Temporary Exhibits

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RF Evans Impressions

Mr. Ralph Folland Evans came to Olmsted County for a very specific reason:to work with a friend in the design of a new hotel. What became of that project is one part of a local landmark, and a series of watercolors that will capture your attention. Find out for yourself what the back story is for this part of Olmsted County History.

ANCIENT OLMSTED: PEOPLES & MIGRATIONS

The exhibit features the Schumann Cache, a large collection of Paleo-Indian artifacts dating back to 12,000 years ago.  The cache is significant because the Schumann Farm in Eyota, Olmsted County is the oldest archeological site in Minnesota.  There are only twenty such Paleo-Indian caches known in the United States.

Also featured are mammoth tusks unearthed from a Stewartville quarry, fossils from Minnesota, and the Peck Collection.  The Peck Collection features Native American artifacts mainly from the Woodland and Archaic periods.

OLMSTED ELEGANCE: DECORATIVE ARTS & DESIGN FROM THE ANTEBELLUM TO THE SPACE AGE

The decorative arts collection and technology collection will be featured.  Typewriters made in the early days of IBM and the Tattersall Piano will be special artifacts on exhibit.  The exhibit explores the development of decorative art styles.  You may see artifacts similar to those found on the Mayowood tours. 

Past Exhibits


ED FISCHER: 25 YEARS OF CARTOONING

The exhibit featured both originals and copies of Ed Fischer’s works.  Ed Fischer worked as the staff cartoonist for the Rochester Post-Bulletin for 25 years.  The topics of Transportation, Politics, Health, and Ed’s Favorite Cartoons showed Ed Fischer’s talent and humor.

SURVEYING THE QUILTS OF OLMSTED COUNTY

In Minnesota and Olmsted County history, quilting and surveying played key roles.  Quilters subdivided fabric into fascinating designs, while surveyors subdivided the land, eventually leading to the patterned landscape we see today.
The exhibit featured several quilts from the History Center's collections, including crazy quilts and an 1899 red work signature quilt from Grace Universalist Church (whose stones went into the construction of Mayowood.)  In addition the surveying equipment of Col. George Healy and early pioneer furniture revealed home life more than a century ago.

Stay connected with the History Center of Olmsted County to learn more about upcoming exhibits and events.

NOTE:  Dates may be subject to change without notice.  Please call ahead.