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.
2025 Events Coming
Join us for our first Storytime of 2025!
Saturday, January 4th from 10-11am, we will read Dr. Jack the Helping Dog and meet local therapy dog Zealand.
Storytime will be followed by a take-home craft and snack and playtime with dogs from Paws and Claws!
Free for members of the HCOC and $5 per child for non-members.
Calling all young inventors, we invite you to join us for a birthday celebration for America's most famous inventor, Benjamin Franklin! Help us celebrate on January 18th at 10am where we will share a story, information about some of his greatest inventions, and let you work on your own new creations! We will provide the random supplies, to see what you can come up with. Be sure to bring your imagination!
Come learn about the history of barbershop music in general and Sweet Adelines specifically from one of the founding members of the local chapter and her quartet on January 23, 2025, at 7pm. Interwoven with the history of this uniquely American artform, going back to the 1800s, will be songs, both old and new, performed by The Lady Slippers.
$5 for non HCOC members and FREE for members. This program is offered in person only.
Celebrate Valentine's Day by learning about and making your own historic Valentine on February 8, 2025, from 10-11:15am, at the History Center. This program geared towards children will begin with a short story about Valentine's Day and end with a valentine they can keep or give to a friend!
$5 for all non HCOC member participants. FREE for all HCOC members.