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.
All credit card transactions through this website are subject to a 3% surcharge to help offset the cost of processing.
Event Key:
History
Center Events
Center Events
Mayowood
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Events
Events
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 live professional dance demonstrations and a lively community dance featuring music from the past 100 years. The evening also includes an official pre-party at Mill Valley Kitchen, a relaxed social hour with cocktails and drinks by Bebap Korean Eats, historical displays, refreshments, and a photographer on site from DM Creative, LLC, to take portraits. 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
Special thank you to KROC 106.9, Lasker Jewlers, USA Dance #2017, and KNXR for their generous support.
Funded in part by the Rochester Downtown Alliance
Celebrate May Day
at the George Stoppel Farmstead
May 2nd, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pmCelebrate the historic traditions of May Day at the George Stoppel Farmstead on May 2, 2026
-Learn the proper way to dance around the May Pole with local dance instructor
-Create your own May Day crown
-Make & take a traditional May Basket
Suggested $5 donation
Heritage, Heroes, and History!
The Story of Oakwood Cemetery
May 6th, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 amJoin us for our new senior programming series - a fun, friendly space to explore history and share great conversation. This month our conversation will focus on Oakwood Cemetery, established in 1863 in Rochester, MN. Sip coffee, savor cookies, and connect with others.
Please register in advance for this free event with the buy tickets link. Suggested $5 free-will donation at the program.
Mayo Clinic Lecture Series:
"Forever Looking Forward:
The Remarkable Life of Dr. Henry Plummer"
May 7th, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pmDr. Henry Plummer was a polymath—a physician, scientist, engineer, and architect whose innovations at the Mayo Clinic fundamentally changed how healthcare is delivered globally. While the Mayo brothers provided the surgical genius, Plummer provided the systems and infrastructure that made the "private group practice" model possible. Dr. Will Mayo once said, "The hiring of Henry Plummer was the best day's work I ever did for the Clinic." Join us in watching a short film and welcoming Karen Koka as she invites us into the life and mind of Dr. Henry Plummer.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
Storytime Craft & Snack
"How Does Your Garden Grow"
May 9th, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 amCalling all little green thumbs! Join us for a morning of growth and storytelling as we celebrate the return of the planting season! We will be engaged in a garden-themed storytime with hands-on seed planting so your little one can take home a bit of Spring.
FREE for all
Heritage, Heroes, and History!
The Story of Amelia Witherstine
June 3rd, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 amYou are cordially invited to a our new senior programming! This special presentation will uncover the life and legacy of a local trailblazer. Join us as we explore the story of Amelia Witherstine, the first woman elected to public office in Rochester, Minnesota.The event features guest speaker and local author Virginia Wright-Peterson, who will provide an insightful look into Witherstine’s journey and her impact on our community’s history.
Please register in advance for this free event with the buy tickets link. Suggested $5 free-will donation at the program.
Mayo Clinic Lecture Series:
"Mayo and the Mississippi:
A Passion for the River"
June 4th, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pmWelcome aboard! Everyone needs a place to relax. For Dr. William J. Mayo, that place was the Mississippi River. This film will introduce you to "life on the Mississippi" as Mayo Clinic's founders experienced it. We are honored to host speaker Renee Ziemer for a special viewing and discussion where you will explore the deep historical connections between the Mayo family and the Mississippi River.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
BBQ on the Farmstead
June 20th, 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 pmCelebrate 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. 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
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! 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)
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! 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)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time
Ages 11 - 15
July 20th, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pmThe 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)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time
Ages 6 - 10
July 20th, 2026
9:30 pm - 11:30 pmThe 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)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time
Ages 6 - 10
July 21st, 2026
9:30 am - 11:30 amThe 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)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time
Ages 11 - 15
July 21st, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pmThe 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)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time
Ages 6 - 10
July 22nd, 2026
9:30 am - 11:30 amThe 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)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time
Ages 11 - 15
July 22nd, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pmThe 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)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time
Ages 6 - 10
July 23rd, 2026
9:30 am - 11:30 amThe 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)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time"
Ages 11 - 15
July 23rd, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pmThe 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)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time Ages 6 - 10
July 24th, 2026
9:30 am - 11:30 amThe 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)
Summer Camp 2026: A Step Back in Time Ages 11 - 15
July 24th, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pmThe 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)