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. 



Event Key:
 
History
Center Events
 
Mayowood
Mansion
 
Partner
Events


2024 Events Coming

Storytime Fridays at the History Center

March 22nd, 2024
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Bring the kids to the History Center to enjoy storytime while you enjoy museum time, a walk along our beautiful grounds or time in our archives all for FREE. Encourage lifelong readers by enriching the lives of young learners with books, crafts and playtime!

What Keeps Animals Warm?

March 23rd, 2024
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
How do animals keep themselves warm in the winter and cool in the summer? What keeps them dry during the wet seasons? Learn this and so much more during our What Keeps Animals Warm hands-on program. During this 2-hour program, participants will feel a variety of real furs and understand how they not only help animals, but humans too. Join SPARK Children's Museum and the History Center on March 23rd, 2024 from 10am until noon, for this FREE with paid admission program.

Storytime Fridays at the History Center

March 29th, 2024
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Bring the kids to the History Center to enjoy storytime while you enjoy museum time, a walk along our beautiful grounds or time in our archives all for FREE. Encourage lifelong readers by enriching the lives of young learners with books, crafts and playtime!

Storytime Fridays at the History Center

April 5th, 2024
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Bring the kids to the History Center to enjoy storytime while you enjoy museum time, a walk along our beautiful grounds or time in our archives all for FREE. Encourage lifelong readers by enriching the lives of young learners with books, crafts and playtime!

Author Talk with Gary Heyn - Zoom

May 9th, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Standing at the Grave is the true story of one of the thousands of forgotten mothers who stood at their doors, watching their children leave for America, never expecting to see them again. Join us May 9, 2024 at 7pm with author Gary Heyn as he takes you on a journey of immigration, explaining the importance of learning and telling your own family story. This program is in partnership with the Olmsted County Genealogical Society during their monthly meeting. All are welcome to attend.

Author Talk with Gary Heyn - In Person

May 9th, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Standing at the Grave is the true story of one of the thousands of forgotten mothers who stood at their doors, watching their children leave for America, never expecting to see them again. Join us May 9, 2024, at 7pm with author Gary Heyn as he takes you on a journey of immigration, explaining the importance of learning and telling your own family story. This program is in partnership with the Olmsted County Genealogical Society during their monthly meeting. All are welcome to attend.

Historic Bridges of SE MN - Zoom

May 16th, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Minnesota is often called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it could also be called the Land of 20,000 Bridges. Join local author Steve Gardiner on May 16, 2024, at 7pm as he discusses his new book and how communities battled to build and maintain bridges in their communities. Studying and photographing these amazing structures, Steve celebrates the innovation and determination of Southeast Minnesota.

Historic Bridges of SE MN - In Person

May 16th, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Minnesota is often called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it could also be called the Land of 20,000 Bridges. Join local author Steve Gardiner on May 16, 2024, at 7pm as he discusses his new book and how communities battled to build and maintain bridges in their communities. Studying and photographing these amazing structures, Steve celebrates the innovation and determination of Southeast Minnesota.

The Plummer House Restoration - In Person

May 22nd, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us at the History Center May 22 at 7pm to celebrate Preservation Month! In 1917 Dr. Henry S. Plummer and his wife Daisy, began construction of "Quarry Hill" later to be known as the Plummer House. Dr. Plummer personally formulated the plans for the house which included many innovations that were far advanced for that day and age. We will be welcoming Mike Nigbur, Director of Parks & Forestry, City of Rochester, and Bill Hickey, historical architect of Collaborative Restoration Group as they discuss the history of the Plummer House and restoration of the Plummer water tower. This program is offered both in person and by Zoom, be sure to obtain the ticket that fits you best.

The Plummer House Restoration - Zoom

May 22nd, 2024
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us at the History Center May 22 at 7pm to celebrate Preservation Month! In 1917 Dr. Henry S. Plummer and his wife Daisy, began construction of "Quarry Hill" later to be known as the Plummer House. Dr. Plummer personally formulated the plans for the house which included many innovations that were far advanced for that day and age. We will be welcoming Mike Nigbur, Director of Parks & Forestry, City of Rochester, and Bill Hickey, historical architect of Collaborative Restoration Group as they discuss the history of the Plummer House and restoration of the Plummer water tower. This program is offered both in person and by Zoom, be sure to obtain the ticket that fits you best.