The Transformation is beginning
“As the History Center of Olmsted County enters its 100th year, there is a compelling need to enhance the organization’s capability and capacity to serve our community.
The functions of the History Center…and our finances…have been appropriately focused for many years on our archives, exhibits, and educational programs. To address the needs of our thriving county and grow our value to the community, we now need to direct attention to the rejuvenation of our physical campus.
While the initial focus of our capital campaign is the crucial restoration of our three Stoppel Farmstead buildings that are on the National Registry of Historic Places, our campaign will also support the expansion and rejuvenation of our history center and the remainder of the campus. The campaign will result in a campus that supports the full range of archival and educational programs and entertain community activities that help make Olmsted County exceptional.
The History Center serves as a vital component of our thriving county and as an important resource to the county’s residents and the more than 3 million annual visitors to Rochester. We are honored to serve as the designated archival foundation of Olmsted County.”
Dr. Mark Warner
President History Center Board
“Renovations and expansion efforts at the History Center of Olmsted County are poised to significantly enrich the visitor experience by growing opportunities for education, engagement, and community connection.
The increased museum space will allow more comprehensive and dynamic exhibits, offering deeper insights into the rich history of Olmsted County. Updated and rotating exhibits will bring history to life for visitors of all ages.
Renovations to the archival library will increase efficiency and ease of research for both academic and personal use. The widely used collection of documents, photos, publications, etc. will be easier to access and store properly.
Newly added classrooms will provide dedicated areas for educational programs, workshops, and community events. These spaces will support school field trips, adult learning, and hands-on activities, creating a more immersive and participatory experience.
Enhancements to the outdoor environment – such as improved walking paths, interpretive signage, and gathering areas – will encourage exploration of the center’s historic buildings and grounds. These updates will make the outdoor spaces more accessible and enjoyable year-round, offering a seamless blend of natural beauty and historical storytelling.
Together, these improvements will ensure that the History Center remains a vibrant inclusive, and inspiring destination for all.”
Valerie Wassmer
Executive Director and Education Director
Key Goals
- Increase community engagement
- Grow school and community education offerings
- Increase revenue
- Expand and grow our core mission
- Achieve an integrated and connected campus
- Promote new activities
- Support our existing user groups
Target Audience
- Adult learners
- Tourists and Visitors
- Children and Families
- Students K-12
- Academics and researchers
George Stoppel Farmstead
Phase 1 of our master plan includes restoration of all three of the Stoppel Farmstead's historical buildings, historically accurate landscaping with a beautiful outside space, and a playground. We have been awarded an $833,000 grant from the Jeffris Foundation if we raise $1,677,000 (1:2 match) by June 30, 2026. This matching amount may include money pledged over a 3-year period (funding completed by June 30, 2028).
The Phase 1 total amount of $2,500,000, added to nearly $1,000,000 that was previously raised, will completed revitalization of this historic site.
The History Center and Village
Phase 2 of our master plan, which will overlap with Phase 1, will revitalize and expand our current history center facility. It will add remarkable landscaping, walking paths, and linkage with other important historic structures on our 54-acre campus. It also will provide additional outside improvements to support a broad range of external activities on our campus to increase our value to the Olmsted County community and our educational programs.
The Phase 2 total amount of $7,500,000 will complete restoration of our entire campus and provide extraordinary opportunities for residents of our county and its visitors to learn about the evolution of our region, our county communities, and the vital contributions of Olmsted County to southeast Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, the nation, and the world.
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