You are cordially invited to 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.

Thanks to Caps Kitchen and Baths for sponsoring our senior programming.

Welcome 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 of this film and a 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.

Dr. Predmore will be on the History Center grounds for the Olmsted County Public Health Rabies Vaccination Clinic (4:30-7:30 pm). All pets should be in carriers or on a leash for this event. If you have a previous rabies certificate, please bring it with you. No appointments, $20 each animal.

Join us in welcoming a member of the Rochester Police Department for a morning of stories, snacks, and community! Let's bring local history and local heroes together for a fun-filled morning.

FREE for all.

Since the first button was sold in 1983, Rochesterfest has been defined by the those who built it. Join us as we learn from the planners and volunteers during a panel discussion about the history and evolution of Rochester's favorite summer celebration.

$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.

Players from the Roosters vintage base ball team will share the fascinating history of the game as it was played in the 1890s—long before the days of gloves and gear. After the lecture join them on the field to try it yourself! 

$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.

Celebrate 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, including tours of the caves, barn and smokehouse and ice cream for purchase from Flapdoodles! 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

Sponsored by Realty Growth Inc

Grab your sun hats and lawn chairs, and join us for a day of community spirit and old-fashioned competition. The Roosters Base Ball Team hosts the Fungi and the Baltics for a memorable tradition on Father's Day! Concessions, activities and animals will make this day a fan favorite!

Admission is 2 bits (.25¢)

Learn about farm-to-table with local FEAST editor Marlene Petersen. During this special presentation you will learn about her upcoming children's book and have an introduction to Renewing the Countryside, working for a just, sustainable and vibrant countryside.

$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.

The Rochester Public Library Bookmobile strengthens community and enriches the lives of community members who are unable to use the main library due to geographic, transportation, economic or other barriers.
The Rochester Public Library Bookmobile regularly carries more than 4,500 items, including adult and children's books, audiobooks, magazines and DVDs and June 25, 2026, it is at the History Center! Be sure to stop and visit!

Join 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)

Join 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)

The 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)

The 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)

The 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)

The 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)

The 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)

The 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)

The 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)

The 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)