas lights as night settles in. Enjoy the warm ambiance of a live piano player (instrumental only) as you explore each room and experience the magic of the season illuminated at night.

$45 per person.

“A Mayowood Tradition: A 1951 Christmas Party” Historic Mayowood Specialty Tour

December 14th, 2025
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Step back into 1951 as costumed interpreters Dr. Chuck and Alice welcome you into their home for a nostalgic Christmas experience. Dressed in authentic period attire—along with select pieces of their original clothing on display—they guide you through a 60-minute, family-friendly tour filled with unique holiday stories not shared on the regular Christmas tour.

On the Specialty tour you will be transported to a December evening in 1951, just after the Mayo Fellows Chorus have finished their rounds through the city of Rochester. The house will be beautifully prepared for a festive holiday party, glowing with period Christmas lights as night settles in. Enjoy the warm ambiance of a live piano player (instrumental only) as you explore each room and experience the magic of the season illuminated at night.

$45 per person.

Mayo Clinic Lecture Series: "An Adventure in Medicine: The Story of the Mayo Brothers"

January 8th, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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

Mayo Clinic Lecture Series: "Healing Hands: The Sisters of St. Francis and Mayo Clinic"

February 5th, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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

MHRT Sleigh Rides

February 14th, 2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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!