Our History and Organization

The Olmsted County Historical Society was established in 1926 by Burton Eaton and several other founding members with the intention of collecting and preserving the history of Olmsted County. Our first museum opened in the basement of the Rochester Public Library in 1940. In 1959, we moved into what had been the Bethel English Lutheran Church but soon outgrew the space. We then built a new museum building on land purchased in southwest Rochester in 1972, where we have been collecting, preserving, and educating, ever since. In 2006, the Olmsted County Historical Society began doing business as the History Center of Olmsted County (HCOC).

The Olmsted County Historical Society dba History Center of Olmsted County is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization governed by members via a Board of Director. Each year we, together with our enthusiastic volunteers, provide presentations, educational and outreach programs, special events, museum exhibits, and more. We currently own and operate two historic buildings and two historic farmsteads in addition to operating seasonal tours of the Mayowood Historic Home.

Our Vision

To become a gathering place for the broader community that inspires and encourages the exploration of history.

Our Mission

Give people of all ages and backgrounds access and opportunity to learn about the past through interpretive programs and exhibits, research, publications and events.

Our vision and mission statements guide our efforts each and every day by outlining the History Center’s objective and purpose. We are committed to fulfilling these statements and providing the best possible value and experience to members and visitors alike.

Staff & Board Members

A strong and healthy board-staff partnership provides flexible and resilient leadership that contributes positively to the organization’s overall impact. Here at the History Center of Olmsted County we have regular check-ins between staff and board that allows for open and effective communication that promotes trust and respect. We have a strong working relationship that cultivates commitment. Our organization promotes a healthy relationship that enables growth and the ability to work through issues at every level.  

Staff

Valerie Wassmer
Executive Director / Education Director
Brian Boettcher
Buildings and Grounds Manager
Darla Buss
Member Services Coordinator
Chris Delisle
Exhibit and Education Coordinator
Molli Funk
Historic Mayowood Site Manager
Krista Lewis
Archivist
Peter Limbert
Collections Manager
Lori Milanowski
Associate Director
Laura Singh
Marketing and Events Associate

Board Members

Mark Warner
President
Ben King
Vice President
Dr. Paul Scanlon
Past President
Linda Willihnganz
Secretary
Katherine Lutzke
Treasurer
Dave Senjem
Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Representative
Kyle Benish
Heather Bestler
Board Member
Jordan Cepress
Jean Marvin
Kerry Olsen
Curt Olson
Board Member
Dan Penz
Christine Rule
Jim Suk

News & Information

Keep up-to-date with the latest news and information about the History Center of Olmsted County. Here you’ll find our newsletter and other History Center announcements, links to news articles and videos about us, as well as information about our business activities, including our annual report and transparency and financial disclosure.

Publications & Reports

History in the Making with Kelley and Emily of "Wining About Herstory" (March 2026)

Listen to Bob Palmer as he interviews Emily Neville and Kelley Gammel of "Wining About Herstory". This amazing duo has played instrumental roles in modernizing how local history is consumed by the public. The podcast feels like a chat between friends as they use humor and modern comparisons to make historical figures feel like real people.

History in the Making Podcast with Mark Warner, Board President of HCOC (February 2026)

As part of our 100th anniversary celebration, the History Center of Olmsted County is thrilled to announce the part 2 of our brand-new podcast series: “History in the Making.” Join host Bob Palmer as he pulls back the curtain on the stories, artifacts, and people that have shaped our community over the last century through a captivating 12-part series of conversations with local historians and History Center employees followed by a summary of news highlights from one hundred years ago. 

History in the Making Podcast with Valerie Wassmer, Executive Director of HCOC (January 2026)

As part of our 100th anniversary celebration, the History Center of Olmsted County is thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast series: “History in the Making.” Join host Bob Palmer as he pulls back the curtain on the stories, artifacts, and people that have shaped our community over the last century through a captivating 12-part series of conversations with local historians and History Center employees followed by a summary of news highlights from one hundred years ago. Enjoy our first installment here.

Winter 2025 Newsletter

Fall 2025 Newsletter

Summer 2025 Newsletter

Spring 2025 Newsletter

2024 Annual Report

2024 Annual Report delivered at the Member Meeting May 20th, 2025

Winter 2024 Newsletter

History Center 990 Tax Form

Even though tax-exempt nonprofits do not pay federal taxes, they do have to file an information form with the IRS. That form is called a 990. Having to file the 990 makes sure that nonprofits conduct their business in a way that is consistent with their public responsibilities.

Fall 2024 Newsletter

2023 Annual Report

2023 Annual Report delivered at the Member Meeting May 23rd 2024

Summer 2024 Newsletter

History Center of Olmsted County Receives Jeffris Family Foundation Challenge Grant

The History Center of Olmsted County (HCOC) announces a $3 million capital campaign to restore the George Stoppel Farmstead, a rare, intact mid-1800s farmstead in Rochester built by German immigrant brothers. HCOC received a challenge grant of $833,000 from the Jeffris Family Foundation to spur on the campaign.

Spring 2024 Newsletter

Winter 2023 Newsletter

Stoppel Farmstead Interpretive Plan

Fall 2023 Newsletter

Summer 2023 Newsletter

2022 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report delivered at the Member Meeting May 18th 2023

Spring 2023 Newsletter

Winter 2022 Newsletter

Fall 2022 Newsletter

Summer 2022 Newsletter