Dr. Predmore will be on the History Center grounds for the Olmsted County Public Health Rabies Vaccination Clinic (4:30-7:30 pm). All pets should be in carriers or on a leash for this event. If you have a previous rabies certificate, please bring it with you. No appointments, $20 each animal.

The Rochester Public Library Bookmobile strengthens community and enriches the lives of community members who are unable to use the main library due to geographic, transportation, economic or other barriers.
The Rochester Public Library Bookmobile regularly carries more than 4,500 items, including adult and children's books, audiobooks, magazines and DVDs. Be sure to stop and visit it every 2nd & 4th Thursdays in June and July and then August 6th and 20th, 2026. While you're here be sure to stop into the museum in June and July for FREE admission thanks to Think Bank.

Join us in welcoming a member of the Rochester Police Department for a morning of stories, snacks, and community! Let's bring local history and local heroes together for a fun-filled morning.

FREE for all.

Thanks to Olmsted Medical Center for sponsoring this program.

Since the first button was sold in 1983, Rochesterfest has been defined by those who built it. Join us as we learn from the planners and volunteers during a panel discussion about the history and evolution of Rochester's favorite summer celebration.

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

Players from the Roosters vintage base ball team will share the fascinating history of the game as it was played in the 1890s—long before the days of gloves and gear. After the lecture join them on the field to try it yourself! 

FUN FOR ALL AGES!
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.

Celebrate the heart of summer with us at the History Center for BBQ on the Farmstead! Join us on June 20th, from 4pm - 7pm for an evening packed with vintage charm and community spirit, including tours of the caves, barn, and smokehouse and ice cream for purchase from Flapdoodles! You can satisfy your appetite with delicious pulled pork and chicken sandwiches available for purchase while enjoying the live music of the Farmers Market Ramblers. The Roosters vintage base ball team will be on site and there will be plenty of activities for the kids!

FREE admission

Special thanks to Realty Growth Inc., Snappy Signals, The Waters on Mayowood, and Service Pros Plumbing & Heating for their generous support.

Grab your sun hats and lawn chairs, and join us for a day of community spirit and old-fashioned competition. The Roosters Base Ball Team hosts the Fungi and the Baltics for a memorable tradition on Father's Day! Concessions, activities and animals will make this day a fan favorite!

Admission is 2 bits (.25¢)
Find the Roosters schedule HERE

Learn about Farm to Kids with Local FEAST editor Marlene Petersen. During this special presentation, you’ll learn about her upcoming children's book, Veggie Santa, inspired by a real-life program that’s getting healthy food from MN farms to its youngest eaters, all while eating cupcakes and veggies!

FREE admission

The Rochester Public Library Bookmobile strengthens community and enriches the lives of community members who are unable to use the main library due to geographic, transportation, economic or other barriers.
The Rochester Public Library Bookmobile regularly carries more than 4,500 items, including adult and children's books, audiobooks, magazines and DVDs. Be sure to stop and visit every 2nd & 4th Thursdays in June and July and then August 6th and 20th, 2026. While you're here be sure to stop into the museum in June and July with FREE admission thanks to Think Bank.

Experience base ball as it was in 1860! Watch the Hens take on the Chicks in a rivalry that goes back decades and then stay to watch the Roosters take on a team of local celebrities.

Admission is only 2 bits (25¢)!

There will be concessions available for purchase and entertainment for the whole family!

-William Dee log cabin and historic schoolhouse will be open
-Games/Contests
-Face painting
-Wagon rides
-Chickens
-Public Library Goodies
-More!!

Join us for a historic milestone as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday right here at the History Center of Olmsted County with "Bingo in the Barn"! Bring the whole family out to the George Stoppel Farmstead for an evening packed with community spirit, old-fashioned fun, plenty of BBQ food for purchase and a fiber art enthusiast to showcase a craft project for the kids!

Kids Bingo in the Barn
5pm - 6pm (free)
  --kid's activities (bean bags, craft activities etc.)
  --prizes

Adult Bingo & Trivia in the Barn
6:15pm - 7:30pm
  --pre-sale price, per person/pack
    (use the buy tickets button)
    nonmember $12, member $10
  --at the door: nonmember $25, member $20
  --limited spots available
  --prizes and gift cards from local businesses

Thanks to the Daughters of the American Revolution; Rochester Chapter for their support.

Join us at the History Center on Thursday, July 9, 2026, for a special screening of the powerful short film, "Serving with Honor," presented by Mayo Clinic content expert Mark Warner, M.D. This captivating documentary explores the deeply rooted, historical alliance between Mayo Clinic and the United States military, tracing a legacy of service that dates back to the Civil War. Following the film, Dr. Warner will share expert insights and context regarding this rich heritage of medical patriotism.

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

Gather the little ones and join us at the History Center on Friday, July 17th, 2026, for a wonderful morning of imagination, crafts, and snack at our upcoming Storytime! We are thrilled to welcome our special guest storyteller, Tammy Wilson, so be sure to mark your calendars and make plans to drop in for this amazing FREE family memory!

Join 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! Parents feel free to roam our museum hall and archives while your child is enjoying the camp.

$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! Join us for one day or all five. Parents feel free to roam our museum hall and archives while your child is enjoying the camp.

$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! Parents feel free to roam our museum hall and archives while your child is enjoying the camp.

$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. Parents feel free to roam our museum hall and archives while your child is enjoying the camp.

$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! Parents feel free to roam our museum hall and archives while your child is enjoying the camp.

$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)

Join us on August 6th for the next highly anticipated installment of our Mayo Clinic Lecture Series, presented by W. Bruce Fye, M.D. This special event will feature an insightful short film Mayo Clinic and the White House: Caring for America's First Families followed by a discussion. For more than 150 years, Mayo Clinic has maintained a deeply rooted, non-political relationship with the nation's executive branch. Over the generations, Presidents and First Ladies from both political parties have walked through the doors. We invite you to come explore this fascinating intersection of American history and medicine.

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