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
Center Events
Mayowood
Mansion
Mansion
Partner
Events
Events
2025 Events Coming
Steven J. Schmidt: Stories & Inspiration
September 4th, 2025
7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Join us on September 4th for an evening with local singer and songwriter Steven J. Schmidt as he shares his stories, music, & inspiration for his latest CD "The Driftless Sessions". An accomplished musician, Schmidt is widely known for his guitar skills and moving lyrics. This evening will give you a first insight and foretaste of the big CD release concert on Saturday, September 6th. This is a free event for all to enjoy!
Singer, Songwriter & Guitarist Steven J. Schmidt will play an exclusive outdoor concert on the grounds of the History Center. Join us the evening of Saturday, September 6th for the release of Schmidt’s newest work “The Driftless Sessions”. Schmidt’s quartet will stage the concert as a fundraiser for The History Center of Olmsted County and the music will begin at 7:00 pm.
Some refer to Schmidt as "a folkie with chops". He is noted for his finger picking and use of alternate tunings.
Tickets are available for $35.
Listen to Steven J. Schmidt's music on his website: stevenjschmidt.net
Explore the fascinating story of The Parsonage—from its humble brick beginnings in 1877 to its modernization in 1917, and the ongoing questions about its future. Learn how this structure reflects the values, growth, and transformation of a community over time. As we consider its fate, we ask: How do we determine whether a site or structure is worthy of preservation?
Is it age, architecture, cultural relevance, or the stories it holds? Join the conversation and share your perspective.
Tickets are $5 for non HCOC member and FREE for members.
Explore the fascinating story of The Parsonage—from its humble brick beginnings in 1877 to its modernization in 1917, and the ongoing questions about its future. Learn how this structure reflects the values, growth, and transformation of a community over time. As we consider its fate, we ask: How do we determine whether a site or structure is worthy of preservation?
Is it age, architecture, cultural relevance, or the stories it holds? Join the conversation and share your perspective.
Tickets are $5 for non HCOC member and FREE for members.
You're invited to our much-anticipated annual Cemetery Walk at the historic Healy Chapel in Oakwood Cemetery. This year, we honor the legacy of some of our community’s most prominent business owners—individuals whose vision and entrepreneurship helped shape Olmsted County. We’ll also recognize the Healy Chapel itself, built in 1890 by George Healy, a striking example of historic architecture and lasting community impact.
Come walk among the stories that built our past. Meet at Historic Healy Chapel anytime between 9am and 3pm as new tours will begin often.
$5 for HCOC members and $10 for non members.
Leave with your own finished project as you learn about the Art of Sewing from the Zumbro River Fiber Arts Guild! They will share the process of creative sewing on September 20, 2025 from 12pm - 4pm at the History Center. This interactive demo day is a great time to start your journey into the world of sewing, fun for all ages and skill levels.
Free for members and $5 for each non-member participant. Please register in advance.
Free for members and $5 for each non-member participant. Please register in advance.
Creepy Dolls: Loose in the Vaults Opening Reception (Adults Only 21+)
In celebration of their 7th year in the spotlight, the Creepy Dolls of the History Center of Olmsted County are becoming amateur curators for the month of October. WE ARE SETTING THEM LOOSE IN OUR VAULTS! They are tasked with pulling curious objects from our collection of artifacts, researching and writing about them, and possibly getting into some mayhem along the way.
Be the first to witness the Doll’s amazing work! The exhibition reception and reveal will take place on Friday October 10, from 7-9 pm, and is adults only. There will be a cash bar, and we will be joined that evening by our favorite local podcast duo Kelley and Emily from their podcast Wining about Herstory, where they will be providing some snarky and scary commentary for those brave enough to enter. Come and enjoy the show, get a little frightened perhaps, vote on your favorite doll, and maybe learn a thing or two.
Admission is $5 for members, $8 for non-members if purchased in advance on our website, or $10 at the door.
