Permanent Exhibits

The History Center features exhibits on major events and personalities that shaped the history of Olmsted County, Minnesota.  The permanent exhibits focus on the topics of the Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital, IBM (not pictured), and the Hands-On Cabin.  The temporary exhibits feature artifact collections and special topics (seasonal, sports, etc.).  Don’t delay, temporary exhibits come and go at a quick rate.

Medical Theater

Medical Theater

The Medical Theater features Dr. Charlie Mayo and his staff performing an operation.  Note they wearing the medical masks below the nose.

St Mary’s Hospital

St Mary's Hospital

St. Mary’s Hospital, created in the wake of the cyclone, is depicted here circa 1920s.

IBM

The IBM exhibit showcases computers from the 1960s and 1970s.  The exhibit will be adapted and included into the upcoming exhibit “Olmsted Elegance.”

“Making broadway” by David Granahan

"Making broadway" by David Granahan

“Marking Broadway” is an epic WPA project created to commemorate the construction of Rochester’s famous main thoroughfare.  The painting was formerly part of the Rochester Post Office.