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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Event Key:
History
Center Events
Center Events
Mayowood
Mansion
Mansion
Partner
Events
Events
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)
Mayo Clinic Lecture Series:
"Rising to the Challenge: The Mayo Aero Medical Unit in World War II"
April 2nd, 2026
7:00 pm - 8:30 pmWe are proud to announce a special community viewing of the Mayo Clinic documentary, "Rising to the Challenge: The Mayo Aero Medical Unit in World War II". This powerful film explores the history and spirit of Mayo Clinic, particularly focusing on how the institution and the Rochester community have historically navigated moments of crisis with innovation and compassion. Dr. Mark Warner, M.D. will lead a discussion on the "can-do" spirit that defines our community, including how Mayo Clinic developed life-saving procedures and devices that gave the Allies a decided advantage in World War II.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
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)
Hop into History! Step back in time and celebrate Easter as Olmsted County families did a century ago! We are opening our doors to families of all ages for an afternoon of classic games and historical spring festivities including the famous Easter egg hunt! From the famous egg rolls of the past to crafting the perfect Easter bonnet or bow tie, we’re bringing local traditions to life. Whether you’re 2 or 92, there’s springtime fun waiting for you!
$5 for child non-member. $3 for HCOC child members.
Storytime Craft & Snack
April 11th, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 amThe History Center believes in lifelong learning which is how our educational storytime events are designed. We introduce children to big ideas through engaging narratives and hands on activities, ending in a yummy snack. Join us for a FREE, educational, high-energy morning that your family will be talking about all the way home!
FREE for all.
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)
Ever heard of the Orson Estes Snake Farm? Join local historian Jeff Sauve as he slithers into the fascinating, creepy-crawly history of Orson Estes Snake Farm. This isn’t your typical history lesson—it’s a deep dive into the astonishing true story of Orson W. Estes (1858-1940) a local showman and reptile impresario, long credited with running the nation's first commercial snake farm in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You will not want to miss this one!
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.
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
Funded in part by the Downtown Alliance
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.
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)
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!
$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.
$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!
$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.
$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.
$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!
$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!
$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!
$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!
$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!
$15 for non-members. $12 for HCOC members. (one day)